Salmos 45:9

Honourable women. — Literally, precious ones, i.e., possibly the favourites of the harem. See Provérbios 6:26, where this word precious is used (comp. Jeremias 31:20), or there may be an allusion to the costliness and magnificence of the harem rather than to affection for its inmates. Perhaps both senses are combined in the word, and we may compare Shakespeare’s

“The jewels of our father, with washed eyes

Cordelia leaves you.”

Upon thy right hand. — Comp. 1 Reis 2:19.

Did stand. — Better, was stationed, referring to the position assigned to the bride when the marriage procession was formed.

In gold of Ophir. — Or, possibly, as (i.e., precious as) gold of Ophir, a common use of this particle. For Ophir and its gold see 1 Reis 9:28. The LXX. and Vulg. miss the proper name, and read, “clothed in golden vesture and many-coloured.”