Psalm 45: A Song for the King's Wedding
A wedding song celebrating the king's righteous reign and his bride.
Psalm 45 is described as 'a song of loves,' and the psalmist's tongue becomes 'the pen of a ready writer' to describe a king fairer than the children of men. Verse 6 declares, 'Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever,' a line quoted of Christ in Hebrews 1:9.
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies.” A Maskil of the sons of Korah. A love song. My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips, since God has blessed you forever.
Strap your sword at your side, O mighty warrior; appear in your majesty and splendor.
In your splendor ride forth in victory on behalf of truth and humility and justice; may your right hand show your awesome deeds.
Your arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s foes; the nations fall beneath your feet.
Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy.
All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad.
The daughters of kings are among your honored women; the queen stands at your right hand, adorned with the gold of Ophir.
Listen, O daughter! Consider and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house,
and the king will desire your beauty; bow to him, for he is your lord.
The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; men of wealth will seek your favor.
All glorious is the princess in her chamber; her gown is embroidered with gold.
In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions are brought before you.
They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king.
Your sons will succeed your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land.
I will commemorate your name through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you forever and ever.