Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 45:12

"And the daughter of Tyre [shall be there] with a gift; The rich among the people shall entreat thy favor." — Psalms 45:12 (ASV)

And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift - On the situation of Tyre, and its ancient splendor, see the notes at (Matthew 11:21); the introduction to (Isaiah 23); and the notes at that chapter. In the time of the psalmist, it was probably the most wealthy and luxurious commercial town then existing. It is referred to here as meaning that persons of highest rank, of the greatest riches, and those most surrounded by affluence and luxury, would come to honor the king. Even the daughter of the magnificent prince of Tyre would deem it an honor to be present with a gift suitable for her exalted station and properly representing the wealth of such a magnificent king.

This is the imagery. As applied to the Messiah, it is a description of the honor that would be shown to him by those of highest rank and greatest wealth. Compare (Isaiah 60:5–7), note; (Isaiah 60:9), note; (Isaiah 60:11), note; (Isaiah 60:13) note.

Even the rich among the people - This refers to rich men scattered among the people. Compare the notes at (Psalms 22:29).

Shall entreat thy favor - Margin, as in Hebrew, thy face. This means they shall desire your smile, the light of your countenance, your friendship. The word rendered “entreat” - חלה châlâh - properly means to be rubbed, then to be polished. In the form used here (Piel), it means to rub or stroke the face of anyone, to soothe or caress, and to flatter and court. The idea is literally that of one who caresses, soothes, or seeks to conciliate.

The sense here is, “the richest of the nations shall make court to you with gifts” (Gesenius, Lexicon).

Ultimately, this will be true in regard to the Messiah. Compare as above, (Isaiah 60). The wealth of the world will yet be laid at his feet and placed at his disposal. The effect of true conversion is always to make people willing to consecrate to the Savior all that they possess.