This psalm is very different from other
psalms because it was written for a wedding. It both gives us insight into the
minds of those preparing for a wedding in the times of the kings of Israel and
a reminder that marriage creates new bonds.
The splendor of a royal wedding is seen here.
Also, we see in the middle of this praise for the bride and the king is praise
also to God. Even in the middle of what most would consider a very human event,
God is glorified and recognized. This is a reminder that we are to praise God
at all times (Ephesians 5:20, Hebrews 13:15).
The bride is told to forget her father's
house and focus on the king alone. This is to the bride what Genesis 2:24 is to
the groom. Family is not forgotten but the first priority of a married couple
is their relationship with God and not their relationship with the rest of
their family. The lesson of this balance is something every generation seems to
struggle with and most fail in one way or another.
Psa 45:1-17
(1) To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves. My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
(2) Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
(3) Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.
(4) And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
(5) Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.
(6) Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
(7) Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
(8) All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
(9) Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.
(10) Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;
(11) So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.
(12) And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.
(13) The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.
(14) She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.
(15) With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.
(16) Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth.
(17) I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.
“Forget they own people,” the bride is encouraged. Besides speaking of the relationship of bride and groom, this could be also a reminder to Christians that we too are now in a new relationship with Jesus and God. We are told to forget what is behind and focus on God. Jesus warned of those that take hold of the plow and them look behind.
ReplyDeleteThis isn’t teaching that our old families and connections don’t matter, but the relationship with God is paramount to all else.