Psalms 45

Ode for a Royal Wedding

1My heart overflows with a goodly theme;

I address my verses to the king;

my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

2You are the most handsome of men;

grace is poured upon your lips;

therefore God has blessed you forever.

3Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one,

in your glory and majesty.

4In your majesty ride on victoriously

for the cause of truth and to defend the right;

let your right hand teach you dread deeds.

5Your arrows are sharp

in the heart of the king's enemies;

the peoples fall under you.

6Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever.[#45.6 Or]

Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity;

7you love righteousness and hate wickedness.

Therefore God, your God, has anointed you

with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;

8your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.

From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;

9daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor;

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

10Hear, O daughter, consider and incline your ear;

forget your people and your father's house,

11and the king will desire your beauty.

Since he is your lord, bow to him;

12the people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts,[#45.12 Heb]

the richest of the people

13with all kinds of wealth.

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

14in many-colored robes she is led to the king;

behind her the virgins, her companions, follow.

15With joy and gladness they are led along

as they enter the palace of the king.

16In the place of ancestors you, O king, shall have sons;[#45.16 Heb lacks]

you will make them princes in all the earth.

17I will cause your name to be celebrated in all generations;

therefore the peoples will praise you forever and ever.

New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Published by: National Council of the Churches of Christ