Psalm 44
A Lament over Defeat in Battle
For the choir director: A psalm*44: title Hebrew maskil. This may be a literary or musical term. of the descendants of Korah.
1O God, we have heard it with our own ears—
our ancestors have told us
of all you did in their day,
in days long ago:
2You drove out the pagan nations by your power
and gave all the land to our ancestors.
You crushed their enemies
and set our ancestors free.
3They did not conquer the land with their swords;
it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory.
It was your right hand and strong arm
and the blinding light from your face that helped them,
for you loved them.
4You are my King and my God.
You command victories for Israel.*44:4 Hebrew for Jacob. The names “Jacob” and “Israel” are often interchanged throughout the Old Testament, referring sometimes to the individual patriarch and sometimes to the nation.
5Only by your power can we push back our enemies;
only in your name can we trample our foes.
6I do not trust in my bow;
I do not count on my sword to save me.
7You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies;
you disgrace those who hate us.
8O God, we give glory to you all day long
and constantly praise your name.
Interlude
9But now you have tossed us aside in dishonor.
You no longer lead our armies to battle.
10You make us retreat from our enemies
and allow those who hate us to plunder our land.
11You have butchered us like sheep
and scattered us among the nations.
12You sold your precious people for a pittance,
making nothing on the sale.
13You let our neighbors mock us.
We are an object of scorn and derision to those around us.
14You have made us the butt of their jokes;
they shake their heads at us in scorn.
15We can’t escape the constant humiliation;
shame is written across our faces.
16All we hear are the taunts of our mockers.
All we see are our vengeful enemies.
17All this has happened though we have not forgotten you.
We have not violated your covenant.
18Our hearts have not deserted you.
We have not strayed from your path.
19Yet you have crushed us in the jackal’s desert home.
You have covered us with darkness and death.
20If we had forgotten the name of our God
or spread our hands in prayer to foreign gods,
21God would surely have known it,
for he knows the secrets of every heart.
22But for your sake we are killed every day;
we are being slaughtered like sheep.
23Wake up, O Lord! Why do you sleep?
Get up! Do not reject us forever.
24Why do you look the other way?
Why do you ignore our suffering and oppression?
25We collapse in the dust,
lying face down in the dirt.
26Rise up! Help us!
Ransom us because of your unfailing love.
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.