Establish my footsteps in Your Word ~ Psalm 119:133

Summary Statement
This Psalm is a celebration of marriage, clearly pointing to King Jesus in all His splendor and majesty as He is united to His bride, the church.

Outline
l. Opening Remarks from the Poet (v.1)
ll. Description of the King (v.2-9)
lll. Instructions for the Bride (v.10-15)
lV. Blessings from the Poet (v.16-17)

Genre
This Psalm is classified as a Royal Psalm, which speaks of the office, character and/or the activity of the king. These were written to celebrate momentous occasions in the life of a king, such as his coronation, wedding and successful military campaigns.

Interpretation
We must see this Psalm in its fullest context by pulling Hebrews 1:8 into the discussion as well as other wedding/marriage passages in the Old and New Testament.

Hebrews 1:8 (NASB), of the excellencies of Jesus Christ, “But of the Son He says, Your throne O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom”.

Ephesians 5:25-27 (NASB)
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,
26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

Isaiah 62:1-5 (ESV)
1 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,
until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,
and her salvation as a burning torch.
2 The nations shall see your righteousness,
and all the kings your glory,
and you shall be called by a new name
that the mouth of the LORD will give.
3 You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD,
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
4 You shall no more be termed Forsaken,
and your land shall no more be termed Desolate,
but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,
and your land Married; for the LORD delights in you,
and your land shall be married.
5 For as a young man marries a young woman,
so shall your sons marry you,
and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
so shall your God rejoice over you.

Ancient Jewish Wedding

The parallels between a Jewish wedding and the relationship between Christ and His bride the church is unmistakable.

Arrangement
Usually the father of the groom set about choosing a bride for his son (see Abraham/Isaac). Notice that in Ephesians 1:3, “He chose us”!

Engagement (Betrothal)
The couple still lived apart while negotiations took place between the groom’s and bride’s family for a dowry. Payment was necessary to the bride’s family for the loss they incurred as a working member of their family was about to go forth.

A marriage contract was drawn up containing the provisions and conditions of the proposal of marriage: The groom made a promise of support and sacrifice for the bride’s well-being (John 10:11 – Good shepherd lays down his life!). The bride made binding commitments to providing value to her new family, love, nurture, etc. And not only was this a legal and moral agreement between the bride and groom, but it was also between the families.

The betrothal period was a time of preparation for both of them:
Groom – preparing their new living quarters, attached to the groom’s parents house.
Bride – also preparing for the wedding, finding the finest linens and jewelry, and also proving that she was a virgin (at least 9 months had to pass).

Wedding
There was a procession from the groom’s house to the bride’s house, unannounced and unexpected, with the groom and his entourage to fetch his new wife. Then there was a grand procession back to the groom’s house

Consummation
After the ceremony itself, the bride and groom would retreat to a private room to consummate the marriage and then afterwards hang the bloody sheets outside the door for all to see that she was indeed a virgin.

Celebration
There was a great feast (food, desserts and wine) along with music and dancing. The guests included friends, neighbors, relatives, even strangers. The wedding celebrations often lasted for 5-7 days, maybe even two weeks.

Description of the King

1). His Character

• Truth, humility and righteousness.
• Jesus excels in all these desirable characteristics!

2). His Words

• No one ever spoke the way this man does – John 7:46
• Gracious words were falling from His lips – Luke 4:22

3). His Valor

• The Mighty One – “the true hero”; stronger than lions (Saul/Jonathan 2 Sam 1:23); prevail (Moses Exodus 17:11); a powerful/influential leader; Gabriel – uses this word group (mighty man of God).
• Gird – ready for battle.
• Ride on – press forward/break through/complete successfully.
• Sharp arrows – figure of speech representing all weapons – anticipation of victory.

4). His Position

• Your Throne O God – Hebrews 1:8 is clear reference to Jesus Christ.
• God, Your God – Jesus Christ is God in the flesh!

Instructions for the Bride

1). Forget the Past

• Like Abraham, leave your family (Genesis 12:1).
• Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow… (Luke 9:23).
• For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife (Genesis 2:24).
• We will leave all other loyalties behind if we would be Christ’s bride!!

2). Bow Down in Worship

• Literally bowing the knee in submission and respect.
• Express love and allegiance to the Lord.
• Serve His interests.
• Humble reverence.

3). Look Ahead with Anticipation!

• The bride will have the love of her King (v.11).
• The bride will have joy and gladness (v.15).
• The bride will live in the palace! (v.15).

Blessings from the Poet

• The wish of many sons as a result of their union (see Hebrews 2:10,13, “many sons who will be brought to glory”).
• A perpetual memory through all generations; the praise of the nations, v.17!