Psalms 45

The King

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. Psalms 45:1–2

The psalm sings of a king whom Hebrews identifies as the Son. Grace poured into His lips was fulfilled when people wondered at the gracious words of Jesus.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfilled by Luke 4:22 — They 'wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.'
• alluded to by John 1:14 — The Word made flesh, 'full of grace and truth.'

O Most Mighty

Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. Psalms 45:3–5

The King rides out in majesty, with truth, meekness and righteousness, His sword and arrows defeating His enemies. John saw Christ come the same way, riding a white horse and judging in righteousness.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• fulfilled by Revelation 19:11-15 — Faithful and True rides a white horse; a sharp sword goes out of His mouth.
• the same title in Isaiah 9:6 — 'The mighty God.'

The Anointed One

Messiah — the Anointed One

Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Psalms 45:6–7

Hebrews 1 says the Father speaks these words 'unto the Son': the Son is addressed as God with an eternal throne, yet 'God, thy God' anointed Him. It shows the Father and the Son are distinct, and that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Messiah.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quoted by Hebrews 1:8-9 — 'But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever.'
• fulfilled by Acts 10:38 — 'God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power.'
• the same title in Isaiah 61:1 — 'The LORD hath anointed me.'
• fulfilled by Luke 1:32-33 — His throne and kingdom shall have no end.

Myrrh and Aloes

All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad. Psalms 45:8

The King's garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes. Myrrh was brought to the child Jesus, and Nicodemus brought myrrh and aloes to prepare His body for burial.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by John 19:39 — Nicodemus 'brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes.'
• alluded to by Matthew 2:11 — The wise men offered gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The Bridegroom King

Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir. Psalms 45:9–15

The bride is called to leave her father's house, worship the King as her Lord, and be brought to Him. Scripture pictures Christ as the Bridegroom and His prepared people as His bride.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by Revelation 19:7 — 'The marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.'
• alluded to by Revelation 21:2 — The holy city 'prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.'
• alluded to by D&C 109:73-74 — The Church to 'be adorned as a bride' for His coming.

A Name Remembered Forever

I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever. Psalms 45:17

The King's name will be praised through every generation. God has given Jesus a name above every name.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by Philippians 2:9-10 — 'A name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.'