What does Psalm 45:12 mean?
ESV: The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people.
NIV: The city of Tyre will come with a gift, people of wealth will seek your favor.
NASB: The daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; The wealthy among the people will seek your favor.
CSB: The daughter of Tyre, the wealthy people, will seek your favor with gifts.
NLT: The princess of Tyre will shower you with gifts. The wealthy will beg your favor.
KJV: And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.
NKJV: And the daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; The rich among the people will seek your favor.
Verse Commentary:
Tyre was a wealthy city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. When David was building his palace, Hiram, King of Tyre, recognized David's kingly position over Israel by sending gifts to him. Second Samuel 5:11 says, "And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, also carpenters and masons who built David a house." In this psalm, an earthly king is being married (Psalm 45:1, 9). The terminology used allows for a prophetic interpretation: a preview of the ministry of Jesus Christ (Psalm 45:6–7; Hebrews 1:8–9).
At His birth, Jesus received gifts fit for a king from the wise men who traveled from the East in search of the king of the Jews (Matthew 2:1–2, 11). Someday, when Jesus, the Son of David and heir to his throne, resides in the New Jerusalem, the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city (Revelation 21:24–26). Today, it is the privilege of Jesus' followers to present gifts to Him. Among those gifts are themselves (Romans 12:1–2), thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18), praise (Hebrews 13:15), obedience to His commands (John 15:1–17), love of others (Matthew 25:40; Galatians 6:9–10; 1 John 6:16–18; James 1:22, 27; 2:14–17), and financial offerings to support the work of ministry and help those in need (1 Corinthians 9:14; 2 Corinthians 8—9; Galatians 6:6).
Some interpreters believe the Hebrew of this verse should indicate that a "daughter," likely intending to be representative of the "people" or the nation in a diplomatic sense, of Tyre will approach the newly married couple with a present. Another view is that the people of Tyre will continue to honor the king of Israel with trade and gifts. Others suggest there might be a minor error in copies of the manuscript, slightly blurring the intended meaning.
Verse Context:
Psalm 45:6–17 describes the glorious king, his bride, and the wedding procession. The original subject of this song was an earthly king and his bride. However, the words also serve as prophecies about the ultimate Davidic King, Jesus Christ.
Chapter Summary:
The psalm begins with the exaggeration for effect common to love songs and works celebrating an earthly king. The groom is described as handsome, powerful, and graceful. The psalm also speaks of an eternal throne—this connects to prophecies about the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12–13; Hebrews 1:8–9). The Bible often uses marriage images to explain the relationship between Christ and the church, including songs such as this.
Chapter Context:
This psalm is often identified as a marriage song, likely ascribing praise to a descendant of David. However, its praise transcends a mortal ruler and his wedding. There are messianic interpretations, noted in the New Testament (Hebrews 1:8–9). These references provide another layer of meaning, as they praise the King of kings, Jesus Christ.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
Accessed 4/28/2024 8:47:46 PM
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