A cedar-panelled palace hall made ready for a wedding, seen from the far end: clay lamps lit, woven hangings, ivory inlay catching the light, the dais empty.

Royal psalm · Sons of Korah

Psalm 45

A wedding song for a king, and Hebrews hears Someone greater in it.

17 verses≈ 3 minBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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Where we are

1–41Book IDavid's prayers: 'The LORD is my shepherd'
42–72Book II'As the deer pants'; the throne under pressurePsalm 45
73–89Book IIIAsaph and Korah: the kingdom falls
90–106Book IVBack to Moses: the LORD reigns
107–150Book VSongs of ascents, and the last Hallelujah

My Heart Is Stirred by a Noble Theme

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies.” A Maskil of the sons of Korah. A love song.

My heart is stirred by a noble theme

as I recite my verses to the king;

my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

You are the most handsome of men;

grace has anointed your lips;

therefore God has blessed you forever.

Tap to go deeper: meaning, history and related Scripture

A great empty throne of ivory overlaid with gold in a cedar hall: six broad steps lead up to it with a gold lion standing at either end of each step, twelve in all, and a lion standing beside each armrest; its back has a rounded top.

Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever,

and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom.

You have loved righteousness

and hated wickedness;

therefore God, your God, has anointed you

above your companions with the oil of joy.

Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever

All your garments are fragrant

with myrrh and aloes and cassia;

from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad.

The daughters of kings are among your honored women;

the queen stands at your right hand,

adorned with the gold of Ophir.

Question

Quick question

The New Testament picks up the king’s throne.

Hebrews quotes verses 6–7. Who does it say they are spoken to?

Listen, O daughter! Consider and incline your ear:

Forget your people and your father’s house,

and the king will desire your beauty;

bow to him, for he is your lord.

The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift;

men of wealth will seek your favor.

Seen from far behind, a small line of women in long colored robes and head coverings walking through a tall plain palace doorway toward lamplight.

All glorious is the princess in her chamber;

her gown is embroidered with gold.

In colorful garments she is led to the king;

her virgin companions are brought before you.

They are led in with joy and gladness;

they enter the palace of the king.

0:15

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Your sons will succeed your fathers;

you will make them princes throughout the land.

I will commemorate your name through all generations;

therefore the nations will praise you forever and ever.

Reflect

Speak of your King

What would it mean to speak of Jesus the way this poet speaks of his king?

You’ve experienced

Psalm 45

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A verse to carry with you

Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom.

Psalm 45:6

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