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,* 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 Tyre* 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.