What does Psalm 45:2 mean?

The psalmist compliments his king in this verse. He describes him as the most handsome man among men. This exaggeration for effect is typical of songs in any era; modern lyrics commonly use phrases such as "most beautiful…in the world" without being overly literal. Here, the writer is celebrating an unspecified wedding (Psalm 45:1,9). Later portions of the psalm depict the eternal, unending line of kings, and can be prophetically applied to Jesus Christ.

This compliment does not, however, apply to Jesus. He did not appear handsome when He ministered on earth. Isaiah 53:2 describes Him as having "no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him." However, the period of Jesus' humiliation is over, and the time of His glorification is soon to arrive. Isaiah 33:17 says, "Your eyes will behold the king in his beauty."

God's blessing also pours out on the subject's speech. This depiction would apply to Christ. Those who heard Him "marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth" (Luke 4:22).