Psalm 45

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

¹Beautiful words stir my heart.

I will recite a lovely poem about the king,

for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet.

²You are the most handsome of all.

Gracious words stream from your lips.

God himself has blessed you forever.

³Put on your sword, O mighty warrior!

You are so glorious, so majestic!

⁴In your majesty, ride out to victory,

defending truth, humility, and justice.

Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds!

⁵Your arrows are sharp, piercing your enemies’ hearts.

The nations fall beneath your feet.

⁶Your throne, O God,^b endures forever and ever.

You rule with a scepter of justice.

⁷You 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.

⁸Myrrh, aloes, and cassia perfume your robes.

In ivory palaces the music of strings entertains you.

⁹Kings’ daughters are among your noble women.

At your right side stands the queen,

wearing jewelry of finest gold from Ophir!

¹⁰Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say.

Forget your people and your family far away.

¹¹For your royal husband delights in your beauty;

honor him, for he is your lord.

¹²The princess of Tyre^c will shower you with gifts.

The wealthy will beg your favor.

¹³The bride, a princess, looks glorious

in her golden gown.

¹⁴In her beautiful robes, she is led to the king,

accompanied by her bridesmaids.

¹⁵What a joyful and enthusiastic procession

as they enter the king’s palace!

¹⁶Your sons will become kings like their father.

You will make them rulers over many lands.

¹⁷I will bring honor to your name in every generation.

Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever.