The Look of Love
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To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves.
1 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.
2 Thou art fairer than the children of men:
Grace is poured into thy lips: Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
3 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.
6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever:
The sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.
7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness:
Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia,
Out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
9 Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women:
Upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.
10 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.
12 And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift;
Even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.
13 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.
16 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.
The Look of Love
In Psalm 45, David gazes adoringly at the unmatched beauty of a king. This royal vision is even more majestic as He also is the bridegroom at His wedding. David’s awe and deep love reveal he can only be speaking of God and even prophetically seeing a vision of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords to come. David’s song begins by letting us know he is speaking of a good matter from his heart concerning a king. “My tongue is the pen of a ready writer” (45:1). I love that verse. His voice is singing the words or lyrics that he has written with joy and enthusiasm. David sings directly to the King, describing His outward beauty and strength of character. “Thou art fairer than the children of men” (45:2). As one in love, David sees his King as more beautiful than all others. David hears only words of grace from the lips of his King.
“Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever” (45:2). Here is the first clue that David is not referring to God as his King, for God does not bless Himself. However, Jesus is full of grace and truth and walks in the pure beauty of holiness, without sin. David’s King is also one of holy might and strength. His sword is girded upon His thigh. He rides gallantly, not on earthly horses, but on truth and meekness and righteousness. He defeats His enemies and causes the peoples of foreign lands to fall before Him. “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever”(45:6). David continues defining his King’s personality and essence. He loves righteousness and rules justly. Again, he refers to the King’s God, who has anointed Him. Even the King smells with sweet savors, like offerings of incense before an altar.
Now David appears to be looking upon the King in a different setting, His royal wedding. The queen is present along with her ladies. He speaks to the queen, the bride to be, to forget her former family and lands and devote herself now to the King and “worship thou him” (45:11). He further imagines the beauty of the bride to be. She will be covered with gold and lavished with gifts. She comes to the King with gladness and rejoicing. He foresees the bride and groom with future children who will be princes upon the earth. “I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: Therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever”(45:17). This prophecy has certainly come true as the name of Jesus continues to be praised by all who have come to believe on Him. This praise will continue forever when we dwell with Him eternally. Amen.
Psalms 45 truly expresses the many reasons why David loves and adores his King. Like someone who is deeply in love, he seems enchanted and awestruck by the beauty and character of his King and Bridegroom. I could only think of the song, Oh How I Love Jesus as I read the admiration and joyful praise in David’s verses. Jesus’ love and sacrifice on the cross for us brings me to grateful tears. His character revealed in the scriptures, through His words and works, show His humble, giving and gracious heart. Each day, I thank Him for His unwavering love for me. I love Him because He first loved me.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
Elizabeth Expands:
The beginning of this psalm contains items both familiar and foreign. Let’s break them down one by one.
To the Chief musician – We understand this as the person that the psalmist was delivering the psalm to, the person who was going to take this from a simple composition and make it into a performance to be used by the people of God.
Upon shoshannim – This phrase has many debated meanings. Some say it means lily, implying the peace of Christ. Others say it implies a congregation, referencing the bride of Christ being composed of the congregation of his church. Yet another possible explanation was that it was the first word of a the song of the tune the psalm was supposed to be sung to.
For the sons of korah – We saw this before in Psalm 42, and it could imply a dedication to them, a direction for them to be the performers, or that it was written by them.
Maschil – “Listen carefully to what I’m about to tell you” is what we discussed what this word means back in Forgiveness.
A song of loves – This section is again widely debated. It could simply indicate a wedding. Alternatively, or perhaps in addition to that, some believe it represents the multi-dimensional meaning of love between man and woman, and love between Christ and church.
Certainty in translation is not something we have for this particular part of the psalm, but regardless of specifics, it is undeniably that this psalm speaks about our very real God and Savior, and His love for us, His church and bride.
Meet Elizabeth Baber
Elizabeth Baber is the latest addition to the Debra Hill Sings team, working as the head Virtual Assistant for the wonderful woman herself. Elizabeth would identify as an author(ess), spreadsheet fanatic, and all-around geek. The majority of her time is spent serving Central Virginia’s low-vision patients as a technician with the MedRVA Foundation.
When not at work, she can be found cooking with her fiancé, coaching Teen Bible Quizzing, wrestling novel ideas, running an online Dungeons and Dragons server, or trying her hand at one of a hundred rotating crafting hobbies.
Some of her work can be found on her website: www.writingonwords.com and you can contact her at elizabeth@writingonwords.com.
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
A series from Debra Hill: Psalms In Your Palm
Tune in every Sunday to read a passage of scripture, hear Debra’s personal thoughts on the reading, and then relate and reflect on the words as you write them into your palm and into your heart.
The Psalms In Your Palm Playlist
Each song is paired with a Sunday Psalm and reflection, blending scripture and sound to inspire peace, understanding and connection.
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