3.14.2004

For Tim & Ana

In honor of their wedding, I present a metrical version of the "wedding" psalm 45 --which Ryan and I attempted to sing for Tim. Alternate versions here. Keep in mind that the groom is King and God, that is Christ.


My heart doth overflow; a noble theme I sing.
My tongue's a skillful writer's pen to speak about the King.

More fair than sons of men thy lips with grace o'erflow,
because His blessing evermore did God on Thee bestow.
Thy sword gird on Thy thigh, O Thou supreme in might,
and gird Thyself with majesty and with Thy splendor bright.
To victory ride forth for meekness, truth, and right;
and may Thy right hand teach to Thee the deeds of dreadful might.
Thine arrows sharpened are, men under Thee to bring,
to pierce the heart of enemies who fight against the King.

Thy royal throne, O God, from everlasting is;
a righteous scepter evermore Thy kingdom's scepter is.
Thou righteousness hast loved and wickedness abhorred;
on Thee 'bove all has God, Thy God, the oil of gladness poured.
With casia, aloes, myrrh, Thy robes sweet fragrance had;
from palaces of ivory the sweet harps made Thee glad.
King's daughters are among those who in honor stand.
Thy bride arrayed in Ophir gold there stands at Thy right hand.

O daughter, hear and heed; incline to me thine ear:
"Forget thou now thy people all, thy father's household dear.
Thy beauty to the King shall then delightful be;
because He is thy Lord, do thou to Him bow rev'rently."

The daughter then of Tyre there with a gift shall be,
and all the wealthy of the land will make requests of Thee.
The daughter of the King all glorious waits within;
her lovely gown with threads of gold has interwoven been.
She to the King is led in fine embroidery;
the bridesmaids in her train, her friends, are brought to honor Thee.
Attendants following their joy and gladness bring,
until they all have entered there the palace of the King.

Then in Thy fathers' stead thy children Thou shalt take
and everywhere in all the earth them noble princes make.
Through every coming age I'll make Thy name to live;
the peoples therefore evermore their praise to Thee shall give.

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