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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 45:1-5

Some make Shoshannim, in the title, to signify an instrument of six strings; others take it in its primitive signification for lilies or roses, which probably were strewed, with other flowers, at nuptial solemnities; and then it is easily applicable to Christ who calls himself the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys, Song 2:1. It is a song of loves, concerning the holy love that is between Christ and his church. It is a song of the well-beloved, the virgins, the companions of the bride... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 45:1

My heart is inditing a good matter ,.... What is valuable and excellent, concerning the excellency of Christ's person, of his kingdom, of his love to the church, and of the church itself; what is pleasant and delightful, comfortable, useful, and profitable: this his heart was inditing; which shows that it was under the sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit, and denotes the fervour of it; it "boiling up", as the word F24 רחש "ebullit", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; so... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 45:2

Thou art fairer than the children of men ,.... Here begins the psalm, and this is an address to the King Messiah, the subject of it, commending him for his beauty and comeliness; which is not to be understood of his divine beauty or his glory, as the only begotten of the Father, in which he is the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person; for this admits of no comparison, nor is the beauty of angels and men to be mentioned with it; but of the beauty of his human nature,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 45:3

Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty ,.... As Christ is, the mighty God, even the Almighty, and which appears by his works of creation and providence; by the redemption of his people; by his care and government of them; by succouring them under all their temptations and afflictions; by strengthening them for every service, duty, and suffering; by pleading their cause, and supplying their wants; by preserving them to his kingdom and glory; by raising them from the dead at the last... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 45:4

And in thy majesty ride prosperously ,.... Not literally, as was prophesied of him he should, and as he did, Zechariah 9:9 ; but mystically and spiritually, either in the chariots of angels up to heaven, Psalm 68:17 ; or on the white horse of the Gospel, with his bow and arrows after mentioned, conquering and to conquer, Revelation 6:2 ; and where he rides "in his majesty", showing forth his glory both as a divine Person and as Mediator; and which is very conspicuous in the Gospel,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 45:5

Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies ,.... Meaning either the Jews, who were the implacable enemies of Christ, and who would not have him to reign over them; in the midst of whom were sent his arrows, of the sword, famine, and pestilence, and which were very sharp, and made sad havoc among them, and caused such a time of tribulation as was not before, or has been since, Matthew 24:21 ; or else the doctrines of the Gospel. The Scriptures are the quiver out of which... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 45:1

My heart is inditing a good matter - רחש rachash , boileth or bubbleth up, as in the margin. It is a metaphor taken from a fountain that sends up its waters from the earth in this way. The Vulgate has eructavit, which is most literally translated by the old Psalter: Mi hert ryfted gude word. My heart belcheth - Anglo-Saxon. I speak of the things which I have made touching the king - למלך מעשי אני אמר , literally, "I dedicate my work unto the king." Or, as the Psalter, I say my... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 45:2

Thou art fairer than the children of men - By whom are these words spoken? As this is a regular epithalamium, we are to consider that the bride and bridegroom have compliments paid them by those called the friends of the bridegroom, and the companions or maids of the bride. But it seems that the whole Psalm, except the first verse, was spoken by those who are called in the title ידידת yedidoth , the beloved maids, or female companions, who begin with his perfections, and then describe... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 45:3

Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty - This clause should be translated, O hero, gird thy sword upon thy thigh! This, I think, cannot be spoken of Solomon. He was not a warlike prince: he never did any feats of arms. It has been said he would have been a warrior, if he had had enemies; it might have been so: but the words more properly apply to Christ, who is King of kings, and Lord of lords; whose sword with two edges, proceeding from his mouth, cuts all his adversaries to pieces. ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 45:4

In thy majesty ride prosperously - These words cannot be spoken of Solomon; they are true only of Christ. His riding is the prosperous progress of his Gospel over the earth. He uses no sword but the sword of the Spirit; and what religion, system of truth, pretended or real, ever made such progress as the religion of Christ has done, without one sword being ever drawn to propagate it from the first introduction of Christianity to the present time? His Gospel is Truth, proclaiming Humility, ... read more

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