Christians feel compelled to recite this psalm in praise of the Messiah-King. The Jewish tradition before him did the same, but Christians must make an additional adjustment. The ‘bride’ is no longer the old Israel but the new ‘Israel of God,’ the new Jerusalem prepared as a bride, adorned for her husband (Rev 21:2). More specifically, the liturgy identifies this bride with those who have dedicated their virginity to God. Yet, the original meaning of the psalm is also beautiful. Love and marriage are seen as noble, God-blessed things when wife and husband help each other to work ‘for the cause of truth, goodness, and right.’
This psalm might have been written for the marriage of an Israelite king to a foreign princess. It could also be a poetic call for God’s chosen people to enter into a covenant with Him, their spouse fully. God made his presence known through his King–Messiah, whom he anointed (v. 9). Israel is a participant in this divine marriage, along with all nations that accept God’s revelation and salvation.
This idea can also apply to the Church and to each of us. Baptism is a complete gift to Christ. While our words and gestures express this gift, we already belong to Him, and there is no such thing as too long of a life to make that a reality.
‘Forget your fathers and think of your sons’ (v. 17). Here, we see Jesus’ promises to those who leave everything to serve him.