Becoming part of the Bride

In traditional Judaism, Psalm 45:14, part of verses 13 through 16, is cited as the image of the woman with the nature developed by the Most High. She possesses tsniut. Literally, this means that she knows how to conduct herself. And she expresses this in her behavior and the way she dresses. But not only in appearance. She has a vision of life that gives her direction, and her femininity has developed. Psalm 45:14, “The king’s daughter is inwardly splendid (“peniema”). Her clothing is of gold brocade.”

David Stern translates this as follows: “Inside the palace, the daughter of the King looks splendid, dressed in a diamond pattern, embroidered with gold thread.” You can also translate it as follows: “The king’s daughter is inwardly, in her innermost being (peniema), full of glory; her garment is of gold brocade.” Compare this word “glory” with Exodus 40:34, which is translated into English as: radiant presence of Adonai; the Hebrew word is: kawod. This glory is present within the inner self of the king’s daughter. She radiates this and displays it in her behavior.

The essence of tzniut in verse 14 can be found in these three points. 1. The Inner Self. The Hebrew word for “innermost” is penima. This indicates inner beauty and dignity. 2. True Glory, kawod. Jewish exegesis, such as the interpretation by Queen Esther, teaches that a woman’s true beauty and radiance do not reside on the outside, but within her inner self, her character, and her integrity. 3. Clothing with gold, zahav. The verse mentions clothing of gold thread. This symbolizes the fact that a woman who cherishes her inner worth naturally shines like pure gold, without the need to ostentatiously display herself to the world.

Yeshua says in John 17:22, “The glory that You gave Me, I have given to My disciples, that they may be one, just as We are one. I am visible in them and You in Me. So that they may be perfect as a unity. So that the world may realize that You sent Me and that You love them, just as You love Me.” The word “glory” that Yeshua uses here means: glory, honor, brilliance and brightness, excellence, dignity, grace, majesty; and thus also tsniut. It is the Royal majesty of the Messiah.

This glory is given to God’s children, the Daughter of the King, with the purpose that they become one with one another: unity within the kehilla, the congregation. This is the result of the unity between the Messiah and His Bride.

Elze Erwteman