Psalms 45:13 KJV

The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.

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Psalms 45:13 Bible Commentary

Psalms 45:13 Commentary

Bible Verse: "The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold."

Introduction

The 45th Psalm is often regarded as a royal wedding song, celebrating the union of the king and his bride. Within the context of this Psalm, verse 13 speaks profoundly to the beauty and glory of the king's daughter, representing not only her physical adornment but also her inner virtues and spiritual state. This commentary delves into the insights provided by various public domain scholars, enhancing our understanding of the text.

Matthew Henry's Insights

Overall Context: Matthew Henry emphasizes the tone of the entire Psalm as one of celebration. The psalmist vividly portrays the beauty of the king's daughter, which implies not merely her external charm but her character and conduct.

  • Glory Within: Henry points out that the commendation of her being “all glorious within” signifies inner beauty. In this context, it reflects qualities such as virtue, piety, and integrity.
  • Symbol of the Church: Henry suggests that the king’s daughter can be seen as an image of the church. Just as the bride is adorned from within, so is the church expected to be pure and filled with godliness, radiating glory that surpasses mere outward appearances.

Albert Barnes' Observations

King's Daughter as a Metaphor: Barnes interprets the “king’s daughter” as a representation of `affluent grace` and indicates that this reference transcends the physical, pointing toward spiritual significance.

  • Wrought Gold: The detail of her clothing being “of wrought gold” serves to highlight the intricacies of divine workmanship. This selection speaks to how God adorns His people, emphasizing a beauty that is not only seen but also felt.
  • Spiritual Significance: Barnes further elaborates that this beauty is indicative of richness in grace and that true glory stems from one’s relationship with God. The adornments of the soul, such as love, faith, and holiness, should eclipse the physical.

Adam Clarke’s Contribution

Examination of Terms: Adam Clarke takes a closer look at the specifics of the text, observing how the phrase “all glorious within” suggests completeness and fulfillment in the spiritual life of the individual.

  • Fashioning of Garments: Clarke notes that “wrought gold” implies a process of refinement and artistry, which serves as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of believers. As their faith matures, they are increasingly adorned with the fruits of the Spirit.
  • Character Reflecting Glory: He reinforces the idea that what truly matters about a person is their character, which should shine brighter than any physical attire, suggesting that one's inner beauty is vital.

Theological Reflections

When theologians reflect on this verse, they often relate it to both Christ's relationship with the church and the individual believer's journey toward holiness and virtue.

  • The Church's Identity: Many suggest that the description of the king’s daughter exemplifies how the church, as the collective body of believers, should embody purity and beauty in Christ, marked by holy living.
  • Personal Application: For individual believers, this verse serves as a call to cultivate inner godliness. The emphasis on the inner glory highlights the necessity for Christians to pursue spiritual growth and to let their light shine forth through their actions and attitudes.

Conclusion

Psalms 45:13 serves as a rich tapestry of spiritual symbolism and exhortation. The reflections drawn from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke offer deep insights that encourage believers, students, and scholars alike to seek after true beauty that begins within. This verse implores us to become adorned with the qualities of grace and holiness, like the king’s daughter, so that our lives may reflect the glory of God to the world.