Psalms 45
45
To the director: To the tune “Shoshanim.”#Psalm 45 To the tune “Shoshanim” Or “On the Shoshanim.” A maskil from the Korah family. A love song.
1Beautiful 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.
2You are more handsome than anyone,
and you say such pleasant things.
So God will always bless you.
3Put on your sword, mighty warrior,
so impressive in your splendid uniform.
4Go 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.#45:4 right arm This pictures God as a warrior-king. The right arm is a symbol of his power and authority.
5Your sharp arrows will go deep into the hearts of your enemies,
who will fall to the ground in front of you.
6God,#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. your kingdom will last forever.
You use your authority for justice.
7You 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.#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.
8From your clothes comes the wonderful smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia.
In palaces decorated with ivory, you enjoy the music of stringed instruments.
9Here are ladies of honor, daughters of kings.
Your bride#45:9 bride Or “queen.” stands at your right side, wearing a gown decorated with the finest gold.
10My lady,#45:10 My lady Literally, “Daughter.” listen to me.
Listen carefully and understand me.
Forget your people and your father’s family,
11so that the king will be pleased with your beauty.
He will be your new husband,#45:11 husband Or “master.”
so you must honor him.
12People from Tyre will bring you gifts.
Their richest people will try to win your friendship.
13The princess is so beautiful in her gown,
like a pearl set in gold.
14Clothed in beauty, she is led to the king,
followed by her bridesmaids.
15Filled with joy and excitement,
they enter into the king’s palace.
16Your sons will be kings like their ancestors.
You will make them rulers throughout the land.
17You will be famous for generations.
People will praise you forever and ever.
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© 1987, 2004 Bible League International
Psalms 45
45
Song for a Royal Wedding
1For the leader; according to “Lilies.” A maskil of the Korahites. A love song.
I
2My heart is stirred by a noble theme,
as I sing my ode to the king.
My tongue is the pen of a nimble scribe.
II
3You are the most handsome of men;
fair speech has graced your lips,
for God has blessed you forever.#Sg 5:10–16.
4Gird your sword upon your hip, mighty warrior!
In splendor and majesty ride on triumphant!#Ps 21:5.
5In the cause of truth, meekness, and justice
may your right hand show your wondrous deeds.
6Your arrows are sharp;
peoples will cower at your feet;
the king’s enemies will lose heart.
7Your throne, O God,#O God: the king, in courtly language, is called “god,” i.e., more than human, representing God to the people. Heb 1:8–9 applies Ps 45:7–8 to Christ. stands forever;#Heb 1:8–9.
your royal scepter is a scepter for justice.
8You love justice and hate wrongdoing;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness above your fellow kings.
9With myrrh, aloes, and cassia
your robes are fragrant.
From ivory-paneled palaces#Ivory-paneled palaces: lit., “palaces of ivory.” Ivory paneling and furniture decoration have been found in Samaria and other ancient Near Eastern cities, cf. Am 3:15.
stringed instruments bring you joy.
10Daughters of kings are your lovely wives;
a princess arrayed in Ophir’s gold#Ophir’s gold: uncertain location, possibly a region on the coast of southern Arabia or eastern Africa, famous for its gold, cf. 1 Kgs 9:28; 10:11; Jb 22:24.
comes to stand at your right hand.
III
11Listen, my daughter, and understand;
pay me careful heed.
Forget your people and your father’s house,#Forget your people and your father’s house: the bride should no longer consider herself a daughter of her father’s house, but the wife of the king—the queen.
12that the king might desire your beauty.
He is your lord;
13#Ps 72:10–11; Is 60:5f.honor him, daughter of Tyre.
Then the richest of the people
will seek your favor with gifts.
14All glorious is the king’s daughter as she enters,#Ez 16:10–13.
her raiment threaded with gold;
15In embroidered apparel she is led to the king.
The maids of her train are presented to the king.
16They are led in with glad and joyous acclaim;
they enter the palace of the king.
IV
17The throne of your fathers your sons will have;
you shall make them princes through all the land.#Gn 17:6.
18I will make your name renowned through all generations;
thus nations shall praise you forever.#Is 60:15.
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