Psalms 45:13 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

The king's daughter, i.e. the spouse; so called, either because she was the daughter of one king, and the wife of another; or because the spouse or wife is sometimes called the husband's daughter; partly because she is supposed to be younger than he; and partly because of that respect and subjection which she oweth to him, and that fatherly care and affection which he oweth to her. See 2 Samuel 12:3 Jeremiah 3:4. So the bridegroom calls his spouse his sister, Song of Solomon 4:9. Thus Livia, the wife of Augustus, is called his sister in ancient coins. Within; either,

1. Even in her retiring chambers in the king's palace, and not only when she showeth herself abroad. Or rather,

2. In her mind and soul, or in spiritual endowments, the excellent virtues and graces wherewith she is accomplished. For,

1. This is opposed to her outward clothing.

2. This being so great and so necessary a qualification of a worthy spouse, it is not likely it should be omitted in her description and commendation, especially when the bridegroom is commended for his inward accomplishments as well as for his outward glory, Psalms 45:4,7

3. The church is this bride, as hath been said and proved before, whose true and chief beauty is inward and spiritual, and not consisting in outward pomp and glory. Her clothing is of wrought gold; her inward perfections do not rest within her, but break forth into virtuous and honourable actions, wherewith she is adorned in the view of the world. This suits well with the style of the Holy Scriptures, wherein the saints are oft said to be clothed with virtues and virtuous actions. See Psalms 132:9 1 Peter 5:5.

Psalms 45:13

13 The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.