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To the director: To the tune “Shoshanim.”[a] A maskil from the Korah family. A love song.

45 Beautiful thoughts fill my mind
    as I speak these lines for the king.
These words come from my tongue
    as from the pen of a skilled writer.

You are more handsome than anyone,
    and you say such pleasant things.
    So God will always bless you.
Put on your sword, mighty warrior,
    so impressive in your splendid uniform.
Go out in your greatness to win the victory for what is true and right.
    Let us see the amazing things you can do with your powerful right arm.[b]
Your sharp arrows will go deep into the hearts of your enemies,
    who will fall to the ground in front of you.
God,[c] your kingdom will last forever.
    You use your authority for justice.
You love what is right and hate what is wrong.
    So God, your God, chose you to be king,
    giving you more joy and honor than anyone like you.[d]
From your clothes comes the wonderful smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia.
    In palaces decorated with ivory, you enjoy the music of stringed instruments.
Here are ladies of honor, daughters of kings.
    Your bride[e] stands at your right side, wearing a gown decorated with the finest gold.

10 My lady,[f] listen to me.
    Listen carefully and understand me.
Forget your people and your father’s family,
11     so that the king will be pleased with your beauty.
He will be your new husband,[g]
    so you must honor him.
12 People from Tyre will bring you gifts.
    Their richest people will try to win your friendship.

13 The princess is so beautiful in her gown,
    like a pearl set in gold.
14 Clothed in beauty, she is led to the king,
    followed by her bridesmaids.
15 Filled with joy and excitement,
    they enter into the king’s palace.

16 Your sons will be kings like their ancestors.
    You will make them rulers throughout the land.
17 You will be famous for generations.
    People will praise you forever and ever.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 45:1 Psalm 45 To the tune “Shoshanim” Or “On the Shoshanim.”
  2. Psalm 45:4 right arm This pictures God as a warrior-king. The right arm is a symbol of his power and authority.
  3. Psalm 45:6 God This might be a song to God as king. Or here, the writer might be using the word “God” as a title for the king.
  4. Psalm 45:7 chose … anyone like you Literally, “anointed you with the oil of gladness above your companions.” This refers to the special oil used in the dedication of a new priest or king.
  5. Psalm 45:9 bride Or “queen.”
  6. Psalm 45:10 My lady Literally, “Daughter.”
  7. Psalm 45:11 husband Or “master.”

Psalm 45[a]

For the director of music. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil.[b] A wedding song.(A)

My heart is stirred by a noble theme
    as I recite my verses for the king;
    my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

You are the most excellent of men
    and your lips have been anointed with grace,(B)
    since God has blessed you forever.(C)

Gird your sword(D) on your side, you mighty one;(E)
    clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.(F)
In your majesty ride forth victoriously(G)
    in the cause of truth, humility and justice;(H)
    let your right hand(I) achieve awesome deeds.(J)
Let your sharp arrows(K) pierce the hearts(L) of the king’s enemies;(M)
    let the nations fall beneath your feet.
Your throne, O God,[c] will last for ever and ever;(N)
    a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
You love righteousness(O) and hate wickedness;(P)
    therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
    by anointing(Q) you with the oil of joy.(R)
All your robes are fragrant(S) with myrrh(T) and aloes(U) and cassia;(V)
    from palaces adorned with ivory(W)
    the music of the strings(X) makes you glad.
Daughters of kings(Y) are among your honored women;
    at your right hand(Z) is the royal bride(AA) in gold of Ophir.(AB)

10 Listen, daughter,(AC) and pay careful attention:(AD)
    Forget your people(AE) and your father’s house.
11 Let the king be enthralled by your beauty;(AF)
    honor(AG) him, for he is your lord.(AH)
12 The city of Tyre(AI) will come with a gift,[d](AJ)
    people of wealth will seek your favor.
13 All glorious(AK) is the princess within her chamber;
    her gown is interwoven with gold.(AL)
14 In embroidered garments(AM) she is led to the king;(AN)
    her virgin companions(AO) follow her—
    those brought to be with her.
15 Led in with joy and gladness,(AP)
    they enter the palace of the king.

16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers;
    you will make them princes(AQ) throughout the land.

17 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations;(AR)
    therefore the nations will praise you(AS) for ever and ever.(AT)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 45:1 In Hebrew texts 45:1-17 is numbered 45:2-18.
  2. Psalm 45:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
  3. Psalm 45:6 Here the king is addressed as God’s representative.
  4. Psalm 45:12 Or A Tyrian robe is among the gifts