My Heart Is Stirred by a Noble Theme For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies.” A Maskila of the sons of Korah. A love song. 1My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king;b my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. 2You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips, since God has blessed you forever. 3Strap your sword at your side, O mighty warrior; appear in your majesty and splendor. 4In your splendor ride forth in victory on behalf of truth and humility and justice; may your right hand show your awesome deeds. 5Your arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s foes; the nations fall beneath your feet. 6Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom. 7You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy.c 8All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad. 9The daughters of kings are among your honored women; the queen stands at your right hand, adorned with the gold of Ophir. 10Listen, O daughter! Consider and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house, 11and the king will desire your beauty; bow to him, for he is your lord. 12The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; men of wealth will seek your favor. 13All glorious is the princess in her chamber; her gown is embroidered with gold. 14In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions are brought before you. 15They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king. 16Your sons will succeed your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land. 17I will commemorate your name through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you forever and ever. Footnotes: 1 a Maskil is probably a musical or liturgical term; used for Psalms 32, 42, 44–45, 52–55, 74, 78, 88–89, and 142. 1 b Or King ; here and throughout Psalm 45 7 c Cited in Hebrews 1:8–9 |