45 For the musical director: a song[fn] by Korah’s descendants. A love song to be sung to the tune of ‘Lilies’.

1 My heart is stirred with an excellent message.

I’ll read aloud the words I’ve composed about the king.

My tongue is like the pen of a skilled secretary.

2 You are more perfect to look at than the children of humanity.

Your lips move with grace,

so we know that God has blessed you forever.

3 Strap your sword to your side, mighty warrior,

in your splendour and majesty.

4 Ride on triumphantly in your majesty because of trustworthiness, humility, and innocence.

Your powerful actions display your awesome abilities.

5 Your arrows are sharp—the peoples fall under you.

Your arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies.

6 Your reign, God, will continue forever.

Your kingdom is renowned for its true justice.

7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness,

therefore God, your god, has anointed you with the oil of gladness more than your companions.

8 All your clothes smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia.

Stringed instruments playing from of ivory palaces have made you glad.

9 Kings’ daughters are among your honourable women.

≈ The queen stands on your right, clothed in gold from Ofir.

10 Listen, daughter, turn this way and take notice.

≈ Forget your own people and your father’s house.

11 Just like that, the king will desire your beauty.

→ He’s your master—submit to him.

12 The princess from Tsor (Tyre) will be there with a gift.

≈ The rich people will beg for your favour.

13 The princess in the palace is just splendid—

≈ her clothing is embroidered with gold thread.

14 She will be led to the king in an embroidered dress.

≈ The virgins, her companions who’ll follow her, will be brought to him.

15 They’ll be led by gladness and celebration.

≈ They’ll enter the king’s palace.

16 Your children will be in the positions that your ancestors used to hold—

≈ you’ll make them princes across the whole country.

17 I’ll ensure that your name will be remembered by all generations,

≈ therefore the peoples will give you thanks forever.