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Presented June 15, 2008

A SONG OF LOVE

Psalm 45

Psalm 45 is a psalm about a royal wedding. We know that while the author might have in mind a wedding that he is planning, ultimately it has reference to the bride of Christ which is His church. As we examine this psalm we will see that it is messianic. It is a message from a Father to His Son.

The superscription assigns it to “The Chief Musician” as with so many of the other psalms. The NKJV next notes that it is “Set to ‘The Lilies’”. The KJV and NASU both refer to the word, “Shoshannim” This is perhaps a specific tune. Like the previous few psalms, It is described as, “A contemplation of the sons of Korah.” Finally, it is describes as, “A Song of Love”

I. I. An overflowing heart (1)

a. The psalmist begins by saying, “My heart is overflowing with a good thing” and he is not ashamed to proclaim it.

b. We know the importance of the heart – Prov. 4:23, Matthew 12:35 says, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.”

c. The heart is where praise must begin. Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19

d. This is a heart of joy – like at a wedding. It is a day of rejoicing.

II. II. Words to the Groom (2-9)

a. Christ is described as a bridegroom –

i. Ephesians 5:22-32 – an analogy of the relationship of the husband and wife as it relates to the relationship of Christ and His church.

ii. Jesus used the analogy.

1. Matthew 9:15

2. Matthew 25:1-10 – Parable of the wise and foolish virgins

iii. John 3:29 – John the Baptist used the analogy

iv. 2 Corinthians 11:2, “For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”

v. Romans 7:4, “Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another – to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.”

b. The groom here described: Each description applies to our Lord and we could expound upon this for weeks, but in summary let us note what was said of Him.

i. You are fairer than the sons of men (2). While Jesus was average as far as looks go (Isaiah 53:2) in all things that matter He was fairer (bright, beautiful, handsome, fair- BDB). He was without sin, in His purpose, His attitude toward others and temptations, etc. He was PERFERCT!

ii. Grace is poured upon Your lips (2) – All that Jesus spoke was truth and gracious. He defended the weak and poor and rebuked sinners even in high places.
Furthermore, His teachings were superior – John 7:46, “No man ever spoke like this man!”

iii. God has blessed You forever (2) – Philippians 2:9-11 because He obeyed and died God has highly exalted Him….

iv. Gird Your sword with glory and majesty (3) – In the NT the spiritual sword is associated with the Word of God, cf. Ephesians 6:17, Heb. 4:12. Of equal interest is Revelation 1:16 where “one like the Son of Man” is described as having “a two-edged sword” coming out of His mouth. This is a description of Christ and is equated to His message (cf. Rev. 2:12 & 16). Truly the message of our Lord is one of glory and majesty.

v. O Mighty One (3) – One strong or powerful. Note that is a name attributed to this One. Cf. Acts 10:36, “He is Lord of all”

vi. Prosper because of truth, humility and righteousness (4) – Truly our Lord prospered (and succeeded in His work – John 17:4). And we know that His work was full of truth, humility and righteousness. John 14:6 – He is the way, truth and life. Matt. 19:29 – He is meek and lowly in heart. John 17:18 – no unrighteousness is in Him. 1 John 1:29.

vii. Your right hand shall teach You awesome (terrible) things (4) – Christ taught righteousness but He also learned it. Heb. 5:8 – He learned obedience by the things He suffered.

viii. Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the King’s enemies (5) – like the sword that proceeds from His mouth, His words are like arrows that pierce the heart (cf. Psa. 38:2).

ix. Your throne is established forever (6-7) – In these verses we KNOW this psalm is Messianic. They are quoted of Christ in Heb. 1:8-9. A text that compares Jesus to the angles and declares Him greater than the angels. Of the throne of our Lord we know that it is the ONLY eternal throne – so it must be His throne the psalmist prophecies of.
This is a passage of royalty showing that God has anointed Him – Phil. 2:9-10. NOTE how He IS reigning as the psalm is written, even BEFORE He is married. Christ reigns NOW even before the eternity of heaven (cf. 1 Cor. 15:24-25).

x. Your garments are scented – out of ivory palaces (8). While his life was lowly, He truly is royal. This is a description of one of wealth and honor. In this I see one who is pleasant to be around and easy to love.
The ivory palace would be the home of a king. Christ is now reigning – seated at the right hand of God – Mark 16:19, Acts. 2:33, Col. 3:1, Heb. 10:12, 1 Peter 3:22, etc.

xi. King’s daughters are among Your honorable women (9) – the feast is a royal feast. To me, the king’s daughters would be those who are willing to serve Him just as a king or prince would have many servants who would rejoice for his wellbeing. The righteous look for the day of this wedding and seek to be a part of it. Cf. Matthew 25:1-10 the parable of the wise and foolish virgins.

III. III. Words to the Bride (10-16)

a. The bride of Christ – the church

i. 2 Corinthians 11:2 – we are betrothed to Christ.
Romans 7:4 – again the idea is to be married to Christ.

ii. Revelation 21:2 speaks of the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven “prepared as a bride adorned for Her husband.”

iii. Ephesians 5:30-32 – while speaking of marriage what he ultimately had in mind was Christ and His church.

iv. Revelation 21:9 says, “Come and I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”

v. A study of the book of Revelation reveals that this bride is the kingdom (i.e. the church) in its perfected state. Remember what the church (universal) is – the body of those who are saved.

b. The bride described (encouraged)

i. Listen and incline your ear – a call to heed the invitation of the bridegroom. Forget your own people and your father’s house (1-2) - We need to listen to and trust Him. We need to be willing to forsake all others to serve Him. That is the desire of God in a wedding.
Remember Genesis 2:24 where in a wedding the two shall become one. The woman is to leave and cleave. What are we willing to leave to follow our Bridegroom?

ii. The Groom will greatly desire you (11) – when you leave the world you will NOT be forsaken, EVER! Consider how the husband acts toward his wife in Ephesians 5:25-27.
Jesus Himself said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5)

iii. Worship Him, because He is your Lord (12) – Again it becomes CLEAR that this is messianic. While wives are to submit to their husbands, only God is to be worshipped. Jesus IS God.
Revelation 5:8-14 describes a scene in heaven where the Lamb is worshipped “because You are worthy.”

iv. Arrayed in gold and fine apparel (12-13) – In this life we not have the best or much, but there is nothing to compare to the treasures of heaven. Remember the words of our Lord in Matthew 6:19-21. Where is YOUR heart?

v. She will bring with her many daughters (14) – you will NOT be alone. Salvation is for all mankind!

vi. They will come with joy and gladness (15) – do we rejoice at the thought of being the bride of Christ?

vii. They shall enter the king’s palace (15) – where is the king’s palace? Heaven – Hebrews 9:24, John 14:3 (many mansions), Colossians 3:1 – “Where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.”

viii. Your sons will be princes in all the earth (blessed are the meek) (16) - I am reminded of what Paul told the Thessalonians, “And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:17). In this I also see our plight to go and make more princes.

IV. IV. Concluding blessing (17)

a. Back to Our Lord – It is generally accepted that in this verse, the psalmist now turns back to the bridegroom.

b. Your name will be remembered in all generations (17) – Truly the name of Christ is remembered, even to this day. Also consider what we call ourselves - Acts 11:26 (Christians). Are we betrothed to Him?

c. The people shall praise you forever – ultimately as it is to this day, He is praised by those who know and love Him. All WILL bow to Him – the question is only WHEN!

And thus we have another psalm. We see a joyful occasion where there is a wedding. Are we looking forward to that day? We are ONLY invited to partake and be His bride IF we obey the gospel. Will we submit to Him NOW or will we wait until it is too late. Don’t miss out on this great occasion.