Psalms 45:8
All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.
Original Language Analysis
מֹר
smell of myrrh
H4753
מֹר
smell of myrrh
Strong's:
H4753
Word #:
1 of 10
myrrh (as distilling in drops, and also as bitter)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִֽן
H4480
מִֽן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הֵ֥יכְלֵי
palaces
H1964
הֵ֥יכְלֵי
palaces
Strong's:
H1964
Word #:
7 of 10
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
שֵׁ֝֗ן
out of the ivory
H8127
שֵׁ֝֗ן
out of the ivory
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
8 of 10
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
Cross References
Song of Solomon 1:3Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.John 19:39And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.Song of Solomon 4:6Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.
Historical Context
Myrrh, aloes, and cassia were expensive fragrances used for anointing and luxury. Ivory palaces represented extreme wealth. This royal wedding celebration points beyond itself to the ultimate King's glory.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the sensory richness of this verse contribute to understanding Christ's glory?
- What does it mean that the king is 'made glad' in his palace?
Analysis & Commentary
The remarkable declaration: 'All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.' The precious fragrances and luxurious palace setting celebrate royal splendor. Hebrews 1:8-9 quotes the preceding verses as applying to Christ, making this description ultimately christological.