Psalm 45
Theme
A Royal Wedding Song
Outline
1, The Psalmist Speaks 2, The King More Handsome Than Sons of Adam 3-4, Commands for the King 5, Conquest of the Peoples 6, God’s Throne and Scepter 7, Anointed 8, Ointments, Palaces, Instruments 9, Daughters of Conquered Kings 10-12, Commands for the Queen 13-16, The Glorious Queen and Her Sons 17, The Psalmist Speaks
Key Verse
(45:1) My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. (45:2) You are fairer than the sons of men; grace is poured upon Your lips; therefore God has blessed You forever.
Notes
A royal psalm referring to the divine nature of the King (Hebrews 1:8-9). Psalm 45 features a literary ring structure, with matching statements framing the psalmist's intentions to write about the king and ensure his name is praised forever. The psalm highlights the handsome king and glorious queen, referencing "sons" in both contexts. It includes commands directed at the king and queen, balanced by the outcomes of their actions. The psalmist celebrates the king's conquests and the presence of daughters from conquered kings in his court. The chiastic structure outlines themes of conquest, the king's throne, and the king's wedding.