A Song From An Overflowing Heart (Day 1)

Ever had one of those moments when you found yourself scrambling for paper and pen because something came to mind you did not want to forget? Not just any “something” but you needed to capture a thought that excited you so terribly that perhaps in your fervor to “get it down” you raised a curious alarm to those around you? “Just give me something!” you scream as you frantically try not lose the light of the epiphany. That’s the scenario that comes to mind when I read, “My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.” (Psalm 45:1)

Who is this scribe? What verses are about to burst from his heart? All the words are on the tip of his tongue and he must get them down lest he swallow them by accident!

First understand that this song is a “maskil”, the Hebrew word describing one of those songs that gets stuck in your head and won’t leave. It’s a song that makes you think because there is wisdom hidden within. If you pay attention and listen--really listen--the song will work it’s way into your heart. A simple definition is, “ponder” or “contemplate.” Might seem strange to use a song as a teaching tool, but’s really not. We teach children the A,B,C’s with song or communicate moral principles with songs like Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind.” 

You get the idea. That’s what Psalm 45 is all about--something to think about--but “what”?

The beauty of Hebrew poetry is that most often we are told who wrote the song, who the song was intended for, and in most cases, the very tune to which the song is played. This one is a “Lilly” song, a song of love. Over the course of time, we’ve lost exactly what that tune is, but if we are told it’s a love song and it sounds like “Lillies” then we can imagine it must be a song that lifts a fragrant aroma of love, which is appropriate knowing there’s mention of a bride and groom in the lyrics. A celebration of love! Here's a contemporary performance that captures the spirit:



The “sons of Korah” wrote this song for “the choirmaster.” The sons of Korah were descendants of Korah (lived during the time of Moses) and were mostly musicians, passing the talent down from generation to generation. This song was written for lead singers, basically. Speaking more broadly, the song is written for anyone in a leadership position. So listen up.

We’ll spend the rest of the month (hopefully) studying, pondering, contemplating this love song, letting it work it’s way from the page, into our head to into our heart. And maybe, just maybe, fall in love too.