Psalm 45[a]

For the director of music. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of the Sons of Korah. A maskil.[b] A wedding song.(A)

My heart is stirred by a noble theme
    as I recite my verses for the king;
    my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

You are the most excellent of men
    and your lips have been anointed with grace,(B)
    since God has blessed you forever.(C)

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 45:1 In Hebrew texts 45:1-17 is numbered 45:2-18.
  2. Psalm 45:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term

Your throne, O God,[a] will last for ever and ever;(A)
    a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
You love righteousness(B) and hate wickedness;(C)
    therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
    by anointing(D) you with the oil of joy.(E)
All your robes are fragrant(F) with myrrh(G) and aloes(H) and cassia;(I)
    from palaces adorned with ivory(J)
    the music of the strings(K) makes you glad.
Daughters of kings(L) are among your honored women;
    at your right hand(M) is the royal bride(N) in gold of Ophir.(O)

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 45:6 Here the king is addressed as God’s representative.

She[a]

I am a rose[b](A) of Sharon,(B)
    a lily(C) of the valleys.

He

Like a lily among thorns
    is my darling among the young women.

She

Like an apple[c] tree among the trees of the forest
    is my beloved(D) among the young men.
I delight(E) to sit in his shade,
    and his fruit is sweet to my taste.(F)
Let him lead me to the banquet hall,(G)
    and let his banner(H) over me be love.
Strengthen me with raisins,
    refresh me with apples,(I)
    for I am faint with love.(J)
His left arm is under my head,
    and his right arm embraces me.(K)
Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you(L)
    by the gazelles and by the does of the field:
Do not arouse or awaken love
    until it so desires.(M)

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Footnotes

  1. Song of Songs 2:1 Or He
  2. Song of Songs 2:1 Probably a member of the crocus family
  3. Song of Songs 2:3 Or possibly apricot; here and elsewhere in Song of Songs

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.(A) 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.(B) 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat(C) and withers(D) the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed.(E) In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial(F) because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life(G) that the Lord has promised to those who love him.(H)

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own(I) evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;(J) and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.(K)

16 Don’t be deceived,(L) my dear brothers and sisters.(M)

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