‏ Psalms 45

* This psalm is a prophecy of Messiah the Prince, and points to

him as a Bridegroom espousing the church to himself, and as a

King ruling in it, and for it.1-5 The psalmist's tongue was guided by the Spirit of God, as

the pen is by the hand of a ready writer. This psalm is touching

the King Jesus, his kingdom and government. It is a shame that

this good matter is not more the subject of our discourse. There

is more in Christ to engage our love, than there is or can be in

any creature. This world and its charms are ready to draw away

our hearts from Christ; therefore we are concerned to understand

how much more worthy he is of our love. By his word, his

promise, his gospel, the good will of God is made known to us,

and the good work of God is begun and carried on in us. The

psalmist, ver. #3-5|, joyfully foretells the progress and

success of the Messiah. The arrows of conviction are very

terrible in the hearts of sinners, till they are humbled and

reconciled; but the arrows of vengeance will be more so to his

enemies who refuse to submit. All who have seen his glory and

tasted his grace, rejoice to see him, by his word and Spirit,

bring enemies and strangers under his dominion. 6-9 The throne of this almighty King is established for ever.

While the Holy Spirit leads Christ's people to look to his

cross, he teaches them to see the evil of sin and the beauty of

holiness; so that none of them can feel encouragement to

continue in sin. The Mediator is God, else he had been neither

able to do the Mediator's work, nor fit to wear the Mediator's

crown. God the Father, as his God in respect to his human nature

and mediatorial offices, has given to him the Holy Spirit

without measure. Thus anointed to be a Prophet, Priest, and

King, Christ has pre-eminence in the gladdening gifts and graces

of the spirit, and from his fulness communicates them to his

brethren in human nature. The Spirit is called the oil of

gladness, because of the delight wherewith Christ was filled, in

carrying on his undertakings. The salvation of sinners is the

joy of angels, much more of the Son. And in proportion as we are

conformed to his holy image, we may expect the gladdening gifts

influences of the Comforter. The excellences of the Messiah, the

suitableness of his offices, and the sufficiency of his grace,

seem to be intended by the fragrance of his garments. The church

formed of true believers, is here compared to the queen, whom,

by an everlasting covenant, the Lord Jesus has betrothed to

himself. This is the bride, the Lamb's wife, whose graces are

compared to fine linen, for their purity; to gold, for their

costliness: for as we owe our redemption, so we owe our

adorning, to the precious blood of the Son of God. 10-17 If we desire to share these blessings, we must hearken to

Christ's word. We must forget our carnal and sinful attachments

and pursuits. He must be our Lord as well as our Saviour; all

idols must be thrown away, that we may give him our whole heart.

And here is good encouragement, thus to break off from former

alliances. The beauty of holiness, both on the church and on

particular believers, is, in the sight of Christ, of great

price, and very amiable. The work of grace is the workmanship of

the Spirit, it is the image of Christ upon the soul, a partaking

of the Divine nature. It is clear of all sin, there is none in

it, nor any comes from it. There is nothing glorious in the old

man or corrupt nature; but in the new man, or work of grace upon

the soul, every thing is glorious. The robe of Christ's

righteousness, which he has wrought out for his church, the

Father imputes unto her, and bestows upon her. None are brought

to Christ, but those whom the Father brings. This notes the

conversion of souls to him. The robe of righteousness, and

garments of salvation, the change of raiment Christ has put upon

her. Such as strictly cleave to Christ, loving him in singleness

of heart, are companions of the bride, who partake of the very

same grace, enjoy the same privileges, and share in one common

salvation. These, every one, shall be brought to the King; not

one lost or left behind. Instead of the Old Testament church,

there shall be a New Testament church, a Gentile church. In the

believing hope of our everlasting happiness in the other world,

let us always keep up the remembrance of Christ, as our only way

thither; and transmit the remembrance of him to succeeding

generations, that his name may endure for ever