-
ââPsalms⏠â45:1â-âŹ17⏠âMSGâŹâŹ
[1] My heart bursts its banks, spilling beauty and goodness. I pour it out in a poem to the king, shaping the river into words: * * * [2-4a] âYouâre the handsomest of men; every word from your lips is sheer grace, and God has blessed you, blessed you so much. Strap your sword to your side, warrior! Accept praise! Accept due honor! Ride majestically! Ride triumphantly! Ride on the side of truth! Ride for the righteous meek! [4b-5] âYour instructions are glow-in-the-dark; you shoot sharp arrows Into enemy hearts; the kingâs foes lie down in the dust, beaten. [6-7] âYour throne is Godâs throne, ever and always; The scepter of your royal rule measures right living. You love the right and hate the wrong. And that is why God, your very own God, poured fragrant oil on your head, Marking you out as king from among your dear companions. [8-9] âYour forest-drenched garments are fragrant with mountain breeze. Chamber musicâfrom the throne roomâ makes you want to dance. Kingsâ daughters are maids in your court, the Bride glittering with golden jewelry. * * * [10-12] âNow listen, daughter, donât miss a word: forget your country, put your home behind you. Be hereâthe king is wild for you. Since heâs your lord, adore him. Wedding gifts pour in from Tyre; rich guests shower you with presents.â [13-15] (Her wedding dress is dazzling, lined with gold by the weavers; All her dresses and robes are woven with gold. She is led to the king, followed by her virgin companions. A procession of joy and laughter! a grand entrance to the kingâs palace!) [16-17] âSet your mind now on sonsâ donât dote on father and grandfather. Youâll set your sons up as princes all over the earth. Iâll make you famous for generations; youâll be the talk of the town for a long, long time.â

