Psalms 45

1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies.” A Maskil of the sons of Korah. A love song. My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

For the music director. To the tune “Lilies.” A psalm (maskil) of the sons of Korah. A love song. I am moved to write about this wonderful subject. Let me share what I have written for the king. What I say comes from the pen of a skilled author.

2 You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips, since God has blessed you forever.

You are more handsome than anyone else. You always speak graciously, for God has blessed you forever.

3 Strap your sword at your side, O mighty warrior; appear in your majesty and splendor.

Strap on your sword, mighty warrior, stride out in glory and majesty!

4 In your splendor ride forth in victory on behalf of truth and humility and justice; may your right hand show your awesome deeds.

In your majesty ride out to victory, in the defense of truth, humility, and right, because you are strong and act powerfully.

5 Your arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s foes; the nations fall beneath your feet.

Your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of your enemies; the nations fall under you.

6 Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom.

Your throne comes from God, and lasts forever and ever. The scepter with which you rule is a scepter of fairness.

7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy.

You love what is right and hate what is wrong. That is why God, your God, has placed you above everyone else by anointing you with the oil of joy.

8 All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad.

Your robes are perfumed with aloes, myrrh, and cassia; music played on stringed instruments in palaces decorated with ivory makes you happy.

9 The daughters of kings are among your honored women; the queen stands at your right hand, adorned with the gold of Ophir.

The daughters of kings are among the noblewomen; the queen stands beside you on your right, wearing jewelry made of gold from Ophir.

10 Listen, O daughter! Consider and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house,

Listen to what I have to say, daughter; please pay attention. Don't pine for your people and your family.

11 and the king will desire your beauty; bow to him, for he is your lord.

May the king desire you in your beauty; respect him, for he is your lord.

12 The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; men of wealth will seek your favor.

The people of Tyre will come with gifts; rich people will look for your favor.

13 All glorious is the princess in her chamber; her gown is embroidered with gold.

Inside her preparation room the princess bride looks wonderful in her golden gown.

14 In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions are brought before you.

Wearing her beautiful clothes she is brought to the king, followed by her bridesmaids.

15 They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king.

What a happy, joyful procession enters the king's palace!

16 Your sons will succeed your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land.

Your sons will take the place of your fathers; as princes you will make them rulers throughout the land.

17 I will commemorate your name through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you forever and ever.

Through my words you will be famous through all generations, and nations will praise you forever and ever.