Psalms 45

1 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.

To the chief music-maker; put to Shoshannim. Of the sons of Korah. Maschil. A Song of loves. My heart is flowing over with good things; my words are of that which I have made for a king; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

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

You are fairer than the children of men; grace is flowing through your lips; for this cause the blessing of God is with you for ever.

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

Put on your sword, make it ready at your side, O strong chief, with your glory and power.

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

And go nobly on in your power, because you are good and true and without pride; and your right hand will be teaching you things of fear.

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

Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's haters; because of them the peoples are falling under you.

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

Your seat of power, O God, is for ever and ever; the rod of your kingdom is a rod of honour.

7 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.

You have been a lover of righteousness and a hater of evil: and so God, your God, has put the oil of joy on your head, lifting you high over all other kings.

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

Your robes are full of the smell of all sorts of perfumes and spices; music from the king's ivory houses has made you glad.

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

Kings' daughters are among your noble women: on your right is the queen in gold of Ophir.

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

O daughter, give thought and attention, and let your ear be open; no longer keep in mind your people, and your father's house;

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

So will the king have a great desire for you, seeing how beautiful you are; because he is your lord, give him honour.

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

And the daughters of Tyre will be there with an offering; those who have wealth among the people will be looking for your approval.

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

In the great house the king's daughter is all shining: her clothing is worked with gold.

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

She will come before the king in robes of needlework; the virgins in her train will come before you.

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

With joy and rapture will they come; they will go into the king's house.

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

Your children will take the place of your fathers; so that you may make them rulers over all the earth.

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

I will keep the memory of your name living through all generations; and because of this the people will give you praise for ever.