Been to a wedding recently? The beautiful bride, the handsome groom, the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Laughter. Celebration. Joy and happiness. Pleasure. Expectation and anticipation. Good food and drink. What’s not to like?
Psalm 45 is a wedding song for royalty, praising the king, calling of the new queen, and anticipating the future. But why do we have it in our Scriptures? Why read or sing it in our services? Because the wedding song points forward to the best wedding ever, that of King Jesus and his beautiful bride, the Church.
Psalm 45 was probably composed for royal weddings, just as Psalm 2 was composed for coronations. Psalm 45 would have been sung as various Davidic kings married their bride, the new queen. It is, like Song of Songs, a love song.
The psalm begins with the psalmist openly speaking of how his “heart overflows with a pleasing theme” reciting his poem to the king. The psalmist’s tongue functions like the pen of a scribe, ready to write down what comes forth (v.1).
The psalmist then praises the king, describing him as “the most handsome of the sons of men” (v.2). Grace pours from his lips, as one who has received grace from God, and so he is blessed by God forever (v.2).
The king is also a military victor, with sword strapped to his waist “in splendour and majesty” as he rides out to conquer for the cause of “truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!” (v.4). He defeats his enemies, as all fall before him (v.5).
In verse six, the king is associated with God whose “throne… is forever and ever” and holds a scepter of uprightness (v.6). This can only refer to the God-Man Jesus, who is our God and our King.
This king is a man who is subject to authority. He loves righteousness and hates wickedness, and so God anoints him to his office and provides for perfumes that he might smell fragrant on his wedding day (vv.7-9).
Next the psalmist turns his attention to the queen, while still keeping focus on the king. She is called to “forget your people and your father’s house” (v.10). That is, to leave behind her father and family and submit herself to her king-husband (v.11).
But this submission is not one of degrading slavery (as any sort of submission is mischaracterised today). Instead it leads to amazing honour and riches. The residents of the ancient and wealthy city-state of Tyre (famous for its wealth from sea trade) would seek out her favour with gifts (v.12).
Furthermore, she would be dressed in beautiful clothes in her chamber, wearing “robes interwoven with gold” (v.13). Unlike most people who could not afford coloured clothing, “in many-coloured robes she is led to the king” (v.14), coming to the king’s side in rich and wealthy dress. She does not walk alone, but with numerous bridesmaids in a wedding procession, joyfully entering the king’s palace for the ceremony (v.15).
The story does not end on the wedding day, it carries on after. The psalmist finishes his song with the blessings of their wedding. Children will be born, including sons who will rule throughout the kingdom in their father’s place (v.16).
The poem itself promises that the king’s name will be honoured and remembered throughout all the generations to come (v.17).
The promises of blessing in this psalm rest on the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7) in particular. The promise of an unending dynasty that the king will have, bringing praise even from the Gentile nations. Their blessing fulfils the Abrahamic promises, that Abraham’s offspring would be a blessing to the nations.
This blessing did not find its fulfilment in the long line of kings ruling over Judah, however godly some of them were. Ultimately, the believer waiting for God to bring the promised king and his bride may have been disappointed.
But the promised king did come. Jesus, the descendant of David, was the fulfilment of these verses. He is the very source and object of grace flowing to us, the Divine King who is also a man, who is subject to God the Father.
While Jesus’ earthly appearance may have been plain (Isaiah 53:1) in his exalted state every nation will look upon him. He rules with righteousness and uprightness, and is anointed by God (Messiah means “anointed one”). He has conquered sin and death, and one day will return to defeat all who oppose him for all time.
So who then is his bride? The answer is his Church (Revelation 21). God calls the members of his church to leave behind their past lives, and submit themselves to their lord-husband, Jesus. As we do so, we receive our King Jesus’ riches and blessings, clothed in beautiful robes and blessed with the riches of the nations.
Jesus’ kingdom will never end, and his name is remembered to this day. Praise will be offered to Jesus forever, not just on his wedding day.