A Royal Wedding Song
Psalm 45 is described as a wedding song , celebrating the union of a king and his bride. It is both a historical and prophetic psalm, pointing to the Messiah.

The Majesty of the King
Verses 2-9 describe the king's beauty, grace, and righteousness. You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips, since God has blessed you forever (Psalm 45:2). This points to the divine nature and eternal reign of Christ.

The Bride's Beauty and Role
Verses 10-15 focus on the bride, urging her to leave her past and embrace her new identity. Listen, O daughter, consider and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house (Psalm 45:10). This symbolizes the Church's call to leave behind worldly ties and fully commit to Christ.

Eternal Kingdom
The psalm concludes with a vision of the king's eternal legacy. I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you forever and ever (Psalm 45:17). This foreshadows the everlasting kingdom of Christ.Embrace Your Identity in Christ
Just as the bride is called to leave her past, we are called to embrace our new identity in Christ, leaving behind our old ways.

Reflect Christ's Beauty and Righteousness
As followers of Christ, we are to reflect His beauty and righteousness in our lives, becoming a testimony to others.

Celebrate the Eternal Kingdom
Live with the hope and assurance of Christ's eternal kingdom, allowing it to shape our priorities and actions.1. The King
The central figure of the psalm, often interpreted as a representation of the Messiah in Christian theology. The king is described as fair, mighty, and blessed by God. The Hebrew term used is "מֶלֶךְ" (melek), which means "king."

2. The Queen
The bride of the king, who is honored and adorned in gold. She is encouraged to forget her people and her father's house, symbolizing a new allegiance to the king. The Hebrew term "שֵׁגַל" (shegal) is used, which can mean "queen" or "royal consort."

3. The Daughters of Kings
These are noble women who are present at the wedding, symbolizing the honor and prestige of the occasion. The Hebrew term "בְּנוֹת מְלָכִים" (benot melakhim) is used, meaning "daughters of kings."

4. The Nations
While not a person per se, the nations are mentioned as those who will praise the king. This can be seen as a reference to the universal reign of the Messiah. The Hebrew term "עַמִּים" (amim) is used, meaning "peoples" or "nations."1. Ivory Palaces
The psalm mentions "ivory palaces" in verse 8, which symbolizes opulence and grandeur. The Hebrew word for "ivory" (שֵׁן, shen) suggests a place of luxury and wealth, often associated with royal settings.

2. Tyre
In verse 12, the psalm refers to "the daughter of Tyre," indicating the wealth and influence of this ancient Phoenician city. Tyre was known for its commerce and prosperity, and its mention here underscores the international recognition and honor given to the king.1. Introduction of the Psalmist's Theme
The psalmist begins with a declaration of his intent to write a noble theme, indicating the importance and grandeur of the subject.
"My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer." (Psalm 45:1)

2. Description of the King's Majesty
The king is described as the most excellent of men, blessed by God, and possessing grace in his speech.
"You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips, since God has blessed you forever." (Psalm 45:2)

3. Call to the King to Gird His Sword
The psalmist calls upon the king to gird his sword, symbolizing readiness for battle and the defense of truth and justice.
"Strap your sword at your side, O mighty warrior; appear in your majesty and splendor." (Psalm 45:3)

4. Victory and Justice of the King
The king is depicted as victorious in battle, riding forth in truth, humility, and righteousness.
"In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility, and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds." (Psalm 45:4)

5. Eternal Throne and Righteous Scepter
The psalmist proclaims the eternal nature of the king's throne and his love for righteousness, which leads to his anointing by God.
"Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom." (Psalm 45:6)

6. Anointing with the Oil of Joy
The king is anointed with the oil of joy, setting him above his companions, signifying divine favor and blessing.
"You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy." (Psalm 45:7)

7. Description of the King's Splendor and Attire
The psalmist describes the king's garments and the fragrance of his robes, emphasizing his royal splendor.
"All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad." (Psalm 45:8)

8. The Presence of Royal Daughters and the Queen
Royal daughters and the queen are present, highlighting the king's esteemed position and the honor of his court.
"Kings’ daughters are among your honored women; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir." (Psalm 45:9)

9. Call to the Bride to Honor the King
The bride is called to forget her people and her father's house, signifying her new allegiance and devotion to the king.
"Listen, O daughter, consider and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house." (Psalm 45:10)

10. Promise of Honor and Offspring
The psalmist promises that the king's sons will be made princes throughout the land, ensuring the continuation of his legacy.
"Your sons will succeed your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land." (Psalm 45:16)

11. Eternal Praise for the King
The psalm concludes with a declaration that the king's name will be remembered and praised through all generations.
"I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you forever and ever." (Psalm 45:17)Revelation 19:7-9
The marriage supper of the Lamb, where the Church is united with Christ, echoes the themes of Psalm 45.

Ephesians 5:25-27
Paul's teaching on the relationship between Christ and the Church as a marriage, highlighting the sacrificial love of Christ.

Isaiah 61:10
The joy of salvation and being clothed in righteousness, paralleling the imagery of the bride's adornment in Psalm 45. Thanksgiving for Christ's Sacrifice
Thank God for the sacrificial love of Christ, who is our eternal King and Bridegroom.

Commitment to Christ
Pray for strength to leave behind worldly attachments and fully commit to our identity in Christ.

Reflection of Christ's Righteousness
Ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance to live a life that reflects the beauty and righteousness of Christ.

Hope in the Eternal Kingdom
Pray for a renewed focus on the eternal kingdom, allowing it to influence our daily lives and decisions.

1. How does the imagery used in the Psalm help you understand the relationship between God and His people?

2. What do you think it means for the King's words to be full of grace?

3. How can you apply the Psalmist's depiction of the King's virtues (truth, humility, and justice) in your daily life?

4. In what ways does the relationship between the King and the Bride mirror your relationship with God?

5. How can the concept of forgetting one's people and father's house (v. 10) apply in the context of modern Christian discipleship?

6. What is the significance of the bride being adorned in Ophir's gold?

7. How does the promise of future generations (v. 16-17) inspire hope and assurance?

8. How does this psalm challenge your understanding of God's eternal reign?

9. In what ways does this Psalm inspire you to worship?

10. What does the Psalm teach us about the role of beauty in divine relationship?

11. How can the theme of marriage in this Psalm enlighten us about God's covenant with His people?

12. How might the themes of this Psalm provide comfort or guidance in a time of personal difficulty?

13. How does this Psalm inform your understanding of the Messiah?

14. How can the attributes of the King described in the Psalm help us model our own leadership or authority?

15. What role does music and celebration play in the psalm and how does it relate to our worship of God?

16. How can you relate the bride's journey to total devotion with your spiritual journey?

17. What can we learn from the eternal nature of the King's reign in our understanding of God's unchanging character?

18. What do you feel is your role in perpetuating the King's fame as expressed in verse 17?

19. What lessons on divine love can you apply in your relationships?

20. How does the depiction of the royal wedding between the King and the Bride enhance your understanding of the unity of the Church?