Psalms 45

1 To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves. My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made concerning the king: my tongue [is] 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 fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore 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 upon [thy] thigh, O [most] mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.

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

4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness [and] righteousness; 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 Thy arrows [are] sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; [by which] the people fall under thee.

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

6 Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: the scepter of thy kingdom [is] a scepter of justice.

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 wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath 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 [smell] of myrrh, and aloes, [and] cassia, out of the ivory palaces, by which they have made thee glad.

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

9 Kings daughters [were] among thy honorable women: upon thy right hand stood 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 Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thy ear; forget also thy own 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 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he [is] thy lord; and worship thou him.

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

12 And the daughter of Tyre [shall be there] with a gift; [even] the rich among the people shall entreat thy favor.

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

13 The king's daughter [is] all glorious within: her clothing [is] of wrought gold.

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

14 She shall be brought to the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought to 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 into 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 mayest make princes in all the earth.

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 to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.

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