A Study of Psalm 45
Psalm 45
Introduction
- Wed night format; opportunity to study together from our homes
-- Re: Invite someone else to join in - not an exclusive study for "just LFC"
- Psalms are songs of praise and words of encouragement/warning
-- They are also written to give us guidance and encouragement to live for God
- Today's Psalm is about a very familiar event: weddings
- Read Psalm 45:1-17/ Pray
- First institution God established? Marriage!
-- Man and woman joined together … Garden of Eden (Gen 2)
- This is a wedding song - a celebration of preparing for marriage
-- What this does is simple: It celebrates the joining of two lives
- It is written specifically as a song (hymn) for weddings
-- This would've been sung during the wedding ceremony; tune of "Lilies"
-- No one is sure what that song is; but must've been popular
-- Would consider it like pre-amble to the ceremony (based on words)
- Of special interest here, is right off we get insight into Psalmist's mind
- The Rejoicing Psalmist
" Passion is stirred (v1a)
o For the pending ceremony; honor the king
" Tongue is skilled to compose (v1b)
o Will use his pen to celebrate all that is happening.
Point 1 - The Groom and the Bride
- Then, he takes time to describe the groom and his glory
-- Keep in mind, the groom would've been royalty - deserving of praise
-- Therefore, his words amplify that honor being bestowed on him
- The Royal Groom
" Gracious words (v2)
o He is a godly man; speaks grace to all he knows
o Evidence of a life blessed by God … professes honor
" Girded sword (v3)
o Generals would gird their sword for battle; sign of power
o They would dress in fancy uniforms to show authority
" Glorious majesty (v4)
o He would be a symbol of victory; majesty going before him
o His authority and acts would be signs of his supremacy
" Grand victories (v5)
o In battle, he would be victorious
o He is celebrated for defeating many enemies
" Governing scepter (v6-7)
o Change of person being celebrated
o The king would rule, but under the authority of God's throne
o The true king would have all power; under what God has given
" Glad heart (v8)
o He would be adorned in royal garbs
o Scented and ornate, others would be in awe
" Gathered guests (v9)
o People would come from near and far to be a part of this
o This would be the "event of the year"
- APP: The groom is a sight to behold; worthy of great honor from his guests
- The Radiant Bride
" Separation from family (v10)
o The bride is being asked to forget where she came from
o Focus on what is ahead … life's work
" Her submission to her groom is critical (v11)
o Show reverence, respect, honor, and love to the king
" Her supporters from afar (v12)
o Gifts will come from all around; city of Tyre mentioned
- APP: The bride has a specific mission: To focus on the groom
Point 2 - The Wedding Ceremony
- The Regal Procession
" Her attire (v13-14)
o Look at how the bride is adorned: dress woven with gold
" Her attendants (v14b)
o She is led, more than likely carried, by her attendants
o She is being presented as a cherished gift - a beautiful gift
" Her approach (v15)
o Leading her they sing, shout, celebrate her entrance
o Consider: The bride is presented to the groom as an offering
- APP: Truly this is a joyous occasion; an entrance fit for the groom's honor
- The Reigning Offspring
" His sons are princes (v16)
o The offspring are promised to be a mighty dynasty
o A legacy to be treasured and honored for all time
o Future sons would be princes, crowned for royal leadership
" His success is perpetuated (v17)
o The Psalmist pledges to remember the king/ceremony for all time
o It is the purpose of this writing; to honor the king
- TRANS: So, why is the wedding so important to us?
Big Idea
- Many believe it is not just any wedding, but describes the church's future
- Turn and read Revelation 19:1-10
- In the end days, Jesus will celebrate the marriage of his bride to himself
-- It will be Jesus' celebration of his bride, a celebration to remember
- Like to honor a man of faith who met Jesus face to face today
- "My home is in heaven. I'm just passing through this world.", Rev Billy Graham
- What if we all looked ahead; wanting to see the bride and groom together?
- How different could this world be? How different could we be?
- Pray (for focus, determination, faithfulness to the Lord)
