Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 45

Inditing. —A most unfortunate rendering of a word, which, though only used here, must, from the meaning of its derivative (a “pot,” or “cauldron”), have something to do with a liquid, and means either to “boil over” or to “bubble up.” The Septuagint and Vulgate have apparently thought of the bursting out of a fountain: eructavit. Symmachus has, “been set in motion.” The “spring,” or “fountain,” is a common emblem of inspired imagination:

“Ancient founts of inspiration well through all my fancy yet.”

TENNYSON: Locksley Hall.

A good matter. —That is, a theme worthy of a poet’s song. Luther: “A fine song.”

I speak of the things which I have made touching the king. —This rendering follows the Septuagint, Vulgate, and most of the older translations. Perhaps, however, we are to understand Aquila and Symmachus as rendering “my poems;” and undoubtedly the true rendering is, I am speaking: my poem is of a king (not the king, as in the Authorised Version).

My tongue ... —So lofty a theme, so august a subject, inspires him with thoughts that flow freely. The ready or expeditious scribe (Septuagint and Vulgate, “A scribe writing quickly”) was, as we learn from Ezra 7:6, a recognised form of praise for a distinguished member of that body, one of whose functions was to make copies of the Law.

You are fairer. — Better, You are fair; indeed, fairer than, etc. We may thus reproduce the Hebrew expression, which, however grammatically explained, must convey this emphasis. The old versions render: “You are fair with beauty;” or, “You have been made beautiful with beauty.”

Grace is poured into your lips. — Better, A flowing grace is on your lips, which may refer either to the beauty of the mouth, or to the charm of its speech. Cicero, himself the grandest example of his own expression, says of another that “Persuasion had her seat upon his lips;” while Christian commentators have all naturally thought of Him at whose “words of grace” all men wondered.

Therefore. — This word is apparently out of place. But there is nothing harsh in rendering: Therefore, we say, God has blessed you for ever. And we are struck by the emphasis of its occurrence in Psalm 45:7, 17, as well as here. Ewald seems to be right in printing the clause so begun as a kind of refrain. The poet enumerates in detail the beauties of the monarch and his bride, and is interrupted by the acclaim of his hearers, who cannot withhold their approving voices.

Gird your sword ... O most mighty. —Or, perhaps, Gird on your sword in hero guise; or, Gird on your hero’s sword. The object of the poet’s praise is as heroic in war as he is beautiful in person.

With your glory and your majesty. —This adverbial use of the accusatives may be right, but it seems better to take them in apposition with sword. His weapon was the monarch’s glory and pride. Some commentators see here a reference to the custom of girding on the sword said to be still observed at the elevation to the throne of a Persian or Ottoman prince. But the next verse shows that we have rather an ideal picture of the royal bridegroom’s prowess in war.

And in your majesty. —The repetition of this word from the last verse (conjunction included) is suspicious, especially as the Septuagint, followed by the Vulgate, render, “Direct (your arrows or your aim)”.

Ride prosperously ... —Literally, proceed, ride; expressing, according to a common Hebrew usage, by two verbs what we express by adverb and verb.

Because of ... —Better, In behalf of. So Septuagint and Vulgate. There is a difficulty from the absence of the conjunction in the Hebrew before the last of the triad of virtues. The Septuagint have it, but may have supplied it, as the Authorised Version does. Some render, “meek righteousness,” or, slightly changing the pointing, “the afflicted righteous.”

And your right hand shall teach ... —If we keep this rendering, we must picture the warrior with his right hand extended, pointing to the foe whom he is about to strike with his deadly arrows. But even this seems somewhat tame; and since the verb rendered “teach” is used for “shooting arrows” in 1 Samuel 20:20, and “arrows” are mentioned immediately in the next verse, it seems obvious to render: And your right hand shall shoot terrors, or, terribly. .

Your arrows. —Our version has transposed the clauses of this verse. The original is more vivid.

Your arrows are sharpened—
The people under You fall—
Against the heart of the king’s enemies.

The poet actually sees the battle raging before him.