An anonymous wedding song

Psalm 45-47

As far as I am aware, no one is sure exactly which king is getting married in Psalm 45. Rather than detract from the song, though, this anonymity amplifies the emotion that drips from every word. If we knew whose nuptials were being celebrated, we'd be irresistibly tempted to read biographical and historical context into this expression of unadulterated joy. As it is, we can allow ourselves to be swept up and carried away by the exuberance.

What more joyful refrain could there be than "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever" (Psalm 45:6)? God, who is Alpha and Omega, is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). And weddings are celebrations of earthly unions that resonate into eternity, and as we learn later in the Bible, they have specific, supernatural significance (Ephesians 5) too. Here that significance is prefigured; though the king was a historical person, he anticipates Jesus the King as well. "The nations will praise you for ever and ever" (Psalm 45:17). May it always be so!