Psalm 45 – Extolling our King and His everlasting Kingdom

Psalm 45 is another maskil, a teaching Psalm of the Sons of Korah, written for the choir director. The word Shoshannim suggests how the song ought to be sung. It is the tune that this song is set for. The content of it tells us that this is indeed a love song, a royal wedding song, probably sang to celebrate the wedding of a king of the house of David. Many have seen this Psalm as a portrait of the relationship between Christ and the church.  It tells us to focus on our King and proclaim His reign forever.

This song of celebration started off with a preface, where the composer spoke about his inspiration to write and record this song. The author was moved from deep within to pen this song. He sensed a deep divine bubbling within him to want to ascribe a song with lovely tune to the King. It is obvious that He was overwhelmed by emotion as he thought of the king and his wedding. The words and tune came with deep emotion and elation from the heart and soul. For us believers, only the person of Christ Jesus, the heavenly groom can bring such an inspiration. The Psalm is neatly divided into three parts: verses 2-9 - praise the King, the groom; verses 10-15 - bring a counsel to the bride; verse 16 - addresses the children of this royal union; before the Psalmist wraps up with a postscript in verse 17. 

Verse 2 describes this king as fairer than the children of men. Although the psalmist was talking about an earthly king, we know that only King Jesus is worthy of such a description. Who can be fairer other than King Jesus Himself? Not only is He fair in countenance, He is also gracious in His speech. And His might cannot be compared. He exudes grace and righteousness with truth and meekness. This is a picture of Christ, our Triumphant King. He will ride forth victoriously against our enemies. His throne and reign is righteous and eternal. His very being releases sweet fragrance like myrrh, aloes and cassia. Song of praise will gladden the heart of the King.

Verses 10-12 are challenges to the bride. If the church is the bride of Christ, than these challenge is for each one of us. The call is for each of us that form the church to stay focused on the King, our groom. We are not to gravitate to our past, no matter how glamorous our past may be. Thinking and yearning for our past can retard our progress in Him. We should worship and bow down only to Him. When we, the believers, manifest our allegiance to the King, we become attractive to others. People will come seeking the Lord’s favour through us. In place of our earthly family, we will have spiritual children and a larger family. They shall be people of character as well.  

Verse 17 ascribes praise to the enthroned Eternal King, who alone reigns forever. When the King is recognized for Who He really is, the people of the earth will offer their praise and thanksgiving to Him forever. Like the Psalmist, let’s get excited talking about our King and His Kingdom. Let’s build a life of thanksgiving and praise to our King Who sits enthroned on His eternal throne. We must courageously proclaim the message of our King, and His Kingdom that is established forever and will never end!