"Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made Thee glad." Psalm 45: 8

Sunday, September 4, 2011

What's in a name?

Psalm 45 sings of the king's wedding, and most Christian commentators agree that "One greater than Solomon" is spoken of here.  It is a delight to think of the marriage of the Lamb to His bride, the church. That note of joy is not absent from this psalm! Verse 8 is particularly rich, depicting a fragrant, beautiful setting for that glorious day. The walls are decorated with inlaid ivory. The air is sweet with spices. The sound (this is what intrigues me) is resonant with music from stringed instruments. And the psalmist adds that this sound gladdens the heart of the King. "...stringed instruments have made Thee glad."

The humanity of Christ is insisted upon by the Scriptures, but little glimpses of that humanity can sometimes surprise. This verse is one example. I find music to be stirring, and music from stringed instruments particularly so. Psalm 45 tells me that the King of kings feels the same way.

My hope is that from our little shop, our "ivory palace" here in East Texas, stringed instruments go forth that stir the soul and gladden the hearers. And just maybe capture some of the joy of the great Day that is coming.

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