Psalms 45

1 “For the leader of the music. To be accompanied with the Shoshannim. A song of loveliness by the sons of Korah.” My heart is overflowing with a good matter; I will address my work to the king: May my tongue be like the pen of a ready 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 Thou art the fairest of the sons of men; Grace is poured upon thy lips; For God hath blessed thee for ever!

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

3 Gird thy sword to thy thigh, thou hero!-Thy glory and ornament!

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

4 In thy glorious array ride forth victoriously, On account of truth and mildness and justice; And thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things!

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

5 Thine arrows are sharp; Nations shall fall before thee; They shall pierce the hearts of the king's enemies.

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

6 Thy throne is God's for ever and ever; The sceptre of thy kingdom is a sceptre of equity!

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

7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest iniquity; Therefore hath God, thy God, anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows!

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 thy garments are myrrh, aloes, and cassia; From ivory palaces stringed instruments delight thee.

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

9 Daughters of kings are among thy chosen women; On the right hand stands the queen In 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 thine ear; Forget thy people and thy father's house!

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

11 For the king is captivated with thy beauty; He is now thy lord; honor thou him!

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

12 So shall the daughter of Tyre seek thy favor with gifts, The rich among the people.

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

13 All glorious is the king's daughter in her apartment; Her robe is embroidered with gold.

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

14 In variegated garments shall she be led to the king; The virgin companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.

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

15 With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought; They shall enter the king's palace.

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

16 Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, Whom thou shalt make princes through all the land.

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

17 I will make thy name memorable throughout all generations; So shall the nations praise thee for ever and ever!

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