Psalms 45

1 In my inner being I am stirred by a beautiful message which will be sung to the king. The words of this message will be written with a pen by me, a skilled writer.

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 [O King], you are the most handsome man in the world, and you always speak [MTY] eloquently, because God has always blessed you.

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

3 You who are a mighty warrior, put on your sword! You are glorious and majestic.

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

4 Ride on like a great chief to defend the truth that you speak and the fair decisions that you make! Because you are strong [MTY], you will do awesome deeds.

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

5 Your arrows are sharp, and they pierce the hearts of your enemies. Soldiers of many nations will fall dead at your feet.

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

6 The kingdom [MTY] that God will give to you will remain forever. You rule [MTY] people justly.

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

7 You love right actions, and you hate evil actions. Therefore God, your God, has chosen [MTY] you [to be king] and caused you to be happier [MET] than any other king.

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

8 The perfume of various spices is on your robes. [People] (entertain you/make you happy) in ivory palaces by playing stringed instruments.

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

9 Among the women who stay near you [EUP] stay are daughters of [other] kings. And at your right hand stands [your bride], the queen, wearing beautiful ornaments of gold that comes from Ophir.

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

10 [Now I will say something] to your bride: Listen to me carefully [DOU]! Forget the people who live in your home country, forget your relatives!

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

11 Because you are [very], the king will desire [to sleep with] [EUP] you. He is your master, so you must obey him.

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

12 The people from Tyre [city] will bring gifts to you; their rich people will try to persuade you to do favors for them.

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

13 [O king], your bride will be entering the palace wearing beautiful robes made from gold thread.

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

14 While she is wearing a gown that has many colors, her companions will lead her to you. She will have many other young women who accompany her.

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

15 They will be very joyful [DOU] as they are led along to enter your palace.

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

16 Some day, your sons and your grandsons will become kings, just like your ancestors were. You will enable them to become rulers in many countries [HYP].

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

17 And as for me, I will enable people in every generation to remember the great things that you [MTY] have done, and people will praise you forever.

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