Psalm 45 - A Wedding Psalm

The authors of Psalm 45 is once again the sons of Korah (the temple assistants). It's a poem to the king (possibly Solomon) on the occasion of his wedding. While this psalm was written for an historic occasion, it is also seen as a prophecy about Christ and his bride, the church, who will praise him throughout all generations.

 

Psalm 45:2 - "You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever."

 

Psalm 45:6-8 - "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. 7-You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. 8-Your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad."

 

It is called a Messianic psalm because it prophetically describes the Messiah's future relationship to the church, his body of believers.  Verse 2 expresses God's abundant blessing on his Messiah; verses 6-8 find their true fulfillment in Christ. The church is described as the bride of Christ in many scriptures of Revelation, including Chapters 19:7, 8; 21:9 and 22:17.

 

"Your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.  Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir"

 

Myrrh is a fragrant gum of an Arabian tree, generally used in perfumes.  Aloes, a spice, may have come from sandalwood, a close-grained and fragrant wood often used for storage boxes or chests.  Cassia was probably made from flowers of the cinnamon tree.  These expensive fragrances were appropriate for a king's wedding.  The location of Ophir is unknown, but believed to be in either Arabia or Africa.  It was famous as a source of gold.

 

Psalm 45:13-17 - "All glorious is the princess within her chamber, her gown is interwoven with gold. 14-In embroidered garments she is led to the king her virgin companions follow her and are brought to you.  15-They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king. 16-Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land.  17-I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever" 

 

This beautiful section of poetry pictures Christ's bride, the church, with the richest blessings as she unites forever with him.  (More reference:  Revelation 19:6-8 and 21:2)