Psalm 45

Psalm 45

For the choir director: A love song to be sung to the tune “Lilies.” A psalm of the descendants of Korah.

1 Beautiful words stir my heart.
I will recite a lovely poem about the king,
for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet.2 You are the most handsome of all.
Gracious words stream from your lips.
God himself has blessed you forever.3 Put on your sword, O mighty warrior!
You are so glorious, so majestic!4 In your majesty, ride out to victory,
defending truth, humility, and justice.
Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds!5 Your arrows are sharp, piercing your enemies’ hearts.
The nations fall beneath your feet.6 Your throne, O God,t endures forever and ever.
You rule with a scepter of justice.7 You love justice and hate evil.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you,
pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.8 Myrrh, aloes, and cassia perfume your robes.
In ivory palaces the music of strings entertains you.9 Kings’ daughters are among your noble women.
At your right side stands the queen,
wearing jewelry of finest gold from Ophir!10 Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say.
Forget your people and your family far away.11 For your royal husband delights in your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord.12 The princess of Tyret will shower you with gifts.
The wealthy will beg your favor.13 The bride, a princess, looks glorious
in her golden gown.14 In her beautiful robes, she is led to the king,
accompanied by her bridesmaids.15 What a joyful and enthusiastic procession
as they enter the king’s palace!16 Your sons will become kings like their father.
You will make them rulers over many lands.17 I will bring honor to your name in every generation.
Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever.

PSALMS 45

For a Royal Wedding

1 My thoughts are filled
with beautiful words
for the king,
and I will use my voice
as a writer would use
pen and ink.

2 No one is as handsome as you!
Your words are always kind.
That is why God
will always bless you.

3 Mighty king, glorious ruler,
strap on your sword

4 and ride out in splendor!
Win victories for truth
and mercy and justice.
Do fearsome things
with your powerful arm.

5 Send your sharp arrows
through enemy hearts
and make all nations fall
at your feet.

6  t You are God, and you will rule
forever as king.t
Your royal power
brings about justice.

7 You love justice and hate evil.
And so, your God chose you
and made you happier
than any of your friends.

8 The sweet aroma of the spices
myrrh, aloes, and cassia
covers your royal robes.
You enjoy the music of harps
in palaces decorated
with ivory.

9 Daughters of kings are here,
and your bride stands
at your right side,
wearing a wedding gown
trimmed with pure gold.t

10 Bride of the king,
listen carefully to me.
Forget your own people
and your father's family.

11 The king adores you.
He is your master,
so do what he desires.

12 All of the richest people
from the city of Tyre
will try to influence you

13 with precious treasures.
Your bride, my king,
has inward beauty, t
and her wedding gown is woven
with threads of gold.

14 Wearing the finest garments,
she is brought to you,
followed by her young friends,
the bridesmaids.

15 Everyone is excited,
as they follow you
to the royal palace.

16 Your sons and your grandsons
will also be kings
as your ancestors were.
You will make them rulers
everywhere on earth.

17 I will make your name famous
from now on,
and you will be praised
forever and ever.