Psalm 45

A noble theme inspires my heart

with verses for the king;

My tongue’s a skilful writer’s pen,

composing lines to sing.

You far excel the best of men;

your lips are full of grace,

For God has blessed you evermore;

his light shines on your face.

O mighty one, take up your sword

and bind it on your thigh;

With glorious splendour clothe yourself

and with your majesty.

Ride forth in state victoriously

for meekness, truth and right;

Let your right hand display your deeds

of awesome power and might.

Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts

of those who hate the king;

And all the nations of the earth

into subjection bring.

Your royal throne, O God, will last

throughout eternity;

Your kingdom’s sceptre will be one

of truth and equity.

Anointing you with oil of joy,

your God has made you great,

Because you care for righteousness,

and wickedness you hate.

With aloes, myrrh and cassia

in fragrant robes you’re clad;

From palaces of ivory

stringed music makes you glad.

Among the women of your court

king’s daughters take their stand;

The royal bride in finest gold

appears at your right hand.

O daughter, listen and give ear,

consider what I say;

You must forget your father’s house,

your people far away.

Because your beauty is so great,

the king is held in thrall.

He is your lord; give him respect,

before him humbly fall.

Inhabitants of Tyre will come

to offer gifts to you;

And wealthy people will approach

your favour to pursue.

In glorious gold-embroidered robes

the princess waits within;

In richly ornamented clothes

she’s brought before the king.

Attendant maidens follow her

and so to you are led;

They enter and with great delight

the palace courts they tread.

In places where your fathers stood

your sons will take their stand;

You’ll make them princes of the realm

to rule throughout the land.

I will perpetuate your fame

through everlasting days;

Therefore the nations of the world

will ever sing your praise.