_A.M. 2981. B.C. 1023._ This Psalm is an illustrious prophecy of the Messiah, whom it represents as a bridegroom espousing the church to himself, and as a king ruling in it. “Most interpreters conclude,” says Bishop Patrick, “that it was composed on the occasion, at least, of Solomon's marriage wit... [ Continue Reading ]
_My heart is enditing a good matter_ I am about to utter, not rash, vain, or foolish, much less false words, but such as proceed from my very heart, and most cordial affections; and are the result of my most deliberate and serious thoughts: things not only pleasant and delightful, and fit for the nu... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou art fairer_ More beautiful and amiable; _than the children of men_ Than all other men. Which is most true of Christ, but not of Solomon; whom many have excelled, if not in wisdom, yet in holiness and righteousness, which is the chief part of the beauty celebrated in this Psalm. _Grace is poure... [ Continue Reading ]
_Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most Mighty_ “Having described the beauty and eloquence of the king, the prophet now proceeds to set forth his power, and to arm him as a warrior for the battle.” The sword of the Messiah, which is here put, by a synecdoche, for all his arms, is his _Word_, which, i... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thine arrows are sharp_, &c. The allusion to an earthly conqueror is still continued. The _arrows_ mean the same with the _sword_, both denoting the instruments wherewith he conquers his enemies; which are the truths, precepts, threatenings, promises, &c., of his word. These, when accompanied by th... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thy throne, O God_, &c. It is evident that the speech is still continued to the same person whom he calls _king, Psalms 45:1_; Psalms 45:11; and here God, to assure us that he doth not speak of Solomon, but of a far greater king, who is not only a man, but _the mighty God, Isaiah 9:6_. For though t... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou lovest righteousness_, &c. Thou not only doest that which is good, and avoidest that which is evil, which even bad princes and men may do, and often actually do for political and prudential reasons; but thou doest these things from a pure and internal principle, from a sincere and most fervent... [ Continue Reading ]
_All thy garments smell of myrrh_, &c. Wherewith they used to perfume their garments, Genesis 27:27. This may denote those glorious and sweet-smelling virtues, which, as they were treasured up inwardly in Christ's heart, so did they manifest themselves outwardly, and give forth a grateful smell in t... [ Continue Reading ]
_Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women_ Among them that attend upon thy spouse, as the manner was in nuptial solemnities. As the queen is the church in general, so these honourable women are particular believers, who are daily added to the church, Acts 2:47. And although the church is mad... [ Continue Reading ]
_Hearken_, &c. The prophet, having hitherto spoken to the bridegroom, addresses himself now to the bride or queen. _O daughter_ He speaks like an elder person, and as her spiritual father and counsellor; _Consider, and incline thine ear_ He useth several words signifying the same thing, to show his... [ Continue Reading ]
_So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty_ So shalt thou be amiable in the eyes of thy husband, and truly acceptable and dear to him, who, having purchased and betrothed thee to himself, justly requires thy whole heart, thy undivided love; and his affection, and the complacency which he will take... [ Continue Reading ]
_The daughter of Tyre shall be there_ That is, the people of Tyre; as _the daughter of_ Zion or Jerusalem, is put for their inhabitants: he mentions the Tyrians, because they, among others, and before many others, were to be converted to Christ, Matthew 11:21; Mark 3:8; Mark 7:24; Acts 21:3; but the... [ Continue Reading ]
_The King's daughter_ The spouse, so called, because she was the daughter of one king, and the wife of another: intending the church of Christ; _is all glorious within_ In internal graces and gifts, with which she is adorned and accomplished. _Her clothing is of wrought gold_ Her internal perfection... [ Continue Reading ]
_She shall be brought unto the king_ He alludes to the custom of conducting the bride to the bridegroom's house; _in raiment of needlework_ The image of God, the divine nature, the robe of righteousness, the garment of salvation. _The virgins, her companions_ Her bride-maidens, attending upon her, c... [ Continue Reading ]
_Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children_, &c. Having directed his speech to the bride, he now returns to the bridegroom, as may be gathered both from the Hebrew words, which are of the masculine gender, and from the next verse, which unquestionably belongs unto him. And therefore this cannot b... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will make thy name to be remembered_, &c. As he began the Psalm with the celebration of the King's praises, so now he ends with it, and adds this important circumstance, that this nuptial song should not only serve for the present solemnity, but should be remembered and sung in all successive gen... [ Continue Reading ]