Psalm 45: Christ is the Groom

​My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. 2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. 3 Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty! 4 In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds! 5 Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you.
 
6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; 7 you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; 8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; 9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. 10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father's house, 11 and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him.12 The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people.
 
13 All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold. 14 In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her. 15 With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king. 16 In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth. 17 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.
 
Meditation
Marriage is a driving metaphor in Scripture to reveal God’s covenant love for His people. Jesus is the groom who is God, committed to His queen- the bride who is the Church.
 
Psalm 45 is a royal wedding song. The royal groom (3-9) and beloved queen (10-15) are celebrated in an alternating pattern of direction (3-5, 10-12) and delight (6-9, 13-15).  Overflowing love (1-2) spills into celebration of the groom (3-5), the loyalty of love (10-12), the extravagance of ceremony (13-15), and love’s legacy (16-17). The love between a royal groom and beloved bride are a picture of God’s love for His people (Ephesians 5:21-31). 
 
Jesus is the ultimate royal groom who fulfills this wedding song. Jesus is the King who speaks to His beloved in grace (2) and goes forth clothed in God’s armor (3-5). Jesus is the only king whose reign of righteousness is eternal (6) and whose love for a Gentile bride is a light for the world (10-12). Jesus is the groom who is the true Lord (11) who alone will be “remembered in all generations” (17). Jesus is the groom who is God, love incarnate giving His life to marry His queen- the Church.
 
The celebration of marriage as covenant ceremony compels God’s people, His Bride, to return to God’s love (Jeremiah 3:14). Our King who reigns forever (6) loves His people with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).  Our hearts long to rest in the love of our Maker and the Royal wedding song invites believers to return to our covenant king and His eternal love.
 
Richly Dwelling
-What stands out to you from today’s Psalm, especially the wedding imagery emphasizing God’s love for His people?
 
-Do you believe God’s love for you is this passionate and perpetual? Why or why not?
 
-What loves do you need to turn from in order to return to the love of your Bridegroom who loves you with an everlasting love? Be specific.
 
Key Verse
6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;