Chapter 45
(Starting with 42, we are in Book Two of Psalms. These Psalms all seem to be from the "Sons of Korah".)
2023 - There is a definite shift in the emphasis - the foundation - of the Psalms in Book 2 as contrasted with Book 1. There are many many Psalms in Book 1 that I would call Psalms of Comfort. In Book 2, the Psalms seem more "earthbound" at least so far, and more Psalms of Request for Vengeance.
This Psalm praises God as King, overpowering all, majestic in appearance and action.
2021 - No, I don't think so. The intro says this is a love song from the Sons of Korah, and then vs 1 says it is addressed to the King. I think this is written to a living, current in their time, physical King. Perhaps to David. And where does it go if we look at it that way?
2021 - Perhaps vss 1-5 are a picture of the Conquering King, far in the future, and of some current (David?) king as iconic of that future time. I can see it being about that. Then vs 6 turns eyes to the throne of God in heaven, not as a change of view, but as the source of the sovereignty of this earthly king, or the future Conquering King. But it is still the icon that is in view.
Some interesting verses here...and is this about the Father, or the future Messiah on his throne?
8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; [Psa 45:8 ESV]
Are these spices the ones used typically as burial spices, and so a reference to the risen Messiah?
9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. 10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father's house, 11 and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him. [Psa 45:9-11 ESV]
Surely this verse would apply to any mortal king, to any man, but God has no queen, nor does Christ. Jesus' bride is the church. MSB says this is picturing a royal court, and that polygamy was common at the time, though prohibited by God's word. I don't think that really explains what's going on in this Psalm...
This is all very "earthly" to me. Almost like they've mistranslated God, or inserted it, when this Psalm was actually written for David or Solomon, not for God. But if it was something like that, MSB would say so I think. This one is difficult.
Second time...This verse:
2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. [Psa 45:2 ESV]
God is not the son of any man. So this isn't about God. Jesus was plain, not handsome. Not about Jesus. This is about an earthly king - just my opinion of course!
In vs 6, the subject changes from an earthly king to God himself. Like this:
6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; [Psa 45:6 ESV]
These verses are perhaps near/far prophecy, referring to a current King and his court immediately, and some parts more about the future kingdom with Christ at the head.
2021 - Hmm...this ends with the princess and her virgin maidens following behind her as she is taken to this King the Psalm is about. That pretty much disconnects it from the Conquering King view entirely. That makes it solely about whomever was king when it was written. It just about has to be about David. Israel really never had any other King that would qualify for this kind of praise, even though we have no idea when it was really written. So the whole vision of this as a near/far prophecy breaks down in those last verses, vss 13-17. This Psalm...should not be the basis of any doctrine or any eschatology.
2022 - It could also be about Solomon, with his many wives, as he presided over "the golden age of Israel". Saul was "the handsomest" man in Israel when he was made King. I think there is also a reference to David being a good looking red-headed guy. But I don't remember any references to Solomon's looks....except as described in Song of Solomon. That lady thought he was pretty handsome. I think Solomon is the most likely subject of this Psalm.