To the director.[238] To the tune of "Shoshanim."[239] A maskil[240] from the Korah family. A love song.
<1> Beautiful thoughts fill my mind
as I speak these lines for the king.
These words come from my tongue
as from the pen of a skilled writer.
<2> You are more handsome than anyone,
and you say such pleasant things.
So God will always bless you.
<3> Put on your sword, mighty warrior,
so glorious in your splendid uniform.
<4> You look wonderful!
Go and win the fight for all that is true and good and right.
Let us see the amazing things you can do
with your powerful right arm.[241]
<5> Your sharp arrows will go
deep into the hearts of your enemies, who will fall to the ground in front of you.
<6> God,[242] your throne will last forever.
Your justice is a sign of your power to rule.
<7> You love what is right and hate what is evil.
So God, your God, chose you to be king
and made you happier than any of your friends.[243]
<8> From your clothes comes the wonderful smell of myrrh,[244] aloes,[245] and cassia.[246]
Inside palaces decorated with ivory you enjoy the music of stringed instruments.
<9> Here are ladies of honor,
the daughters of kings.
Your bride[247] stands at your right side,
dressed in a gown decorated with the finest gold.
<10> My lady,[248] listen to me.
Listen carefully and understand me.
Forget your people and your father's family,
<11> so the king will be pleased with your beauty.
He will be your new husband,[249]
so you must honor him.
<12> People from Tyre will bring you gifts.
Their richest people will try to win your friendship.
<13> In all her glory, the princess in her gown
is like a pearl set in gold.
<14> Draped in beauty,
she is led to the king, as her bridesmaids follow behind her.
<15> Filled with joy and excitement,
they enter into the king's palace.
<16> Your sons will be kings,
like their ancestors.
You will make them rulers
throughout the land.
<17> You will be famous for generations.
People will praise you forever and ever.
© Copyright 2004 World Bible Translation Center.