Psalm 45

New International Reader's Version

² You are the most excellent of men.
    Your lips have been given the ability to speak gracious words.
    God has blessed you forever.
³ Mighty one, put your sword at your side.
    Put on glory and majesty as if they were your clothes.
⁴ In your majesty ride out with power
    to fight for what is true, humble and fair.
    Let your right hand do wonderful things.
⁵ Shoot your sharp arrows into the hearts of your enemies.
    Let the nations come under your control.
⁶ Your throne is the very throne of God.
    Your kingdom will last for ever and ever.
    You will rule by treating everyone fairly.
⁷ You love what is right and hate what is evil.
    So your God has placed you above your companions.
    He has filled you with joy by pouring the sacred oil on your head.
⁸ Myrrh and aloes and cassia make all your robes smell good.
    In palaces decorated with ivory
    the music played on stringed instruments makes you glad.
⁹ Daughters of kings are among the women you honor.
    At your right hand is the royal bride dressed in gold from Ophir.

¹⁰ Royal bride, listen and pay careful attention.
    Forget about your people and the home you came from.
¹¹ Let the king be charmed by your beauty.
    Honor him. He is now your master.
¹² The people of Tyre will come with gifts.
    Wealthy people will try to gain your favor.

¹³ In her room, the princess looks glorious.
    Her gown has gold threads running through it.
¹⁴ Dressed in beautiful clothes, she is led to the king.
    Her virgin companions follow her.
    They have been brought to be with her.
¹⁵ They are led in with joy and gladness.
    They enter the palace of the king.

¹⁶ Your sons will rule just as your father and grandfather did.
    You will make them princes through the whole land.
¹⁷ I will make sure that people will always remember you.
    The nations will praise you for ever and ever.