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Book of Common Prayer

Daily Old and New Testament readings based on the Book of Common Prayer.

Duration: 861 days

Psalm 45

Psalm 45^[a]

Nuptial Ode for the Messianic King

¹For the director.^[b] According to “Lilies.” A maskil of the sons of Korah. A love song.

²^[c]My heart^[d] is moved by a noble theme
    as I sing my poem to the king;
    my tongue is like the pen of a skillful scribe.
³You are the most handsome of men;^[e]
    grace has anointed your lips,
    for God has blessed you forever.
⁴Gird your sword upon your thigh, O warrior,
    and advance in splendor and majesty.
⁵Ride on triumphantly in truth, humility, and justice;
    may your right hand perform wondrous deeds.
⁶Your arrows are sharp;
    nations will lie beneath your feet;
    the enemies of the king will lose heart.^[f]
⁷Your throne, O God,^[g] will last forever and ever;
    the scepter of your kingdom will be a scepter of justice.
⁸You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
    therefore God, your God, has established you above your fellow kings
    by anointing you with the oil of gladness.
⁹^[h]All your robes are fragrant
    with myrrh and aloes and cassia;
from palaces of ivory
    stringed instruments bring joy to your heart.
¹⁰Daughters of kings^[i] are among your women in waiting;
    at your right hand is your queen
    adorned in gold of Ophir.
¹¹My daughter, listen carefully to my words
    and follow them diligently.
Forget your people and your father’s house;^[j]
¹²    then the king will desire your beauty.
Since he is your lord,
¹³    bow down before him.
The Daughter of Tyre^[k] will bring you gifts,
    people of wealth will seek your favor.
¹⁴Within the palace the king’s daughter is adorned
    in robes threaded with gold.
¹⁵In embroidered garments she is led to the king,
    followed by her virgin companions,
    who are also led to you.,^[l]
¹⁶They are brought in with joy and gladness
    as they enter the palace of the king.
¹⁷Your^[m] sons will take the place of your ancestors;
    you will make them princes in all the earth.
¹⁸I will extol your name through all generations;
    therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever.^[n]

Footnotes

Psalm 45:1 This unique psalm, probably composed for a royal wedding, opens with the dedication to the king, then lets the ceremony unfold before our eyes. First, it celebrates the monarchy, depicting it under the characteristics of a new David, the Anointed One already acclaimed by Isaiah (see Isa 9:5f; 11:3-5). He is a splendid war chief, a lieutenant of God who comes forth with a dazzling cortege; upon him rests the promise made to the House of David (see 2 Sam 7). Next it addresses and celebrates the queen—a foreigner (Ps 45:11-18)—placed at the right hand of her royal spouse, richly adorned and heaped with gifts. She is ushered into the palace followed by her bridesmaids and offered an array of good wishes.
The psalm also reminds us of a different kind of marriage. The Prophets had spoken of God as espoused to his people (see Isa 62:5; Ezek 16:8f; Hos 2:16), a rich, though bold image. As Jews reread this beautiful lyric text, they had a presentiment of the covenant that the future Messiah was to establish and extend to include the pagan peoples. The Christian tradition finds in it a prediction of the marriage of Christ and the Church (Mt 9:15; 22:9; Jn 3:29; 2 Cor 11:5; Eph 5:22; Rev 19:9; 21:2), the new and definitive covenant that is extended to all peoples.
The Liturgy draws upon this psalm in celebrating the most impressive fulfillment of these mystical espousals: the Virgin Mary, Queen and Bride of the King, and those who, following her, have chosen Christ for their Bridegroom.
Psalm 45:1 For the director: these words are thought to be a musical or liturgical notation. According to “Lilies”: nothing is known about these words. Maskil: see note on Ps 32:1a. Sons of Korah: see note on Ps 42:1.
Psalm 45:2 The poet addresses the King-Messiah and applies to him attributes of Yahweh (see Ps 145:4-7, 12f, etc.) and of Immanuel (see Isa 9:5f; 11:3-5). He is urged to conduct himself in such a way that his reign will be adorned even more splendidly than the wedding vestments he has on (Ps 45:4-6). The best way he can do so is to make the glory of his kingdom consist in justice and righteousness (vv. 7-10).
Psalm 45:2 Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
Psalm 45:3 Most handsome of men: so far above all other men was a king of that era regarded (see 1 Sam 9:2; 16:18) that he is akin to a god (see note on Ps 45:7). Older versions translated this phrase as “fairest among the sons of men.” Grace has anointed your lips: see Prov 22:11; Eccl 10:12; see also Isa 50:4; Lk 4:22.
Psalm 45:6 Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
Psalm 45:7 O God: a title of honor applied in the Bible to the Messiah (see Isa 9:6), as well as to the leaders and judges (see Ps 82:6), to Moses (see Ex 4:16; 7:1), to the spirit of Samuel (see 1 Sam 28:13), and to the House of David (see Zec 12:8). The fullest meaning of this description of the Davidic king is attained when it is applied to Christ (see Heb 1:8f).
Psalm 45:9 The psalmist’s descriptions and references of the preparations for the wedding ceremony—robes, spices, music, the royal daughters, and the royal bride—all emphasize the rightness of the moment and the anointing of this king, who is a son of David. God’s blessing on him ensures the continuity of David’s house in accord with God’s promise (see 2 Sam 7:16). Myrrh and aloes and cassia: Oriental perfumes (see Gen 37:25; Ex 25:6; Song 1:13; 4:14). From palaces of ivory: see 1 Ki 22:39; Am 3:15; 6:4. Heart: see note on Ps 4:8.
Psalm 45:10 Daughters of kings: in the allegorical sense, these are the pagan nations converted to the true God (see Song 1:3; 6:8; Isa 60:3f; 61:5) and admitted to his service (Ps 45:16). Gold of Ophir: the most prized kind of gold (see 1 Ki 9:28; 10:11; Job 22:24). The location of Ophir is not known; it is sometimes identified with the southern coast of Arabia or eastern Africa.
Psalm 45:11 Forget your people and your father’s house: all her concern should be with what follows, not with what went before; she is the queen and should be concerned with her husband the king.
Psalm 45:13 The reward for joining God’s people and for following the new way of life is exaltation among the nations. The people of Tyre—as well as other wealthy nations—will bring tribute to Jerusalem. Indeed, during Solomon’s rule, precious gifts were brought to Jerusalem because of his great renown. Daughter of Tyre: the city of Tyre, famous for its wealth, which was the first foreign city to recognize the Davidic dynasty (see 2 Sam 5:11) and remained close to Solomon (see 1 Ki 5; 9:10-14, 26-28). See also note on Ps 9:15.
Psalm 45:15 To you: i.e., to the king.
Psalm 45:17 Your: i.e., the king’s. Earth: or “land.”
Psalm 45:18 The psalmist sees the nations praising the Israelite king, i.e., especially the Messianic King. The Prophets had foretold that in the restoration the nations would bring him gifts to celebrate the dignity of the People of God among the nations. The Book of Revelation also mentions this aspect of the everlasting state: “The kings of the earth will bring their treasures. . . . The nations will come into it bringing their treasures and wealth” (Rev 21:24, 26). Filled with blessings (see Gen 17:6; 35:11), the new Zion will be glorious and sovereign (see Isa 60:15, 21; 61:9; 62:2, 7), especially in Messianic times.

Psalm 47-48

Psalm 47^[a]

The Lord, King of All Nations

¹For the director.^[b] A psalm of the sons of Korah.

²All you peoples, clap your hands,^[c]
    shout to God with cries of gladness.
³For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome;
    he is the great King over all the earth.
⁴He subdued nations under us
    and brought peoples under our feet.
⁵He chose our inheritance for us,
    the pride of Jacob,^[d] whom he loved. Selah
⁶^[e]God has ascended amid shouts of joy;
    the Lord, amid the sound of trumpets.
⁷Sing praises to God, sing praises;
    sing praises to our King, sing praises.
⁸For God is the King of the entire earth;
    sing hymns of praise to him.
⁹God reigns over all the nations;
    God is seated on his holy throne.
¹⁰The princes of the nations assemble
    with the people of the God of Abraham;
for the rulers^[f] of the earth belong to God,
    and he is exalted on high.

Psalm 48^[g]

Thanksgiving for the Deliverance of God’s People

¹A psalm of the sons of Korah.^[h] A song.

²Great is the Lord and worthy of high praise
    in the city of our God.
His holy mountain,^[i] ³towering in its beauty,
    is the joy of the entire earth.
Mount Zion, the true heights of the north,^[j]
    is the city of the great King.
⁴God is in her citadels
    and has revealed himself as her fortress.^[k]
⁵^[l]For the kings conspired together
    and came onward in unison.
⁶As soon as they beheld her, they were astounded;
    filled with panic, they fled.
⁷They were seized with trembling,
    with pains like those of a woman in labor,
⁸as though a wind from the east^[m]
    were breaking up the ships of Tarshish.
⁹What we had heard,
    we have now beheld for ourselves^[n]
    in the city of the Lord of hosts,
in the city of our God
    that he established to endure forever. Selah
¹⁰O God, as we stand in the midst of your temple,
    we will meditate on your kindness.^[o]
¹¹Like your name,^[p] O God,
    your praise extends to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with righteousness;
¹²    let Mount Zion rejoice.
Let the towns of Judah exult
    in your saving judgments.^[q]
¹³^[r]Walk around Zion; pass throughout her;
    count the number of her towers.
¹⁴Take careful note of her ramparts,
    walk through her citadels,
so that you may recount for future generations
¹⁵    that such is God;
our God forever and ever,
    he will be our guide eternally.^[s]

Footnotes

Psalm 47:1 This psalm is concerned with the Feast of the New Year. The Ark is transported: “God has ascended . . .” and, during the procession, this chant of the kingdom (see note on Ps 93) goes forth. Israel proclaims the kingship of God (see Ex 15:18; Isa 52:7; Zep 3:15), who has handed over to his people the land of Canaan and the city of Jerusalem while also defeating the nearby peoples. The ancient chant remains, but it appears as a prelude to the Lord’s reign over the whole universe (see Jer 10:7). The pagans will be converted and join God’s people in acclaiming the only true King (see Ezr 6:21; Isa 19:23-25; 25:6; 60:11).
The Roman and Byzantine liturgies see in this text a psalm for the Ascension of Christ: Christ “has ascended amid shouts of joy” and “is seated on his holy throne” as Lord at the right hand of the Father; from there salvation is offered to all peoples (see Acts 2:34; Phil 2:9-11; Rev 5:7-9, 12f).
Psalm 47:1 For the director: these words are thought to be a musical or liturgical notation. Sons of Korah: see note on Ps 42:1.
Psalm 47:2 Clap your hands: a gesture used at occasions of great joy, e.g., at enthronements (see Ps 98:8; 2 Ki 11:12; Isa 55:12).
Psalm 47:5 Our inheritance . . . the pride of Jacob: the Promised Land (see Gen 12:7; 17:8; Ex 3:8; Deut 1:8; Jer 3:18), which God gave Israel by a sovereign act.
Psalm 47:6 God ascends liturgically to the temple in the Ark of the Covenant.
Psalm 47:10 In Messianic times, the reconciled peoples will form only one people with God’s chosen ones. The covenant with Abraham (see Ps 105:6; Ex 3:6; Est C:2-5 [13:9-13]) will be extended to all humankind (see Ps 72:11; Gen 9:9; Isa 2:2; 45:20f; 56:6; Zec 8:20; 14:16). Princes . . . rulers: some suggest that these terms refer to the angelic spirits who watch over the nations (see Deut 32:8f; Dan 10:13).
Psalm 48:1 With overflowing joy, this psalm sings of God and the holy city. All the glory of Jerusalem stems from the Lord who dwells, enveloped in mystery, in the temple on the hill in the heart of the city. From there he protects his people; he has even delivered this city from the assaults of the enemy. It is secure from the north (v. 3), east (v. 8), south (v. 11), and west (v. 14). There Israel encounters its God and gives him thanks. And from this dwelling of God, salvation, joy, and praise extend to all peoples and the whole universe. It is a grandiose vision; how can one not love this land of God in the midst of human beings!
To Christians, Zion stands for the Church of Jesus, soul of the world and sign of salvation for humankind, until all are gathered together into the kingdom of God, the heavenly Jerusalem (see Heb 12:22; Rev 14:1; 21:10-26).
Psalm 48:1 Sons of Korah: see note on Ps 42:1.
Psalm 48:2 Holy mountain: see note on Ps 2:6.
Psalm 48:3 The true heights of the north: Zaphon. Mount Zaphon was in the far north, the home of the Canaanite storm-god Baal. The psalmist declares that, although Zion is only a small hill, it is higher than any other mountain because it is the home of the only true God (see Ps 68:16f).
Psalm 48:4 The psalmist shows that Zion is impregnable not because of her walls but because of the fact that the Lord is present there as the strength of his people (see Pss 18:3; 122:7).
Psalm 48:5 In recalling past defeats of Israel’s enemies who attacked Zion, the psalmist may have in mind the victory over the Moab-Ammon coalition at the time of Jehoshaphat (see 2 Chr 20:22-28) or over the Assyrians at the time of Hezekiah (see 2 Ki 19:35f).
Psalm 48:8 East: geographical allusion mentioned in the introduction. Ships of Tarshish: i.e., the most powerful ships, built for long voyages—like those that went as far as Tarshish, perhaps Tartessus in southern Spain (see 1 Ki 10:22).
Psalm 48:9 Heard . . . beheld for ourselves: the psalmist may be referring to the glorious things that new pilgrims had heard about the beauty and awesomeness of the holy city and now beheld with their own eyes. He may also be referring to the things the pilgrims had heard from their ancestors about the security of the temple at Jerusalem (see Pss 44:2; 78:3) and now beheld for themselves. They became even more convinced of God’s presence in Jerusalem ordering the world’s events and working out the redemption of his people. The Lord of hosts: see note on Ps 24:10.
Psalm 48:10 The godly meditate on God’s mighty acts, taking comfort in, rejoicing in, and gratefully making offerings to the revelation of the perfections of the Lord. Kindness: see note on Ps 6:5.
Psalm 48:11 Name: see note on Ps 5:12. Right hand: the reaction of praise is a positive response by the godly in contrast to the dread that befell the nations. The godly praise God from one end of the earth to another, declaring his righteousness, i.e., the Lord’s victories and glorious work whose benefits his people share. That work is symbolized by his “right hand,” which includes power, justice, righteousness, and love. As alluded to in the introduction to this psalm, “right hand” also has a connotation of “south” in Hebrew.
Psalm 48:12 Judgments: God’s actions in human affairs (see Ps 105:7; Isa 26:9), especially his victories over Israel’s enemies (see Pss 98:8; 105:5; Deut 33:21).
Psalm 48:13 The psalmist calls upon the people to walk around Jerusalem and see its great defenses (towers, ramparts, citadels). The physical defense system of Jerusalem may have been a symbol of a far greater strength—the protection of the Lord himself. Furthermore, inasmuch as the Lord was present in the temple at Jerusalem, defense of the city was an expression of loyalty to him.
Psalm 48:15 After seeing the well-nigh impregnable fortifications of Jerusalem, the people will feel more secure and better understand the greatness of the Lord, who protects his city and his people in accord with his promises; they will then recount it to their children and grandchildren. The Lord is their God forever, the great Shepherd-King (see note on Ps 23), who will continue to guide them eternally (literally, “till death”).

Isaiah 9:1-7

Chapter 9

The Prince of Peace^[a]

¹The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the shadow of death
    a light has dawned.
²You have enlarged the nation
    and given them great joy;
they rejoice before you
    as those who rejoice at the harvest,
    as they exult when dividing spoils.
³For the yoke that burdened them,
    the bar across their shoulders,
and the rod of their oppressor
    you have broken as on the day of Midian.^[b]
⁴For every boot of a warrior that tramped in battle
    and every garment soaked in blood
    will be burned as fuel for the fire.
⁵For a child has been born to us,
    a son has been given to us.
Upon his shoulders dominion rests,
    and this is the name he has been given:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
⁶His dominion will grow continually,
    and there will be endless peace
bestowed on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom.
He will establish and sustain it
    with justice and integrity
from this time onward and forevermore;
    the zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.

Fall of the Northern Kingdom

⁷The Lord has sent forth his word against Jacob,
and it has fallen on Israel.

2 Peter 1:12-21

¹²The Witness of an Apostle.^[a] Therefore, I will continue to emphasize these things repeatedly, even though you already know them and are well grounded in the truth you possess. ¹³For I think it is right, to refresh your memory as long as I remain in this body,^[b] ¹⁴since I know that my death^[c] will come soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. ¹⁵And I shall also make every effort to ensure that you will always recall these things after my departure.

¹⁶We did not rely upon cleverly concocted myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rather, we had beheld his majesty with our own eyes. ¹⁷For he received honor and glory from God the Father when a voice came to him from the transcendent Majesty, saying, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” ¹⁸We ourselves heard this voice that came down from heaven, when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

¹⁹Pay Close Attention to the Message of the Prophets.^[d] This confirms the message of the Prophets more fully for us. You would do well to pay close attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

²⁰First of all, however, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private interpretation. ²¹No prophecy ever came from human initiative. Rather, when people spoke as messengers of God, they did so under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.^[e]

Luke 22:54-69

⁵⁴Peter Denies Jesus.^[a] Then they arrested Jesus and led him away. They brought him into the house of the high priest, and Peter followed at a distance. ⁵⁵Lighting a fire in the middle of the courtyard, they sat around it, and Peter sat with them.

⁵⁶A servant girl saw him sitting by the fire, looked closely at him, and said, “This man also was with him.” ⁵⁷But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” ⁵⁸A short time later, someone else saw him and said, “You too are one of them,” but Peter replied, “No, I am not.”

⁵⁹About an hour later, another person strongly insisted, “This man was unquestionably with him, for he is a Galilean.” ⁶⁰Peter said, “My friend, I do not know what you are talking about.” At that very moment, while he was still speaking, a cock crowed, ⁶¹and the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter recalled the word that the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” ⁶²And he went out and wept uncontrollably.

⁶³The men who were guarding Jesus began to mock him and to beat him. ⁶⁴They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” ⁶⁵And they continued to taunt him with insult after insult.

⁶⁶Jesus before the Sanhedrin.^[b] When the dawn came, the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the scribes, assembled, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin.^[c] ⁶⁷Then they said, “If you are the Christ, tell us!” He replied, “If I tell you, you will not believe; ⁶⁸and if I question you, you will not answer. ⁶⁹But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”

New Catholic Bible (NCB)

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Book of Common Prayer

Psalm 45[a]

Nuptial Ode for the Messianic King

Footnotes

Psalm 47[a]

The Lord, King of All Nations

Psalm 48[g]

Thanksgiving for the Deliverance of God’s People

Footnotes

Chapter 9

The Prince of Peace[a]

Fall of the Northern Kingdom

Footnotes

Footnotes

Footnotes

Psalm 45^[a]

Psalm 47^[a]

Psalm 48^[g]

The Prince of Peace^[a]