Thursday 5 August, 2021

For the director of music. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. A wedding song. 1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. 2 You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever. 3 Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one; clothe yourself with splendour and majesty. 4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds. 5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet. 6 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. 7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. 8 All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad. 9 Daughters of kings are among your honoured women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir. 10 Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house. 11 Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honour him, for he is your lord. 12 The city of Tyre will come with a gift, people of wealth will seek your favour. 13 All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. 14 In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her— those brought to be with her. 15 Led in with joy and gladness, they enter the palace of the king. 16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land. 17 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever

This Psalm is a song of a wedding celebration. Whenever I think of weddings in the Bible, I immediately think of the church – Christ’s Bride. How can I read this and not see Jesus, the anointed one, reflect in verses three to nine? Jesus is humility, truth, and justice. It is said of Jesus that all the nations will fall at his feet. Our Christ loves righteousness and hates wickedness. I am reminded, and encouraged, of who our Saviour is.

Then, in verses ten to fifteen, we are shown the bride. I think of all the ways the church reflects that relationship with Christ through this psalm: we pay careful attention to Him, we forget the ways of the world and put Him first, we honour Him, and we are led to Him. What incredible joy we have in our relationship with the risen King!

Lord, we thank you for the love you show to your church. You are the glorious foundation of all humility, truth, and justice. May we continue to seek and glorify you, as you gift your grace upon us. May we be led with great joy and gladness to you Lord. In your precious name, Jesus.
Amen

Written by Sven Bessesen