The Glory of the King and His Bride: Part 1
Posted by Thomas Parr on 1st Dec 2022
Psalm 45 provides the glorious answer to Psalm 44's miserable anguish, and it does the same for any misery we may experience.
The previous psalm is marked by anguish at Israel’s defeat in battle (44:9) and horror at what seemed to be God’s unfulfilled promise of victory (44:18-19). The psalmist sought to wring blessings from heaven despite crushing defeat, and he begged God to awaken and help (44:23, 26).
Being disappointed at God’s seeming inactivity is a common experience for us too. We often look at our world and think “this isn’t how things are supposed to be. How long will God wait before He does something?”
Psalm 44 gives no hint as to how God answered the psalmist. Considered by itself, it leaves an age-old question unanswered—"Where will God’s people find a horn of salvation to be delivered from the hand of their enemies?" Our minds must roam Scripture to find an answer—Far back (Gen. 22:17) or far forward (Luke 1:69, 74).
Much closer at hand, Psalm 45 provides the same answer. The King girds on his sword (45:3) rides out (45:4) and defeats armies (45:5). The contrast between the two psalms is clearly no coincidence. Psalm 45 is a joyous answer to psalm 44’s agonized plea, and the answer is look to the King. He is the solution to a world wracked by sin.
Psalm 45 has lot of ancient near eastern features—a throne and scepter (6), fragrant oil (7), scented robes (8), a royal entourage of virgins (9), the princess’s chamber (13), robes interwoven with gold and colors (14-15). These details can be all that Bible readers see. Many people interpret the psalm as primarily a description of an ancient royal wedding.
But other details show that something more expansive is in mind. The King is fairer than “the sons of men,” (2). He is told—“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever” (6). He is said to love right and hate evil (7), something few Israelite kings ever did very well, and none did perfectly. He is promised that His sons will become princes “in all the earth,” which no mere-human king has ever enjoyed (16). He is promised that “the people will praise You forever and ever” (17).
The commentator Derek Kidner pointed out that if these words referred to a mere human they "could be discounted as conventional flattery" (Psalms 1-72, IVP, 1973, p. 171). Kidner is right. Clearly, a greater Person than David or Solomon is in Psalm 45. The psalm uses the imagery of an idealized Israelite king to give a promise of Christ.
Once you are oriented to the psalm’s christ-centered theme, how do you benefit from it? The answer is that you must follow its passion for this King and worship Him too. You face setbacks and discouragements and must answer them with joy in Christ, just as the psalmist does. What is your hope anyway? How do you encourage yourself? Isn’t your heart hidden with Christ in heaven (Col. 3:1-4)? If it isn't, let this psalm lift it up there for good, by the Spirit’s grace.
Here is a brief outline that will guide us as we proceed through the psalm: the King is praised for His glory (1-9). Then, His bride is instructed on how to respond to Him (10-15). Finally, promises are given to the King (16-17).
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