Psalm 19

The Glory of God’s Creation and Law

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

The skies display his craftsmanship.

2Day after day they continue to speak;

night after night they make him known.

3They speak without a sound or word;

their voice is never heard.*19:3 Or There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

4Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,

and their words to all the world.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.

5It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.

It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.

6The sun rises at one end of the heavens

and follows its course to the other end.

Nothing can hide from its heat.

7The instructions of the Lord are perfect,

reviving the soul.

The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

8The commandments of the Lord are right,

bringing joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are clear,

giving insight for living.

9Reverence for the Lord is pure,

lasting forever.

The laws of the Lord are true;

each one is fair.

10They are more desirable than gold,

even the finest gold.

They are sweeter than honey,

even honey dripping from the comb.

11They are a warning to your servant,

a great reward for those who obey them.

12How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?

Cleanse me from these hidden faults.

13Keep your servant from deliberate sins!

Don’t let them control me.

Then I will be free of guilt

and innocent of great sin.

14May the words of my mouth

and the meditation of my heart

be pleasing to you,

O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 45

A Wedding Song for the King

For the choir director: A love song to be sung to the tune “Lilies.” A psalm*45: title Hebrew maskil. This may be a literary or musical term. of the descendants of Korah.

1Beautiful words stir my heart.

I will recite a lovely poem about the king,

for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet.

2You are the most handsome of all.

Gracious words stream from your lips.

God himself has blessed you forever.

3Put on your sword, O mighty warrior!

You are so glorious, so majestic!

4In your majesty, ride out to victory,

defending truth, humility, and justice.

Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds!

5Your arrows are sharp, piercing your enemies’ hearts.

The nations fall beneath your feet.

6Your throne, O God,*45:6 Or Your divine throne. endures forever and ever.

You rule with a scepter of justice.

7You love justice and hate evil.

Therefore God, your God, has anointed you,

pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.

8Myrrh, aloes, and cassia perfume your robes.

In ivory palaces the music of strings entertains you.

9Kings’ daughters are among your noble women.

At your right side stands the queen,

wearing jewelry of finest gold from Ophir!

10Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say.

Forget your people and your family far away.

11For your royal husband delights in your beauty;

honor him, for he is your lord.

12The princess of Tyre*45:12 Hebrew The daughter of Tyre. will shower you with gifts.

The wealthy will beg your favor.

13The bride, a princess, looks glorious

in her golden gown.

14In her beautiful robes, she is led to the king,

accompanied by her bridesmaids.

15What a joyful and enthusiastic procession

as they enter the king’s palace!

16Your sons will become kings like their father.

You will make them rulers over many lands.

17I will bring honor to your name in every generation.

Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever.

Psalm 87

The Nations Made Citizens of Jerusalem

A song. A psalm of the descendants of Korah.

1On the holy mountain

stands the city founded by the Lord.

2He loves the city of Jerusalem

more than any other city in Israel.*87:2 Hebrew He loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. See note on 44:4.

3O city of God,

what glorious things are said of you!

Interlude

4I will count Egypt*87:4a Hebrew Rahab, the name of a mythical sea monster that represents chaos in ancient literature. The name is used here as a poetic name for Egypt. and Babylon among those who know me—

also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia.*87:4b Hebrew Cush.

They have all become citizens of Jerusalem!

5Regarding Jerusalem*87:5 Hebrew Zion. it will be said,

“Everyone enjoys the rights of citizenship there.”

And the Most High will personally bless this city.

6When the Lord registers the nations, he will say,

“They have all become citizens of Jerusalem.”

Interlude

7The people will play flutes*87:7 Or will dance. and sing,

“The source of my life springs from Jerusalem!”