1To 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 touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.2Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.3Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.4And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.5Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king' enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.6Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.7Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.8All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.9Kings'daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.10Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father' house;11So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.12And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.13The king' daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.14She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.15With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king' palace.16Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth.17I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.
Psalm 45
New International Reader’s Version
For the director of music. A maskil of the Sons of Korah. A wedding song to the tune of ‘Lilies’.
1My heart is full of beautiful words as I say my poem for the king. My tongue is like the pen of a skilful writer.2You are the most excellent of men. Your lips have been given the ability to speak gracious words. God has blessed you for ever.3Mighty one, put your sword at your side. Put on glory and majesty as if they were your clothes.4In your majesty ride out with power to fight for what is true, humble and fair. Let your right hand do wonderful things.5Shoot your sharp arrows into the hearts of your enemies. Let the nations come under your control.6Your throne is the very throne of God. Your kingdom will last for ever and ever. You will rule by treating everyone fairly.7You love what is right and hate what is evil. So your God has placed you above your companions. He has filled you with joy by pouring the sacred oil on your head.8Myrrh and aloes and cassia make all your robes smell good. In palaces decorated with ivory the music played on stringed instruments makes you glad.9Daughters of kings are among the women you honour. At your right hand is the royal bride dressed in gold from Ophir.10Royal bride, listen and pay careful attention. Forget about your people and the home you came from.11Let the king be charmed by your beauty. Honour him. He is now your master.12The people of Tyre will come with gifts. Wealthy people will try to gain your favour.13In her room, the princess looks glorious. Her gown has gold threads running through it.14Dressed in beautiful clothes, she is led to the king. Her virgin companions follow her. They have been brought to be with her.15They are led in with joy and gladness. They enter the palace of the king.16Your sons will rule just as your father and grandfather did. You will make them princes through the whole land.17I will make sure that people will always remember you. The nations will praise you for ever and ever.