Psalm 45

Notes

Ver. 1. It was the general opinion of the ancient Jewish rabbins and commentators that this beautiful psalm had direct if not exclusive reference to the Messiah. Its general scope, and some of its more remarkable expressions, prove this. There are passages in it such as cannot, by any fair canon of interpretation, be applied to any man, however pure in character or exalted in rank. Besides Paul, in the epistle to the Hebrews, distinctly applies it to our Lord, ch. 1. 8,9. When thus interpreted it is clear, consistent, and noble. P.—The King. This King is Messiah, 'God manifest in the flesh,' exalted to glory; and the words given by the Spirit to the prophet are the words of the Father to his beloved Son. See He. 1. 1, 5, 6, 8-13. C.

Ver. 9. The queen, not the church universal as 'the bride, the Lamb's wife,' for then could that queen have no 'companions,' Re. 21. 9. Is not this queen rather the primitive Christian church, gathered to the Son of God, Ja. 1. 18; Re. 14. 4, and of which all subsequent ages produce but descendants or companions? C.

Ver. 12. Tyre is particularized as the emblem of all mercantile nations.—Note, In the merciful and overruling providence of God the mercantile has been made the great agent of the missionary enterprise; and the desire of acquiring the wealth of this world has led to the diffusion of the unsearchable riches of Christ. C.

Ver. 16. These words apply not to the bride but to the Bridegroom—the Messiah. The first clause signifies that great though his glory might be as the descendant (after the flesh) of a long line of kings, it would be far surpassed by the glory of his posterity—his spiritual seed. Their name would be more illustrious, their acts would be more noble, and their dominion would be wider and more enduring. How true is this of King Jesus! P.—Fathers. Instead of prophets and apostles, whom I will successively remove from thy head (see 2 Ki. 2. 3; Ro. 9. 5; 1 Co. 4. 15; Re. 21. 14), shall be thine own spiritual children, converted to God by means of thy faithful testimony. C.

Reflections.—Discoveries of Jesus' glory powerfully animate our hearts and tune our tongues to commend him. How glorious is his person as God-man! Rich in grace are the qualities of his heart and words of his mouth. In him it pleased the Father that all fulness of blessings for men should dwell. In almighty power, by his word and influences of his Spirit, he persuaded multitudes in the apostolic age to the obedience of faith: and by the strokes of his justice did and shall destroy his Jewish or other implacable opposers. Having by himself purged our sins, he, as our righteous Saviour, sat down at the right hand of God, as the reward of his righteous service; and is, in the most transcendent manner, filled with the Holy Ghost to shed on us abundantly. In a most glorious and heart-engaging manner his manhood, mediatorial offices, and righteousness appear in the heavens above and in his church and ordinances below. And his people, adorned with gifts and graces, are raised up together, and made to sit together with him. Faithful men, both Jews and Gentiles, in the day of his power, are persuaded to accept the gospel, to renounce all others, and devote themselves entirely to him and his service, as the objects of his gracious and everlasting delight. In shining robes of righteousness, grace, and holy conversation, each in their order are adorned; and after serving their generation by the will of God, they shall be brought and admitted into his heavenly palace with exceeding joy. Instead of Jewish fathers shall there be Gentile converts; and instead of glorified saints shall there be another generation, begotten by the power of his grace, all made kings and priests unto God! Thus by the spread and influence of the gospel shall Jesus' renown and honour be perpetuated on earth, while those in heaven above shall praise him for ever and ever.