Psalms 45:1
music director <05329> [(Title.) To the chief.]
Or, rather, "To the chief musician upon the hexachords, a didactic ode for the sons of Korah, and a song of loves." {Shoshannim} most probably denotes hexachords, or six-stringed instruments, from {shesh,} "six:" hence the Persian {shasta,} a six-stringed lute. This Psalm is supposed by some to be an epithalamium, or nuptial song, on the marriage of Solomon with Pharaoh's daughter; but with what propriety could Solomon be described as fairer than the children of men, a mighty warrior, a victorious conqueror, and a prince whose throne is for ever and ever? A greater than Solomon is here; and the person described is no other than the Messiah, as is acknowledged by many Jewish writers. The Targum on ver. 3 says, "Thy beauty, {malka meshecha,} O King Messiah, is greater than the children of men;" and the Apostle expressly quotes it as such Heb 1:8, 9. It was probably written by David after Nathan's prophetic address 1 Ch 17:27.
Lilies <07799> [Shoshannim.]
well-written poem <04905> [Maschil. or, of instruction. A song.]
stirred <07370> [is inditing. Heb. boileth, or, bubbleth up.]
beautiful <02896> [a good.]
king <04428> [touching.]
tongue <03956> [tongue.]
Psalms 56:1
[A.M. 2942. B.C. 1062. (Title.) upon {Jonath-elem- rechokim.}]
Or, as it may be rendered, "concerning the dumb dove, (or oppressed band) in distant places," i.e., David, or his companions; though some consider it as the name of a tune, and others a musical instrument.
prayer <04387> [Michtam. or, a golden Psalm.]
Philistines <06430> [when.]
mercy <02603> [Be.]
attacking <07602> [swallow.]
