Day 9 — Psalm 45

HEBREW

PSALM 45

Royal wedding song

For the choirmaster, tune ‘Lilies,’ of the sons of Korach.

My heart is stirred by a noble theme:

I address my poem to the King;

my tongue as ready as the pen of a busy scribe.

Of all men You are the most handsome,

Your lips are moist with grace

for God has blessed you forever.

Hero, strap your sword at your side,

in majesty and splendor; on, ride on,

in the cause of truth, religion and virtue!

Stretch the bowstring tight,

lending terror to Your right hand.

Your arrows are sharp; nations lie at your mercy,

the King's enemies are losing heart.

Your throne, God, shall last for ever and ever,

Your royal scepter is a scepter of integrity:

virtue You love as much as You hate wickedness.

This is why God, Your God, has anointed You

with the oil of gladness, above all Your rivals;

myrrh and aloes waft from Your robes.

From palaces of ivory harps entertain You,

daughters of kings are among Your maids of honor;

on Your right stands the Queen, in gold from Ophir.

Listen, daughter, pay careful attention:

forget your nation and your ancestral home,

then the King will fall in love with your beauty.

He is your Master now, bow down to Him.

The daughter of Tyre will solicit your favor with gifts,

the wealthiest nations, with jewels set in gold.

Dressed in brocades, the King's daughter

is led into the King, with bridesmaids in her train.

Her ladies-in-waiting follow

and enter the King's palace to general rejoicing.

Your ancestors will be replaced by sons

whom You will make lords of the whole world.

I shall immortalize Your name,

nations will sing Your praises for ever and ever.

Next… Psalm 46