Psalms 45:1-17

The poem celebrates the marriage of a king. After the prelude (Psalms 45:1) come addresses to the royal bridegroom (Psalms 45:2) and bride (Psalms 45:10), a description of the bridal procession (Psalms 45:13), and a final address to the king (Psalms 45:16). The marriage of Solomon to the Egyptian princess, of Ahab to Jezebel, of Jehoram to Athaliah, as well as later alliances, have all been suggested as the occasion in view. But while the Ps. had no doubt a historic reference, yet the language used of the king is of such a transcendent character that it could only be strictly true of the Messiah, or ideal King, and we find it quoted with a Messianic meaning in Hebrews 1:8; Hebrews 1:9. The Ps. is consequently used on Christmas Day.

Title.—RV 'Set to Shoshannim.' Shoshannim ('lilies') indicates the melody to which the Ps. is set, or possibly instruments shaped like lilies on which it was played; and A Song of loves describes the nature of the poem.