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.

For the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.” A contemplation by the sons of Korah. A wedding song. My heart overflows with a noble theme. I recite my verses for the king. My tongue is like the pen of a skilful writer.

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

You are the most excellent of the sons of men. Grace has anointed your lips, therefore God has blessed you forever.

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

Strap your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendour and your majesty.

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

In your majesty ride on victoriously on behalf of truth, humility, and righteousness. Let your right hand display awesome deeds.

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

Your arrows are sharp. The nations fall under you, with arrows in the heart of the king’s enemies.

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

Your throne, God, is forever and ever. A sceptre of equity is the sceptre of your kingdom.

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 loved righteousness, and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.

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

All your garments smell like myrrh, aloes, and cassia. Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have 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 amongst your honourable women. At your right hand the queen stands 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.

Listen, daughter, consider, and turn your ear. Forget your own people, and also your father’s house.

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

So the king will desire your beauty, honour him, for he is your lord.

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

The daughter of Tyre comes with a gift. The rich amongst the people entreat your favour.

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

The princess inside is all glorious. Her clothing is interwoven with gold.

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

She shall be led to the king in embroidered work. The virgins, her companions who follow her, shall be brought to you.

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

With gladness and rejoicing they shall be led. They shall enter into the king’s palace.

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

Your sons will take the place of your fathers. You shall make them princes in all the earth.

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

I will make your name to be remembered in all generations. Therefore the peoples shall give you thanks forever and ever.