Psalm 45: A Vision of Christ

Psalm 45 “is a marriage hymn, celebrating the marriage of a king to a princess. Some commentators incline to the view that the psalm is entirely Messianic.

That portions of it are, there can be no doubt.

Verses 6 and 7 are quoted in Heb. 1:8, 9 as the words God the Father addressed to the Son. [Psalm 45:2] has also been declared to be Messianic: ‘The divine beauty of the character of Christ, . . . of whom David, seeing Him in prophetic vision, said, “Thou art fairer than the children of men.” ’. . . This statement also sets forth the fact that David was the author of the psalm.”1 David’s vision of Christ compelled him to respond in song (v. 1). In verses 2–9, “the king is portrayed as a man, as a warrior, as a ruler, and finally as a bridegroom on the wedding day.” David speaks of Christ’s speech as being graceful (v. 2).

This is in keeping with other scriptures that state the same detail (Song of Solomon 5:16; Isaiah 50:4; Matthew 7:29; 13:54; Luke 2:47; 4:22).

The king is bold in battle, majestic and glorious (Psalm 45:3–5).

Yet Christ’s kingdom is founded on meekness, humility, and gentleness, not haughtiness (v. 4). “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre” (v. 6). The Messiah is to be exalted above the angels (v. 7; Hebrews 1:8, 9).

The king’s robe is fragrant with spices, and royal princesses stand at his right hand (Psalm 45:8, 9). The psalm now shifts to the bride.

She is urged to consider her new life seriously (v. 10).

She must devote herself to the king, forsaking her former home and anything that might stand between her and her new husband (v. 10).

The bride is a princess already and is adorned in a golden gown (v. 13).

The descendants of this union will be greater than either kingdom that came before (vv. 16, 17). They will be princes of the earth and will praise God eternally.

“Fairest Lord Jesus, / Ruler of all nature, / O Thou of God and man the Son! / Thee will I cherish, / Thee will I honor, / Thou art my glory, joy, and crown.”