READ: Ps. 45:1–17: A contemplation, a song of love … anointed, O God, with the oil of gladness … desire her beauty …
Like the Song of Songs, this Psalm, as a wedding song, celebrates the love of marriage between the king—probably Solomon—and his bride. Yet here also, as in the Song of Songs, there is the reference to Christ and His church.
This becomes clear when we also listen to what Paul writes in Eph. 5:22–33 about the relation between Christian marriage and the relationship of Christ and His church.
The husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the Head and Savior of the church. As the church is subject to Christ, so also wives ought to be subject to their own husbands in everything.
Husbands must love their wives as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her … and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great, but, says Paul, I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Thus in this messianic Psalm we read of the King descriptions that surpass an earthly king. This also applies to Ps. 2 and Ps. 110. Psalm 45, in its full meaning, concerns Christ, of whom a king like Solomon was a type, a foreshadowing.
Of Solomon we read what the queen of Sheba exclaims: Blessed be the LORD your God, who delighted in you, setting you on the throne of Israel … to do justice and righteousness.
But of Christ we read that the voice of God the Father from heaven says: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well pleased!” Christ stands above all men in glory, grace, power, truth, meekness, and righteousness (vv.3–6).
In verses 7 and 8 Christ is addressed as God. Heb. 1:8 cites: “But to the Son He says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.’”
His garments are fragrant (v.9), and He desires the beauty of His bride (v.12). The Psalm ends with the praise of all nations to the King. What a privilege to belong to the congregation of this King!
Do you also see the relationship to Christ as true love?
Singing: Ps. 45:2,5