Study

Psalm 45

Ode for a Royal Wedding

To the leader: according to Lilies. Of the Korahites. A Maskil. A love song.

1

My heart overflows with a goodly theme;

I address my verses to the king;

my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

 

2

You are the most handsome of men;

grace is poured upon your lips;

therefore God has blessed you forever.

3

Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one,

in your glory and majesty.

 

4

In your majesty ride on victoriously

for the cause of truth and to defend the right;

let your right hand teach you dread deeds.

5

Your arrows are sharp

in the heart of the king’s enemies;

the peoples fall under you.

 

6

Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever.

Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity;

7

you love righteousness and hate wickedness.

Therefore God, your God, has anointed you

with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;

8

your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.

From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;

9

daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor;

at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.

 

10

Hear, O daughter, consider and incline your ear;

forget your people and your father’s house,

11

and the king will desire your beauty.

Since he is your lord, bow to him;

12

the people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts,

the richest of the people ¹³with all kinds of wealth.

 

The princess is decked in her chamber with gold-woven robes;

14

in many-colored robes she is led to the king;

behind her the virgins, her companions, follow.

15

With joy and gladness they are led along

as they enter the palace of the king.

 

16

In the place of ancestors you, O king, shall have sons;

you will make them princes in all the earth.

17

I will cause your name to be celebrated in all generations;

therefore the peoples will praise you forever and ever.