Verse 1

"To the chief Musician upon a Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of b loves." My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue [is] the pen of a ready writer.

(a) This was a certain tune of an instrument.

(b) Of that perfect love that ought to be between the husband and the wife.

Verse 2

Thou art c fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

(c) Solomon's beauty and eloquence to win favour with his people, and his power to overcome his enemies, is here described.

Verse 4

And in thy majesty d ride prosperously because of truth and meekness [and] righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

(d) He alludes to them, who ride in chariots in their triumphs, showing that the quiet state of a kingdom stands in truth, meekness and justice, and not in worldly pomp and vanity.

Verse 6

Thy e throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom [is] a right sceptre.

(e) Under this figure of this kingdom of justice is set forth the everlasting kingdom of Christ.

Verse 7

Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath f anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

(f) Has established your kingdom as the figure of Christ, which is the peace and joy of the Church.

Verse 8

All thy garments [smell] of myrrh, and aloes, [and] cassia, out of the ivory palaces, g whereby they have made thee glad.

(g) In which the people made you joyful to see them give thanks and rejoice for you.

Verse 9

Kings' daughters [were] among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the h queen in gold of Ophir.

(h) Though he had many king's daughters among his wives, yet he found Pharaoh's daughter best.

Verse 10

i Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;

(i) Under the figure of Pharaoh's daughter, he shows that the Church must cast off all carnal affections to obey Christ only.

Verse 12

And the k daughter of Tyre [shall be there] with a gift; [even] the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.

(k) He signifies that many of those who are rich will be benefactors to the Church, although they do not give perfect obedience to the Gospel.

Verse 13

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

(l) There is nothing feigned or hypocritical but she is glorious both within and without: and even though the Church has not always had this outward glory, the fault is to be imputed only to their own ingratitude.

Verse 16

Instead of thy fathers shall be thy m children, whom thou mayest make princes n in all the earth.

(m) They will have greater graces than their fathers.

(n) He signifies the great compass of Christ's kingdom, which will be sufficient to enrich all his members.

Verse 17

I will make thy o name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.

(o) This must only be referred to Christ and not to Solomon.