Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.
With the King established in His glory and gladness (vv. 6-8), the psalm now turns to those gathered around Him, especially the queen at His right hand. The scene is royal and celebratory, fitting the coronation and marriage setting of the psalm. This King is the Son (Hebrews 1:8-9), and here His court and His bride are brought into view.
“Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women.” These are women of high rank and dignity, daughters of kings, present in the court of the King. They are called “honourable” because of their place and nearness to Him. This shows the greatness of His kingdom, that those of highest standing are counted among His attendants. Yet they are not the queen herself, but those who accompany and serve. In the greater fulfillment, this points to those brought near to Christ in His kingdom, for He gathers people of every rank and nation: “And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.” (Revelation 21:24).
“Upon thy right hand did stand the queen.” The right hand is the place of highest favor and honor. The queen stands there as the one nearest to the King, sharing in His dignity and joy. This is not an earthly queen only, but points beyond itself to the bride of Christ, His church, brought into union with Him. As Paul teaches, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25). The Revelation declares “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.” (Revelation 19:7). Her standing at His right hand shows acceptance, nearness, and favor, not by her own worth, but by His grace.
Here the soul may well marvel. Few scenes more wonderfully display the grace of Christ than this: the glorious King just described in majesty, victory, fragrance, and eternal rule now has His bride beside Him. That such a King would receive the unworthy, bring them near, and delight in them is cause for holy wonder. As the apostle writes, “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1:6).
“In gold of Ophir.” Gold speaks of purity, value, and glory. Ophir was known for fine gold (1 Kings 10:11), and here it describes the clothing of the queen. This points to the righteousness in which she is presented. She is not adorned with her own works, but with what is given to her. As it is written, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10). In the New Testament, this is described as being arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, “for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints” (Revelation 19:8). Thus her beauty is derived from Him, and her standing is by His provision.
This gold also shows permanence and honor. She is not barely admitted, but royally adorned. The King does not bring His bride near in shame, but in beauty suited to His court. Therefore, all her glory is from Him, and all her confidence rests in His gift.
This verse sets forth the glory of Christ’s kingdom in the presence of His people and especially His bride, brought near to Him and adorned by Him. Therefore, let the heart rejoice in such favor that sinners should stand near so great a King; let the tongue bless His grace; and let the ear heed His call. As the psalmist declares, “One thing have I desired of the LORD… to behold the beauty of the LORD” (Psalm 27:4), and again, “Hearken, O daughter, and consider” (v.10).
Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.
With the King established in His glory and gladness (vv. 6-8), the psalm now turns to those gathered around Him, especially the queen at His right hand. The scene is royal and celebratory, fitting the coronation and marriage setting of the psalm. This King is the Son (Hebrews 1:8-9), and here His court and His bride are brought into view.
“Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women.” These are women of high rank and dignity, daughters of kings, present in the court of the King. They are called “honourable” because of their place and nearness to Him. This shows the greatness of His kingdom, that those of highest standing are counted among His attendants. Yet they are not the queen herself, but those who accompany and serve. In the greater fulfillment, this points to those brought near to Christ in His kingdom, for He gathers people of every rank and nation: “And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.” (Revelation 21:24).
“Upon thy right hand did stand the queen.” The right hand is the place of highest favor and honor. The queen stands there as the one nearest to the King, sharing in His dignity and joy. This is not an earthly queen only, but points beyond itself to the bride of Christ, His church, brought into union with Him. As Paul teaches, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25). The Revelation declares “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.” (Revelation 19:7). Her standing at His right hand shows acceptance, nearness, and favor, not by her own worth, but by His grace.
Here the soul may well marvel. Few scenes more wonderfully display the grace of Christ than this: the glorious King just described in majesty, victory, fragrance, and eternal rule now has His bride beside Him. That such a King would receive the unworthy, bring them near, and delight in them is cause for holy wonder. As the apostle writes, “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1:6).
“In gold of Ophir.” Gold speaks of purity, value, and glory. Ophir was known for fine gold (1 Kings 10:11), and here it describes the clothing of the queen. This points to the righteousness in which she is presented. She is not adorned with her own works, but with what is given to her. As it is written, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10). In the New Testament, this is described as being arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, “for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints” (Revelation 19:8). Thus her beauty is derived from Him, and her standing is by His provision.
This gold also shows permanence and honor. She is not barely admitted, but royally adorned. The King does not bring His bride near in shame, but in beauty suited to His court. Therefore, all her glory is from Him, and all her confidence rests in His gift.
This verse sets forth the glory of Christ’s kingdom in the presence of His people and especially His bride, brought near to Him and adorned by Him. Therefore, let the heart rejoice in such favor that sinners should stand near so great a King; let the tongue bless His grace; and let the ear heed His call. As the psalmist declares, “One thing have I desired of the LORD… to behold the beauty of the LORD” (Psalm 27:4), and again, “Hearken, O daughter, and consider” (v.10).