Love Song
“My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king…”
By PAUL ZILMER
Read Time:
2 minutes
There can be no doubt that Psalm 45 is messianic. We would have figured it out anyway, but the use made of it in the New Testament clinches it. How would we have figured it out? Just look at how it begins: “My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king…” Who is the king? It can be none other than Messiah.
Please stop here and read the psalm. Try reading it in a version you don’t usually use. Please actually do it, don’t just blow it off. The psalm will be the most important thing you read today—far more so than my ramblings. Go.
[From The Tidings, here is Psalm 45 NIV inserted below:]
For the director of music. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil.
A wedding song. My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever.
Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.
In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds.
Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet.
Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.
All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.
Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.
Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house.
Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.
The city of Tyre will come with a gift,[fn] people of wealth will seek your favor.
All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold.
In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her— those brought to be with her.
Led in with joy and gladness, they enter the palace of the king.
Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land.
I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.
Thank you. Now I have a question: Did you read the psalm’s title? Is it what you would have expected, knowing it’s a psalm about Christ? The singer/songwriter, one of the descendants of Korah, says, “This is a love song.”
The first nine verses are indeed about Messiah, in his regal and military might. And then the songwriter shifts to the king’s love interest, and the rest of the song is about her. You know who she is, right? If there’s any doubt, see John 3:29, Ephesians 5, and the Bride of Revelation 19, 21 & 22.
This song is about Jesus, yes…and it is just as much a song about his Bride. The writer says so: it’s a love song.
When you read it, were you moved to think, “This is about me, isn’t it?” Did you take to heart the call to leave behind your former life? Did you feel, perhaps in amazement, that it’s you who are beautiful to the king? You that is “all glorious”, surrounded by joy and gladness? You that will be remembered and praised for all time?
We are beautiful to Jesus. He loves us so much. (It’s all right to blush.)
Love, Paul