A Powerful Declaration Of The Glory Of Christ

Psalm 45 proclaims itself as “a lovely poem about the king.” It becomes, however, a powerful declaration of the glory of Christ, the divine Bridegroom, and His bride, the Church.

Beautiful words stir my heart. I will recite a lovely poem about the king, for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet. Psalm 45:1

This beautiful, emotional, and inspired poem began in the context of the wedding of a Davidic king (possibly Solomon). The Psalmist praised the beauty, grace, and power of the king.

You are the most handsome of all.
Gracious words stream from your lips.
God himself has blessed you forever.
Put on your sword, O mighty warrior!
You are so glorious, so majestic!
In your majesty, ride out to victory, defending truth, humility, and justice.
Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds! Psalm 45:2-4

The Psalm quickly moved beyond ordinary royal flattery. The words elevated the king to a divine stature. It described his righteousness, eternal reign, and even addressed him as “God.”

Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. Psalm 45:6

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The context of this Psalm may seem like romantic flattery. In fact, the Israelites might have taken it as an exaggeration or a divine blessing upon the king.

The writer of the book of Hebrews, however, quoted this verse and the next. He used them to describe Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God, ascribing the glory afforded to Him.

But to the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. You love justice and hate evil. Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.” Hebrews 1:8-9

This Psalm from a Christian’s Perspective

From a Christian’s perspective, this Psalm prophetically reveals the glory of Christ, the Messiah. Christians understand this king to be Jesus, full of grace and truth.

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son (Christ). John 1:14

The coronation language used by the Psalmist reminds his readers of Jesus’ baptism and anointing by the Holy Spirit.

It also highlighted His deity and His humanity, as well as His status as the anointed King of all creation.

Verse 9 shifts to a scene of heavenly splendor. Myrrh and aloes point toward the death of Christ while also celebrating His resurrection and glory.

Your robes are perfumed with myrrh, aloes, and cassia. In palaces decorated with ivory, you are entertained by the music of harps. Psalm 45:8

The Glory of the Bride and Christ the Bridegroom

The Psalmist turned his attention to addressing the bride. His description takes on both literal and symbolic meanings. He called her to leave her past life and fully devote herself to the king.

“Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say. Forget your people and your family far away.” Psalm 45:10

Her devotion mirrors the Christian’s call to leave behind worldly attachments and follow Christ. The Church, the bride of Christ, stands adorned with righteousness and holiness.

Christ loved the Church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. Ephesians 5:25-26
Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.” For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people. Revelation 19:7-8

The Psalmist invited the bride into a deep, exclusive covenant with her King. He emphasized her beauty and honor, characteristics her Bridegroom delighted in.

For your royal husband delights in your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. Psalm 45:11

This verse captures the mystery of divine love: Jesus, the King, takes delight in His people. Not because they are perfect, but because He has made them beautiful through His righteousness.

The Glory of Christ in the Church

We, the Church, become glorious not by our own doing. We experience glory because Christ loves and adorns us. The Psalmist continues with the king leading the bride in a joyful procession.

The bride, a princess, looks glorious in her golden gown. In her beautiful robes, she is led to the king, accompanied by her bridesmaids. Psalm 45:13-14

This joyful scene points to the wedding supper of the Lamb. The Psalm painted a picture not just of a royal wedding, but of the climax of redemption. There, the King and His people live united in love.

A Prophetic Promise of an Eternal Legacy

Your sons will become kings like their father. You will make them rulers over many lands. I will bring honor to your name in every generation. Psalm 45:16-17

In a messianic reading, this points not to biological sons but to the spiritual descendants of Christ. This promise of the everlasting Christ and His glory aligns with what Paul wrote to the Philippians.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

As the divine Bridegroom, Christ reigns in justice and beauty, inviting the Church, His bride, to share in His glory. This Psalm reminds Christians of the majesty of their King.

It also reminds us of the intimate and transformative relationship He has called us to with Him. In worship, obedience, and joy, we get to join this eternal love song, echoing the Psalmist’s final words.

Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever. Psalm 45:17

Lord, we look forward to experiencing the glory in the union of the Bride of Christ and the Bridegroom. Thank you for reminding us of the glory and majesty of our King, Jesus Christ.