Breathingbook

Hi. This post has been a long time coming. I apologize for the delay, but basically, the entire Psalm is here (no more part one, part two). I know this post is rather lengthy, but it’s full of juice and I hope you’ll take the time to take it in.

Thank you all so much for your patience and for continuing to come back to read what we have to offer in Jesus Name.

Psa 45:1 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.

To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim This could be also be interpreted, To the chief Musician on behalf of the lilies, a poetic song for the Musician. Lilies aren’t mentioned much in the Bible, but where they are is notable, because they all set around Solomon in one way or another. For example, lilies are mentioned in the Song of Solomon (understood by many as a parable/prophecy of the loving, intimate relationship between Christ and His church). Lilies are also featured outside Solomon’s Temple in the artistic brim work around the top of the Bronze Laver (used for ceremonial washing of the hands and feet 2 Chr 3:17-4:5), and on the caps of the two pillars, known as Jachin and Boaz (which sit on the front porch before the great entrance 1 Ki 7:18-22).

Lastly, in the parable of the lilies of the field (Mat 6:28-29, Lk 12:27-28), Jesus uses lilies as an example in a parable on how to live a right life before God. More on lilies, later.

sons of Korah These were Levites David placed in the tent of the tabernacle to minister in praise and worship songs before the dwelling place (God’s presence) (1 Chron 6:22-32). The sons of Korah are known for many psalms, some containing prophecy. They were assigned this duty until Solomon built the temple, after which they returned to their Levitical duties.

Maschil This means this is a song or a poem one must sit and contemplate over.

A Song of loves The word loves is in the plural form, representing a song of more than one love.

Psa 45:1 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.

My heart is inditing a good matter The psalmist’s heart is gushing forth like a mighty river about a great thing.

I speak of the things which I have made touching the King I believe the LXX (Septuagint or Greek version) is more appropriate here. It says: It is I that address my works to the King.

my tongue is the pen of a ready writer The psalmist is prepared and willing to speak.

Psa 45:2 Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into Thy lips: therefore God hath blessed Thee for ever.

Thou art fairer than the children of men The prophet Isaiah speaks in Isa 33:17 of seeing the King in His beauty, but later tells us in Isa 53:2 of the Messiah growing up – His appearance not being a thing of beauty we would outright desire. In other words, that which the world esteems to be outer beauty cannot compare to the greater beauty found within the Spirit of God. Some may argue, “Oh no! The Lord was beautiful! Just look at all the paintings!” Well, there is no known authentic painting painted of Jesus that was actually created while He was alive or by someone who knew Him.

If Jesus’ appearance was simply that of a common man,
would He be any less beautiful?

Isa 52:13-15 Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently, He shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. 14 As many were astonied at Thee; His visage was so marred (distorted) more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men: 15 So shall He sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at Him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.

Coming up in Psa 45:6, this King will be identified as God. My point being the King is not of the “children of men,” but is a “child of God.” In fact, He is the only begotten Son of God (2 Sam 7:14 ).

grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever The Words and acts of the Lord Jesus Christ are full of grace and truth (Jn 1:14-17). God has blessed Him forever for He has given Him an eternal kingdom (2 sam 7:13). An eternal kingdom testifies to Jesus’ eternal life.

Psa 45:3-5 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.

Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most Mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty This is a magnificent allegory:

• Jesus Christ is the Word of God (Jn 1:1).
• The Word of God is ALSO the Sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:16-17).
• Heb 4:12 tells us the Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword.
• Out of Jesus mouth goes a two-edge Sword (Rev 1:16).

There’s sword talk everywhere! When this verse tells the most Mighty to gird the sword upon His thigh, this speaks the Mighty (Jesus Christ) putting on His armor and weaponry in preparation for a battle. The word “majesty” speaks of “magnificence and splendor.”

in thy majesty ride prosperously The word “prosperously” means “to push forward.” In other words, in thy “magnificence,” “push forward” because of truth, meekness, and righteousness.

because of truth and meekness Jesus Christ is the Truth. The gospel is truth. It teaches us the truth about God, the spiritual realms, the ways of the devil and what lies waiting for us in the hereafter. Jesus, Himself, is the Way, the Truth and the Life. The word “meekness” speaks of modesty, humility, and gentleness. In many ways, meekness gives clarity to believers for many of the unfathomable ways the Father does things. For example, many cry out to the Lord for justice, yet only the Lord knows what true justice is. If God were to act upon every sin or offence, we would all be destroyed. Thank God for His meekness, in that He does not always do all that He could do, but He does just enough.

righteousness “Righteousness” in the LXX Greek version the word is dikaiosune, which speaks of a devoted sense of morality and equity of character (act or innocence) in human statutes and relations. In Gk. this word also speaks of Christian justification: God has set forth Jesus to pay the price for our sins, that we might put on the righteousness that is in Christ Jesus alone (miyshowr and points to a sense of equity (meaning a leveling or straightness). This idea is probably best exemplified in Lk 3:5-6where John the Baptist describes the great equalizing and straightening out of mans relationship with God and community which had become crooked and perverse.

thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things The right hand is a place of established works and authority of the Lord.

Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; whereby the people fall under thee An arrow is a weapon that can move very quickly through the air, piercing deep within the flesh and can be very hard to dislodge. This speaks of the judgement of the Lord upon His enemies.

Psa 45:6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.

Thy throne, O God is for ever and ever The Hebrew word for God in Psa 45:6 gives us the word “‘elohiym,“ which has been used to refer to little gods, such as angels, and can also be used to refer to the Supreme God. Although the entire Psalm is speaking of Jesus as the Messiah, this verse is where it begins it’s direct address to Jesus as God. It is good to remember back to 2 Sam 7:13,14 where God promised David:

• He would be a Father to David’s heir
• God said David’s heir would also be God’s Son
• David’s heir would also have an eternal kingdom.

Thus, the prophesied Messiah would have to have all these qualities.

• God would be His Father
• He would be God’s Son (or the Son of God)
• Since He has an eternal kingdom, He would also have an eternal life

Therefore, “Thy throne, O God is for ever and ever” speaks of the eternal throne of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God, and is also God, Himself.

right sceptre The Heb. word used here for “right” is “miyshowr” and means that which is a straight, level, justice. The Heb. word for sceptre from Psa 45:6, is “shebet.” This describe a stick or a rod for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc. Many scriptures speak of the Messiah ruling with a rod, such as Gen 49:10, Rev 12:5, 19:15-16. Basically, this speaks of a level playing field where everything is done according to equality and rightness that only God, Himself, could magistrate.

Psa 45:7-8 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness Again, this speaks of the character of God (see vs. 45:11). His character is righteous (see above description of righteousness) and hates wickedness.The Hebrew word for “hatest” is “sane’” and the word for “wickedness” is “resha‘” and speaks of God’s utter hatred of wrong… especially moral wrongs.

God, thy God This is an important part of this Psalm. Though this entire psalm has been speaking of God the King (or Jesus, the King as God), this line indicates this Godly King also has a God. To paraphrase: Oh God Jesus… Thou loves righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God (the Father) who is Thy God, has anointed Thee with the Oil of Gladness above thy companions.” In essence this verse points to there being two Gods: Jesus and the Father. Of Course, we know the Holy Trinity contains Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

hath anointed thee with the Oil of gladness above thy fellows To be anointed with oil generally describes the process of pouring or placing olive oil upon the head of someone. After someone is said to be anointed with oil, then the power of the Holy Spirit is shown upon their lives (1 Sam 16:13). For example, of David it is written he killed tens of thousands with his fighting skills (1 Sam 18:7-8). One noteworthy effect of being anointed with oil is that whenever God caused it to happen, the recipient knew the promise of God was upon them and God would fulfill that promise in their life.

This sort of promise from God is very enabling. In the life of David, in the continuance of much adversity, he continued by the grace of God to endure and overcome obstacles. David fought discrimination and ridicule as a young boy from his brothers (1 Sam 17:26-31 ), he faced a lion and bear by faith (1 Sam 17:34-37), he went to war (1 Sam 18:7-8) and was pursued for many years by King Saul (1 Sam 19:1) who wanted to kill him. Finally, David came into Kingship of Israel and continued to rule, despite ongoing conflict. Through it all, the promise of God upon his life (beginning with the anointing Oil) encouraged him, for he knew God would continue to keep His promise to him.

This type of anointing was also upon Jesus Christ.

From the very beginning of Jesus’ life on earth, the promises of God to fulfill His Word to Jesus were replete. Thus, the Oil of Gladness is knowing God will fulfill His promises. That’s what brings every believer through any trial: that Jesus is Lord, God our Savior. He will never leave us, nor forsake us, and no matter what we do, He will forgive us. And those promises are to make all believers eternally glad and joyful. For more on the Oil of Gladness/Joy, please see my previous post on, What is the “Oil?”

Psa 45:8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.

myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces Myrrh, aloes and cassia are all fragrant herbs, meaning the Kingly God has a pleasing aroma about Him. In Jn 19:39-40,Nicodemus brings a mixture of myrrh and aloes to wrap the dead body of Jesus with after His crucifixion, but cassia is not mentioned there. “Ivory palaces” speaks of ivory being used in the fine craftsman sense in the furniture and ornaments of the Kings palace. Usually, ivory is associated with the teeth or tusks of elephants, but can be found in other animals such as the hippopotamus, walrus and others.

Psa 45:9 Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.

Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women Here the psalmist turns as if viewing the King in one side of a room and turns to see who else is there. The word “daughters” here is written in the plural form, meaning many. If we look forward to Psa 45:13-14, we see that “Kings daughters” refers to both the “queen” and the “virgins her companions.”

In both the Old Testament and New, the meaning of the word “virgin” commonly represented an individual: an unmarried daughter, something veiled, hidden, kept separate, or unsubdued. Figuratively, the word has represented a city or state (Isa 37:22; 47:1; 62:5-6; Jer 18:13; 46:11).

In the post on the parable of the Ten Virgins, it is clear the return of the Bridegroom is speaking of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, the apostle Paul plainly referred to the Church as a chaste “virgin” (2 Cor 11:2) being espoused to one Husband (who is Christ). It’ is, then, most likely those ten virgins represent the differing denominations (or branches) of the Gentile Church similar to those represented in Christs letters to the Seven Churches of Rev 1:11-20; 2:1-3:22. Think of the King’s daughters/queen (consort)/virgins as the differing churches as represented by the letters to the Seven Churches.

upon thy right hand did stand the queen Don’t let the word “queen” here in the text confuse you. In the Hebrew, this word is “shegal.” This word does not have the meaning of a full queen, but of a consort. A consort is one who cohabitates (lives in the same household) and is intimate with the King. She is one of many who are intimate with the King such as the parable of the Ten Virgins points to going in to be with the Bridegroom in Mat 25:1-13.

Now, this consort “queen” is a gentile bride. This is because in vs. 45:10-11 she is instructed to forget her own people and her father’s house, so that she can worship the King who is Lord. To us, she is likened to the church of Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13) whom the Lord says, He will write the name of city of His God upon her: New Jerusalem. Clearly the church of Philadelphia has an open door that no one can shut. The word “queen” is given to simply denote that which has been given.

Concerning the Seven Churches of Rev 1:11-20; 2:1-3:22, each of those churches is addressed individually by letters from Jesus Christ as to where each one stands with Him. Though it is very true that we are all the same, are all one in Christ, and One body that is called His Church, and clearly there are many, many different kinds of churches follow different doctrines. I did not write the letters to the Seven Churches which clearly show seven different churches with seven different standings before God. Nor did I write the parable of the Ten Virgins, where clearly our God, who can historically create oil out of thin air from where there is no oil (1 kgs 17:12-16) says the foolish “virgins” who were not prepared would not go into the marriage. Clearly, according to the scriptures, there is some sort of process by which the Lord determines where we stand with Him, and many, but not every one from all these churches will heed the Lord’s warnings (Isa 4:1-6).

Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

in gold of Ophir The gold of Ophir was known to be the finest gold available. As believers, not only do we put on the righteousness of Christ, but Christ’s Bride is pictured as arrayed in the finest linens (Rev 19:7-8) representing the righteousness of saints. See verse 45:13.

Psa 45:10-11 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.

forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house This depicts a gentile woman, who must leave behind the pagan God’s of her own people and her own father’s house. She is basically told to leave everything from her old life behind.

So shall the King greatly desire thy beauty: for He is thy Lord; and worship thou Him Again we see the Godly King relationship being depicted as the virgin queen (consort: one of many who are intimate with the King) is told to worship Her Lord, the King.

Psa 45:12 And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall entreat thy favour.

the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift Tyre was a city known for it’s engraving and metal work craftsmen. The meaning of the word “daughter” placed within the context of the psalm, most likely represents one of the “types” mentioned above in the treatment on virgins.

Psa 45:13-15 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.

The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold This line is speaking particularly of the queen (consort) and the condition of her relationship with Christ.

She shall be brought unto the King in raiment of needlework Needlework is a very intricate work that takes great time, patience, endurance, and attention to detail. Traditionally it is done one stitch at a time and depicts an elaborate scene or investiture.

the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto Thee Here we see the companions that are with her being referred to as “virgins.” The word for “companions” in the Hebrew is “re’ah” and means a female associate. These “associates” or “fellow workers” are brought into the presences of the King.

Psa 45:16-17 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.

Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children In verse 45:10, the gentile consort was told to forsake her people and her father’s house. This verse promises that in forgetting all that she has left behind, she will have many children. In the letter to the Church of Philadelphia in Rev 3:7-13, the Lord says, He will write the name of city of His God upon her: New Jerusalem. In Heb 12:22, the city of the living God is called heavenly Jerusalem and in Gal 4:26, the Jerusalem which is above, is called the mother of us all. Hence, to paraphrase this: Instead of thy former gentile people and father’s house, shall be the children of promise (Gal 4:28).

I will make thy Name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever This is the end of the Psalm and returns to speaking about the God King. Jesus is the only Name which shall be remembered in all generations and the only One whom the people shall praise forever and ever.

One last note about the lilies: the fact that this psalm is addressed on behalf of the lilies, suggests the symbolism of lilies represent “churches in good standing before the Lord Jesus.”

For example, lilies are mentioned in the Song of Solomon (again, historically understood as a parable/prophecy of the loving, intimate relationship between Christ and His church). They are also featured outside Solomon’s Temple in the artistic brim work around the top of the Bronze Laver (used for ceremonial washing of the hands and feet (2 Chr 3:17-4:5), and on the caps of the two pillars, known as Jachin and Boaz (which sit on the front porch before the great entrance (1 Ki 7:18-22) to the Temple.

That Churches in good standing before the Lord Jesus Christ would have symbolically have something to do with cleansing of the hands and feet is not a far stretch. In fact, it brings to mind Jn 13:4-17 where Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and told them to do this very thing for others.

The liliies on the caps of the two pillars which sit on the front porch before the great entrance (1 Ki 7:18-22) happen to have been named by Solomon. This Pillars are known as Jachin and Boaz. The name Boaz comes to us from the Book of Ruth, where Boaz (a Jew) redeems gentile Ruth. Boaz has been traditionally recognized as a type of depiction of Jesus Christ’s redeeming of the gentile church. The other pillar’s name is Jachin, which means “he will establish.”

Lastly, in the parable of the lilies of the field (Mat 6:28-29, Lk 12:27-28), Jesus uses lilies as an example in a parable on how to live a right life before God. Churches in good standing, by His grace, are doing just that.

Peace Out!

Loris A. James