<{a} Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of {b} loves.>> My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

(a) This was a certain tune of an instrument.

(b) Of that perfect love that ought to be between the husband and the wife.

Wesley's Notes

45:1 Enditing - Heb. boileth, or bubbleth up like water over the fire. This denotes that the workings of his heart, were fervent and vehement, kindled by God's grace, and the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Made - Have composed. Pen - He was only the pen or instrument in uttering this song; it was the spirit of God, by whose hand this pen was guided.

King James Translators' Notes

Maschil: or, of instruction

is inditing: Heb. boileth, or, bubbleth up

Scofield Reference Notes

[1] Shoshannim

Shoshannim, "lilies," and so, the spring; the Shoshannim Psalms were probably connected with the Passover season, and hence reminders of redemption out of bondage, and of the origins of Israel.

[2] king

This great psalm of the King, with Psalms 46.-47., obviously looks forward to the advent in glory. The reference in Heb 1:8,9 is not Song much to the anointing as an event Mt 3:16,17 as to the permanent state of the King. Cf. Isa 11:1,2.

The divisions are:

(1) The supreme beauty of the King (Ps 45:1,2);

(2) the coming of the King in glory Ps 45:3-5 Rev 19:11-21.

(3) the deity of the King and character of His reign Ps 45:6,7 Heb 1:8,9 Isa 11:1-5.

(4) as associated with Him in earthly rule, the queen is presented, Ps 45:9-13 and in that relation the King is not called Elohim See Scofield Note: "Gen 1:1" as in verse 6, but Adonai, the husband name of Deity See Scofield Note: "Gen 15:2".

(5) the virgin companions of the queen, who would seem to be the Jewish remnant. See Scofield Note: "Rom 11:5". Rev 14:1-4 are next seen Ps 45:14,15, and

(6) the Psalm closes with a reference to the earthly fame of the King.

See Psalm 68., next in order of the Messianic Psalms.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

PSALM 45

Ps 45:1-17. Shoshannim-literally, "Lilies," either descriptive of an instrument so shaped, or denoting some tune or air so called, after which the Psalm was to be sung (see on [589]Ps 8:1, title). A song of loves, or, of beloved ones (plural and feminine)-a conjugal song. Maschil-(See on [590]Ps 32:1, title, and [591]Ps 42:1, title) denotes the didactic character of the Psalm; that it gives instruction, the song being of allegorical, and not literal, import. The union and glories of Christ and his Church are described. He is addressed as a king possessed of all essential graces, as a conqueror exalted on the throne of a righteous and eternal government, and as a bridegroom arrayed in nuptial splendor. The Church is portrayed in the purity and loveliness of a royally adorned and attended bride, invited to forsake her home and share the honors of her affianced lord. The picture of an Oriental wedding thus opened is filled up by representing the complimentary gifts of the wealthy with which the occasion is honored, the procession of the bride clothed in splendid raiment, attended by her virgin companions, and the entrance of the joyous throng into the palace of the king. A prediction of a numerous and distinguished progeny, instead of the complimentary wish for it usually expressed (compare Ge 24:60; Ru 4:11, 12), and an assurance of a perpetual fame, closes the Psalm. All ancient Jewish and Christian interpreters regarded this Psalm as an allegory of the purport above named. In the Song of Songs the allegory is carried out more fully. Hosea (Ho 1:1-3:5) treats the relation of God and His people under the same figure, and its use to set forth the relation of Christ and His Church runs through both parts of the Bible (compare Isa 54:5; 62:4, 5; Mt 22:3; 25:1; Joh 3:29; Eph 5:25-32, &c.). Other methods of exposition have been suggested. Several Jewish monarchs, from Solomon to the wicked Ahab, and various foreign princes, have been named as the hero of the song. But to none of them can the terms here used be shown to apply, and it is hardly probable that any mere nuptial song, especially of a heathen king, would be permitted a place in the sacred songs of the Jews. The advocates for any other than the Messianic interpretation have generally silenced each other in succession, while the application of the most rigorous rules of a fair system of interpretation has but strengthened the evidences in its favor. The scope of the Psalm above given is easy and sustained by the explication of its details. The quotation of Ps 45:6, 7 by Paul (Heb 1:8, 9), as applicable to Christ, ought to be conclusive, and their special exposition shows the propriety of such an application.

1. An animated preface indicative of strong emotion. Literally, "My heart overflows: a good matter I speak; the things which I have made," &c.

inditing-literally, "boiling up," as a fountain overflows.

my tongue is the pen-a mere instrument of God's use.

of a ready writer-that is, it is fluent. The theme is inspiring and language flows fast.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

45:1-5 The psalmist's tongue was guided by the Spirit of God, as the pen is by the hand of a ready writer. This psalm is touching the King Jesus, his kingdom and government. It is a shame that this good matter is not more the subject of our discourse. There is more in Christ to engage our love, than there is or can be in any creature. This world and its charms are ready to draw away our hearts from Christ; therefore we are concerned to understand how much more worthy he is of our love. By his word, his promise, his gospel, the good will of God is made known to us, and the good work of God is begun and carried on in us. The psalmist, ver. 3-5, joyfully foretells the progress and success of the Messiah. The arrows of conviction are very terrible in the hearts of sinners, till they are humbled and reconciled; but the arrows of vengeance will be more so to his enemies who refuse to submit. All who have seen his glory and tasted his grace, rejoice to see him, by his word and Spirit, bring enemies and strangers under his dominion.