Stephen begins by highlighting Psalm 45 as one of the most beautiful psalms in the Bible, emphasizing its theme of love and divine union. He explains that this psalm is not merely romantic but a sacred song inspired by the Spirit of God, symbolizing the love and marriage between Christ and His Church. The psalm is called the "Song of Love," reflecting the mutual, responsive love between the King (Christ) and the Queen (the Church). It was sung in the temple as an act of worship, with lilies symbolizing purity and divine care. Stephen notes that the psalm's heart is filled with the revelation of Christ and His union with the Church, making the entire Bible an open book when this truth is understood. The psalm describes Christ as the fairest of men, full of grace, who conquers with truth, meekness, and righteousness—overcoming lies, selfishness, and evil. His work, glory, and marriage are depicted vividly, with His throne eternal and His garments fragrant with spices, symbolizing His righteousness and divine beauty. The psalm also portrays the Church as the glorious Queen, adorned in gold and embroidered garments, prepared for her union with Christ. Stephen urges believers to abandon worldly ties, fully dedicate themselves to Christ, and live lives of true worship—devoted, abandoned, and clothed in righteousness—ready for the eternal marriage with Him.
1 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. 2 Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever. 3 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. 4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. 5 Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.
6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. 7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad. 9 Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.
10 Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house; 11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him. 12 And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour. 13 The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold. 14 She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee. 15 With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king’s palace. 16 Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth. 17 I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.