Today, I thought it would be helpful to introduce the Psalm before you read it. In its original context, it seems this Psalm was written to celebrate the wedding of the king of Israel – presumably David or one of his descendants on the throne in Jerusalem. But as the poet writes, inspired by the Spirit of God, he is clearly seeing into the future and describing a king who is far more glorious than any merely human king. This king will defeat all God’s enemies, subdue all the nations, and establish God’s everlasting kingdom of truth and justice. The writer even calls the king “O God” – and Hebrews 1:8-9 quotes this Psalm as an Old Testament prophecy that Jesus the Son of God is himself God.

The poem also describes the beauty of the king’s bride. He was no doubt describing the normal, earthly bride of the king in Jerusalem. But in the light of the New Testament, it is clear that the Spirit was inspiring him to describe the beauty of Jesus’ true bride: the church, his precious people whom he bought with his own blood and purified to make his very own (Eph. 5:25-27).

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

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

1 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.
2 You are the most handsome of men;
grace has anointed your lips,
since God has blessed you forever.
3 Strap your sword at your side, O mighty warrior;
appear in your majesty and splendor.
4 In your splendor ride forth in victory
on behalf of truth and humility and justice;
may your right hand show your awesome deeds.
5 Your arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s foes;
the nations fall beneath your feet.

6 Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever,
and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom.
7 You have loved righteousness
and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
above your companions with the oil of joy.

8 All your garments are fragrant
with myrrh and aloes and cassia;
from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad.
9 The daughters of kings are among your honored women;
the queen stands at your right hand,
adorned with the gold of Ophir.

10 Listen, O daughter! Consider and incline your ear:
Forget your people and your father’s house,
11 and the king will desire your beauty;
bow to him, for he is your lord.
12 The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift;
men of wealth will seek your favor.

13 All glorious is the princess in her chamber;
her gown is embroidered with gold.
14 In colorful garments she is led to the king;
her virgin companions are brought before you.
15 They are led in with joy and gladness;
they enter the palace of the king.

16 Your sons will succeed your fathers;
you will make them princes throughout the land.
17 I will commemorate your name through all generations;
therefore the nations will praise you forever and ever.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.