Psalms 45

1 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.

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 the most excellent of the sons of men. Grace has anointed your lips, therefore 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 your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendour and your majesty.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 All your garments smell like myrrh, aloes, and cassia. Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made you glad.

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 Kings’ daughters are amongst your honourable women. At your right hand the queen stands in gold of Ophir.

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

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

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 So the king will desire your beauty, honour 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 daughter of Tyre comes with a gift. The rich amongst the people entreat your favour.

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

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

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

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

15 With gladness and rejoicing they shall be led. They shall enter into 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. You shall make them princes in all the earth.

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

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