Psalm 45 New International Version – UK (NIVUK)

For the director of music. To the tune of ‘Lilies’. Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil. A wedding song.

¹ My heart is stirred by a noble theme
    as I recite my verses for the king;
    my tongue is the pen of a skilful writer.

² You are the most excellent of men
    and your lips have been anointed with grace,
    since God has blessed you for ever.

³ Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one;
    clothe yourself with splendour and majesty.
⁴ In your majesty ride forth victoriously
    in the cause of truth, humility and justice;
    let your right hand achieve awesome deeds.
⁵ Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies;
    let the nations fall beneath your feet.
⁶ Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
    a sceptre of justice will be the sceptre of your kingdom.
⁷ You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
    therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
    by anointing you with the oil of joy.
⁸ All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia;
    from palaces adorned with ivory
    the music of the strings makes you glad.
⁹ Daughters of kings are among your honoured women;
    at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.

¹⁰ Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention:
    Forget your people and your father’s house.
¹¹ Let the king be enthralled by your beauty;
    honour him, for he is your lord.
¹² The city of Tyre will come with a gift,
    people of wealth will seek your favour.
¹³ All glorious is the princess within her chamber;
    her gown is interwoven with gold.
¹⁴ In embroidered garments she is led to the king;
    her virgin companions follow her –
    those brought to be with her.
¹⁵ Led in with joy and gladness,
    they enter the palace of the king.

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

¹⁷ I will perpetuate your memory through all generations;
    therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.