(A special psalm for the people of Korah and for the music leader. To the tune “Lilies”. A love song.)

For a royal wedding

1My thoughts are filled

with beautiful words

for the king,

and I will use my voice

as a writer would use

pen and ink.

2No one is as handsome as you!

Your words are always kind.

That is why God

will always bless you.

3Mighty king, glorious ruler,

strap on your sword

4and ride out in splendour!

Win victories for truth

and mercy and justice.

Do fearsome things

with your powerful arm.

5Send your sharp arrows

through enemy hearts

and make all nations fall

at your feet.

6You are God, and you will rule45.6,7: He 1.8,9.

for ever as king.45.6 You…king: Or “God has made you king, and you will rule for ever.”

Your royal power

brings about justice.

7You love justice and hate evil.

And so, your God chose you

and made you happier

than any of your friends.

8The sweet aroma of the spices

myrrh, aloes, and cassia,

covers your royal robes.

You enjoy the music of harps

in palaces decorated

with ivory.

9Daughters of kings are here,

and your bride stands

at your right side,

wearing a wedding gown

trimmed with pure gold.45.9 trimmed with pure gold: Hebrew has “with gold from Ophir”, which may have been in Africa or India. Gold from there was considered the very best.

10Bride of the king,

listen carefully to me.

Forget your own people

and your father's family.

11The king is your husband,

so do what he desires.

12All the richest people

from the city of Tyre

will try to influence you

13with precious treasures.

Your bride, my king,

has inward beauty,45.13 has inward beauty: Or “is dressed in her room”.

and her wedding gown is woven

with threads of gold.

14Wearing the finest garments,

she is brought to you,

followed by her young friends,

the bridesmaids.

15Everyone is excited,

as they follow you

to the royal palace.

16Your sons and your grandsons

will also be kings

as your ancestors were.

You will make them the rulers

everywhere on earth.

17I will make your name famous

from now on,

and you will be praised

for ever and ever.