will he be gracious no more?
[8] Has his love vanished forever?
Is his faithfulness utterly gone?
[9] Has God forgotten to be gracious,
or in anger withheld his compassion?” Selah
[10] Then I said, “This it is that grieves me,
that the hand of the Most High has changed.”
[11] I will think of the deeds of the Lord ,
and remember your wonders of old.
[12] I will muse on all you have wrought,
and meditate on your deeds.
[13] Then your way, O God, was majestic:
what God was great as our God?
[14] You were a God who did marvels,
you did show your power to the world
[15] by your arm you rescued your people,
the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
[16] The waters saw you, O God.
The waters saw you and shivered;
to their depths they trembled.
[17] Clouds poured torrents of water,
thunder rolled in the sky,
your arrows sped to and fro.
[18] Loud was the roll of your thunder,
lightnings lit up the world.
Earth quaked and trembled.
[19] In your way, Lord , through the sea,
in your path through the mighty waters,
your footsteps were all unseen.
[20] You did guide your folk like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Psalm 78 – The Warnings of History
A maskil of Asaph.[Psalms 78] My people, attend to my teaching:
bend your ears to the words of my mouth,
[2] as I open my mouth in a poem
on the riddling story of the past.
[3] What we have heard and known,
and what our ancestors have told us,
[4] we will not hide from their children.
We will tell to the next generation
the praises and might of the Lord ,
and the wonders that he has done.
[5] He set up a testimony in Jacob,
a law he appointed in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors
to make known to their children,
[6] that the next generation should know it,
that the children yet to be born
should arise and tell their children;
[7] that in God they might put their confidence,
and not forget God’s works;
but that they might keep his commandments,
[8] and not be like their ancestors,
a generation defiant and stubborn,
a generation with heart unsteady,
and spirit unfaithful towards God.
[9] Ephraimites, armed bowmen,
turned back in the day of battle.
[10] They did not keep God’s covenant,
they refused to walk in his law.
[11] They forgot what he had done,
and the wonders he had shown them.
[12] He did wonders before their ancestors
in the country of Zoan in Egypt.
[13] Through the sea which he split he brought them,
making waters stand up like a heap;
[14] he led them by day with a cloud,
all the night with a light of fire.
[15] From the rocks which he split in the wilderness,
he gave them to drink as of ocean’s abundance.
[16] He brought streams out of the rock,
and made water run down like rivers.
[17] Yet they still went on sinning against him,
they defied the Most High in the desert.
[18] They willfully challenged God,
demanding the food that they longed for.
[19] “Is God able,” such was their challenge,
“to spread in the desert a table?
[20] From the rock that he struck there gushed water,
and torrents that overflowed;
but can he also give bread,
or provide his people with meat?”
[21] When the Lord heard this, he was furious,
and fire was kindled on Jacob,
anger flared up against Israel.
[22] For they put no trust in God,
no confidence in his help.
[23] So he summoned the clouds above;
and, opening the doors of heaven,
[24] he rained manna upon them for food,
and grain of heaven he gave them.
[25] Everyone ate the bread of angels;
he sent them food to the full.
[26] He launched the east wind in the heavens,
and guided the south by his power.
[27] He rained meat upon them like dust,
winged bird like the sand of the sea.
[28] In the midst of their camp he dropped it,
all around their tents.
[29] They ate and were more than filled;
he had brought them the thing they desired.
[30] But the thing they desired became loathsome:
while their food was still in their mouths,
[31] the wrath of God rose against them.
He slew the stoutest among them,
and laid low the young men of Israel.
[32] Yet for all this they sinned yet more,
and refused to believe in his wonders.
[33] So he ended their days in a breath,
and their years in sudden dismay.
[34] When he slew them, then they sought after him,
they turned and sought God with diligence.
[35] They remembered that God was their rock,
and the Most High God their redeemer.
[36] But they flattered him with their mouth,
and lied to him with their tongue.
[37] Their heart was not steady with him,
they were faithless to his covenant.
[38] But he is full of pity:
he pardons sin and destroys not.
Often he turns his anger away,
without stirring his wrath at all.
[39] So he remembered that they were but flesh,
breath that passes and does not return.
[40] But how often they rebelled in the desert,
and caused him grief in the wilderness,
[41] tempting God again and again,
provoking the Holy One of Israel.
[42] They did not remember his strength,
nor the day he redeemed from the foe,
[43] how he set his signs in Egypt,
in the country of Zoan his wonders.
[44] He turned their canals into blood,
their streams undrinkable.
[45] He sent forth flies, which devoured them;
frogs, too, which destroyed them.
[46] Their crops he gave to the caterpillar,
and the fruits of their toil to the locust.
[47] He slew their vines with hail,
and their sycamore trees with frost.
[48] He delivered their cattle to the hail,
and their flocks to bolts of fire.
[49] He let loose his hot anger among them,
fury and wrath and distress,
a band of destroying angels.
[50] He cleared a path for his anger,
did not spare them from death,
but gave them over to pestilence.
[51] He struck down all the firstborn in Egypt,
the first fruits of their strength in the tents of Ham.
[52] He led forth his people like sheep,
he was guide to his flock in the desert.
[53] Securely he led them, and free from fear,
while their foes were drowned in the sea.
[54] To his holy realm he brought them,
to the mountain his right hand had purchased.
[55] He drove out the nations before them,
and allotted their land for possession,
and their tents for Israel to live in.
[56] Yet they tempted and angered the Most High God,
they did not observe his decrees.
[57] They drew back, false like their ancestors;
they failed like a treacherous bow.
[58] Their shrines stirred him to anger,
their idols moved him to jealousy.
[59] When God heard of this, he was furious,
and he spurned Israel utterly.
[60] He abandoned his home in Shiloh,
the tent he had pitched among people.
[61] He gave his strength up to captivity,
his glory to the hands of the foe.
[62] He gave his people to the sword,
he was furious with his own.
[63] Fire devoured their young men,
and their maidens had no marriage-song.
[64] Their priests fell by the sword,
and their widows could not weep.
[65] Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,
like a warrior flushed with wine;
[66] and he beat back his foes,
putting them to perpetual scorn.
[67] He disowned the tent of Joseph,
he rejected the tribe of Ephraim;
[68] but he chose the tribe of Judah,
Mount Zion, which he loves.
[69] And he built like the heights his sanctuary,
like the earth which he founded forever.
[70] And he chose David his servant,
taking him from the sheepfolds.
[71] From the mother-ewes he brought him,
to be shepherd to Jacob his people,
and to Israel his inheritance.
[72] With upright heart did he shepherd them,
and with skilful hands did he guide them.
Psalm 79 – A National Prayer for Deliverance
A psalm of Asaph.[Psalms 79] Heathen, O God, have come into your land,
defiling your holy temple,
and laying Jerusalem in ruins.
[2] They have given the bodies of your dead servants
to the birds of the air to devour,
and the flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the field.
[3] Round about Jerusalem
they have poured out their blood like water;
and there was no one to bury them.
[4] On every side our neighbors
revile us and mock us and jeer at us.
[5] How long will you be angry, O Lord ?
Will your jealousy burn like fire forever?
[6] Pour out your wrath on the nations that don’t know you,
on the kingdoms that do not call on your name.
[7] For Jacob they devoured,
they have desolated his home.
[8] Do not remember against us our ancestors’ sins;
O meet us soon with your pity,
for utterly weak are we.
[9] Help us, O God our savior,
for the renown of your name:
for your reputation deliver us
and cover over our sins.
[10] Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
Let revenge for the outpoured blood of your servants
be shown on the heathen before our eyes.
[11] May the groans of the prisoner come before you;
free the children of death by your mighty arm.
[12] Pay our neighbors back sevenfold
for the scorn they have heaped upon you, O Lord .
[13] Then we, your people, the flock of your pasture,
will give thanks to you for evermore,
and tell your praise to all generations.
Psalm 80 – A Prayer for the Preservation of Israel
For the leader. On shoshannim, eduth. Of Asaph, a psalm.[Psalms 80] Listen, Shepherd of Israel,
who leads Joseph like a flock of sheep;
from your throne on the cherubs shine forth
[2] before Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin.
Stir up your mighty power,
come to our help.
[3] God, restore us:
show us the light of your face,
so we may be saved.
[4] O Lord of hosts,
how long is your anger to smoke,
despite the prayer of your people?
[5] You have fed them with bread of tears,
you have made them drink tears by the measure.
[6] The scorn of our neighbors you make us,
the laughing-stock of our foes.
[7] God of hosts, restore us:
show us the light of your face,
so we may be saved.
[8] A vine out of Egypt you brought;
you did drive out the nations, and plant her;
[9] in the ground you did clear she struck root,
and she filled all the land.
[10] The shade of her covered the mountains,
her branches the cedars of God.
[11] She sent forth her shoots to the sea,
and her branches as far as the River.
[12] Why have you torn down her fences, and left her
to be plucked at by all who pass by,
[13] to be gnawed by the boar from the forest,
and devoured by the beasts of the field?
[14] O God of hosts, return:
look down from heaven and see
and visit this vine, and restore her
[15] the vine which your right hand has planted.
[16] She is burned with fire and cut down
before your stern face they are perishing.
[17] Support the one you have chosen,
the one you have raised for yourself;
[18] then from you we will never draw back.
Preserve us, and we will call on your name.
[19] Lord , God of hosts, restore us:
Show us the light of your face,
Psalm 81 – For the Feast of Tabernacles
For the leader. On the gittith. Of Asaph.[Psalms 81] Sing aloud to God our strength,
shout for joy to the God of Jacob.
[2] Raise a song, sound the timbrel,
sweet lyre and harp.
[3] On the new moon blow the horn,
at the full moon, the day of our festival.
[4] For this is a statute for Israel,
a ruling of the God of Jacob,
[5] a witness he set up in Joseph,
when he marched against Egypt’s land,
where he heard an unknown voice say:
[6] “I removed from your shoulder the burden,
and freed your hands from the basket.
[7] At your call of distress I delivered you,
from the thundercloud I answered you.
At Meribah’s waters I tested you. Selah
[8] “Listen, my people, to my warning,
O Israel, if you would but listen!
[9] There must not be a strange god among you,
you must bow to no foreign god.
[10] I am the Lord your God
who brought you up out of Egypt.
Open your mouth, that I fill it.
[11] “But my people did not listen to my voice,
Israel would have none of me.
[12] So to their own hard hearts I left them,
to follow their own devices.
[13] O that my people would listen,
that Israel would walk in my ways.
[14] Soon would I humble their enemies,
and turn my hand on their foes.
[15] Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him
in everlasting terror.
[16] But you would I feed with the richest wheat,
and with honey from the rock to your heart’s desire.”
Psalm 82 – God the Upholder of Justice
A psalm of Asaph.[Psalms 82] God has taken his stand
in the divine assembly:
in the midst of the gods he holds judgment.
[2] “How long will you crookedly judge,
and favor the wicked? Selah
[3] Do right by the weak and the orphan,
acquit the innocent poor.
[4] Rescue the weak and the needy,
save them from the hand of the wicked.
[5] “They have neither knowledge nor insight,
in darkness they walk to and fro,
while the earth’s foundations totter.
[6] It was I who appointed you gods,
children of the Most High all of you.
[7] Yet like mortals you will surely die,
you will fall like any prince.”
[8] Arise, O God, judge the earth,
for all nations are yours by inheritance.
Psalm 83 – A Prayer for the Destruction of the Enemies of Judah
A song, a psalm of Asaph.[Psalms 83] Do not keep silent, O God:
hold not your peace, be not still, God.
[2] For see! Your enemies roar,
those who hate you lift up their heads,
[3] laying crafty plans for your people,
and plotting against those you treasure.
[4] “Come, let us wipe them out as a nation,
so Israel’s name will be mentioned no more.”
[5] For, conspiring with one accord,
they have made a league against you
[6] Tents of Edom, and Ishmaelites,
Moab, and the Hagrites.
[7] Gebal and Ammon and Amalek,
Philistia, with the people of Tyre;
[8] Syria, too, is confederate,
they have strengthened the children of Lot. Selah
[9] Deal with them as you dealt with Midian,
with Sisera, with Jabin, at the torrent of Kishon,
[10] who at Endor were destroyed,
and became dung for the field.
[11] Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb,
all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
[12] who said, “Let us take for ourselves
the meadows of God.”
[13] Whirl them, my God, like dust,
like stubble before the wind.
[14] As the fire that kindles the forest,
as flame that sets mountains ablaze,
[15] so with your tempest pursue them,
terrify them with your hurricane.
[16] Make them blush with shame;
until they seek your name, O Lord .
[17] Everlasting shame and confusion,
disgrace and destruction be theirs.
[18] Teach those who you alone
are most high over all the earth.
Psalm 84 – The Song of the Pilgrims
For the leader. On the gittith. Of the Korahites, a psalm.[Psalms 84] How dearly loved is the place where you live,
Lord of hosts!
[2] How I long and yearn
for the courts of the Lord .
Now heart and flesh cry for joy
to the living God.
[3] Even the sparrow has found her a home
and the swallow a nest,
to lay her young,
near your altar,
Lord of hosts,
my king and my God.
[4] Happy those who live in your house,
praising you evermore. Selah
[5] Happy those whose strength is in you,
people with pilgrim hearts.
[6] As they pass through the valley of tears,
they make it a place of fountains,
clothed with the blessings of early rain.
[7] From rampart to rampart on they march,
till at last God reveals himself in Zion.
[8] Lord , God of hosts, hear my prayer,
attend, O God of Jacob. Selah
[9] Behold, O God, our defender,
and look upon your anointed,
[10] for better a single day in your courts
than a thousand in my own chambers:
better stand at the door of the house of my God
than live in the tents of ungodliness,
[11] for the Lord is sun and shield,
the Lord gives grace and glory.
He withholds no good thing from the life that is blameless.
[12] Lord of hosts,
happy those whose trust is in you.
Psalm 85 – A Prayer for National Restoration
For the leader. Of the Korahites, a psalm.[Psalms 85] Once, Lord , you did favor your land,
granting change of fortune to Jacob,
[2] forgiving the guilt of your people,
pardoning all their sin, Selah
[3] withdrawing all your fury,
turning from your hot anger.
[4] Restore us, O God our savior,
put away your displeasure against us.
[5] Will you cherish your anger against us forever,
prolonging your wrath to all generations?
[6] Will you not revive us again,
that your people may be glad in you?
[7] Show us your kindness, O Lord ,
grant us your salvation.
[8] Let me hear what God the Lord will speak;
for he will speak of peace
to his people, to those who love him,
and turn their hearts to him.
[9] Soon those who fear him shall see how he saves,
and glory shall live in our land.
[10] Kindness and loyalty meet;
peace and righteousness kiss.
[11] Loyalty springs from the earth;
righteousness looks from the sky.
[12] The Lord shall give all that is good,
our land yielding its increase,
[13] righteousness marching before him,
and peace on the path he treads.
Psalm 86 – A Prayer for Divine Guidance and Favor
A prayer of David.[Psalms 86] Incline your ear, Lord , and answer me,
for I am afflicted and needy.
[2] Guard me, for I am loyal:
save your servant, who trusts in you.
[3] Lord , be gracious to me, for you are my God;
I cry to you all the day.
[4] Gladden the heart of your servant;
for to you, Lord , I set my hope.
[5] For you, Lord , are good and forgiving,
rich in love towards all who call on you.
[6] Listen, O Lord , to my prayer;
attend to my plea for mercy.
[7] In the day of my trouble I call on you,
with assurance that you will answer me.
[8] None of the gods is like you, Lord ,
nor are any works like yours.
[9] All the nations you have made
will come and bow down before you,
giving glory, O Lord , to your name.
[10] For great are you, and a doer of wonders;
you alone are God.
[11] Teach me, O Lord , your way,
that I may walk in your truth:
so my heart shall rejoice in your name.
[12] I will give you thanks, O Lord ,
with all my heart, my God,
I will honor your name forever.
[13] For great is your love towards me,
from the depths of Sheol you have saved me.
[14] Haughty men have risen up against me, O God,
a band of the violent seeking my life,
who think nothing of you.
[15] But you are a God of pity and grace,
patient and rich in kindness and faithfulness;
turn to me with your grace, O Lord .
[16] Grant your strength to your servant,
and save the child of your handmaid.
[17] Show me a sign of your favor,
which those who hate me may see with confusion,
since you, Lord , are my helper and comforter.
Psalm 87 – Zion, City of God
Of the Korahites, a psalm. A song.[Psalms 87] On the holy mountain stands
the city he founded.
[2] The Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
[3] Glorious things he is speaking of you,
you city of God. Selah
[4] “Among those who are mine I name Rahab and Babylon,
Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia,
their people will say I was born in Zion.
[5] As for Zion it will be said
each and all were born in her.”
The Lord will preserve her.
[6] The Lord will count, when enrolling the peoples,
“This one was born there, and that one was born there.” Selah
[7] Singers and dancers alike will say
Psalm 88 – The Prayer of Despair
A Song, a psalm of the Korahites. To the leader: according to Mahalath Leannoth. A Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite.[Psalms 88] O Lord my God,
I cry for help in the day-time,
in the night my cry is before you;
[2] let my prayer come into your presence,
incline your ear to my cry.
[3] For I am sated with sorrow,
my life draws near to Sheol.
[4] I am counted with those who go down to the pit;
without strength am I.
[5] My home is among the dead,
like the slain that lie in the grave,
whom you remember no more
cut off as they are from your hand.
[6] In the deepest pit you have put me,
in shadows deep and dark.
[7] Your wrath lies heavy upon me,
waves of your anger roll over me. Selah
[8] You have put my friends far from me,
you have made them shun me.
I am shut in, and cannot escape,
[9] my eyes are wasted with sorrow.
I call on you, Lord , every day,
spreading my hands out to you.
[10] For the dead can you work wonders?
Can the shades rise again to praise you? Selah
[11] Can your kindness be told in the grave,
your faithfulness in the tomb?
[12] Can your wonders be known in the darkness,
or your help in the land of forgetfulness?
[13] I cry for help to you,
in the morning my prayer comes before you.
[14] Why, O Lord , do you spurn me,
and hide your face from me?
[15] From my youth I am wretched and dying,
I am numbed by the terrors I bear.
[16] The fires of your wrath have passed over me,
your terrors destroy me,
[17] surging around me forever,
hemming me in altogether.
[18] Those who love me you put far from me;
Psalm 89 – The Promise to David
A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.[Psalms 89] I will sing evermore of the love of the Lord ,
proclaiming to all generations his faithfulness.
[2] For your love you did promise to build up forever,
your faithfulness firm as the heavens themselves.
[3] “I have made with my chosen a covenant,
and sworn to David my servant,
[4] to establish his seed forever,
and to build up his throne to all ages.” Selah
[5] Then the holy assembly in heaven
praised your marvelous faithfulness, Lord .
[6] For who in the skies may compare with the Lord ?
Who is like the Lord among the gods?
[7] A God to be feared in the holy assembly,
awful and great above all who are round him.
[8] O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty as you?
Your strength and faithfulness, Lord , surround you.
[9] You are the Lord of the raging sea:
when its waves surge, it is you who still them.
[10] It was you who did pierce and crush Rahab in pieces,
and scatter your foes by your mighty arm.
[11] Yours are the heavens, yours also the earth,
the world and its fulness, it’s you who did found them.
[12] The north and the south, it’s you have created them;
Tabor and Hermon shout praise to your name.
[13] You have an arm with the might of a hero;
strong is your hand, high uplifted your right hand.
[14] Justice and right are the base of your throne,
kindness and faithfulness ever attend you.
[15] Happy the people who know the glad shout,
who walk, O Lord , in the light of your face.
[16] They exult in your name all the day,
and your righteousness they extol.
[17] For you are our strength and our pride.
Your favor will lift us to honor.
[18] For the holy Lord of Israel
keeps our defender and king.
[19] In a vision of old you did speak
in this way to the one whom you loved:
“A crown I have set on the hero
I chose to be over the people
[20] “I found my servant David,
and anointed with holy oil.
[21] My hand will be with him forever,
my arm will give him strength.
[22] “No enemy will dare to assail him,
nor the wicked to oppress him;
[23] but his foes I will shatter before him,
I will strike down those who hate him.
[24] “My loyal love shall attend him,
and I will lift him to honor.
[25] I will set his hand on the sea,
and his right hand on the rivers.
[26] “As for him, he will call me ‘My father,
my God, and my rock of salvation.’
[27] And I will make him my firstborn,
highest of kings on the earth.
[28] “My love will I keep for him ever,
my covenant with him shall stand fast.
[29] His line will I make everlasting,
and his throne as the days of the heavens.
[30] “If his children forsake my law,
and walk not as I have ordained;
[31] if they profane my statutes,
and do not keep my commandments;
[32] “I will punish their sin with the rod,
their iniquity with scourges.
[33] But my love will I not take from him,
nor will I belie my faithfulness.
[34] “I will not profane my covenant
by changing the word that has passed my lips.
[35] Once have I solemnly sworn
and I would not lie to David,
[36] “that his line should endure forever,
and his throne as the sun before me,
[37] firm as the moon which for ever
and ever is fixed in the sky.” Selah
[38] But you have cast off in contempt,
and been furious with your anointed.
[39] You have spurned the covenant with your servant,
and his sacred crown dashed to the ground.
[40] You have broken down all his walls,
and laid his bulwarks in ruins.
[41] All who pass on their way despoil him,
the scorn of his neighbors is he now.
[42] You have given his foes the victory,
and made all his enemies glad.
[43] You have turned back his sword from the foe,
you did not lift him up in the battle.
[44] The sceptre you took from his hand,
and his throne you did hurl to the ground.
[45] You have shortened the days of his youth,
and covered him with shame. Selah
[46] How long, Lord will you hide you forever?
How long are the fires of your wrath to burn?
[47] Remember, Lord , the shortness of life
how fleeting you made all people.
[48] Who can live without seeing death?
Who can rescue their life from the clutch of Sheol? Selah
[49] Where, Lord , is your kindness of old,
which you in your faithfulness swore to David?
[50] Remember, O Lord , how your servants are mocked,
how I bear in my heart the scorn of all nations
[51] The scorn which your enemies hurl, O Lord ,
which they hurl at the footsteps of your anointed.
[52] Blest be the Lord , for ever and ever.
Book Four
Psalm 90 – Hymn of Eternity
A prayer of Moses, the man of God.[Psalms 90] Lord , you have been a home to us
one generation after another.
[2] Before the mountains were born,
or the earth and the world were brought forth,
from everlasting to everlasting
you are God.
[3] You bring us back to the dust,
you summon mortals to return.
[4] For you see a thousand years
as the passing of yesterday,
as a watch in the night.
[5] Your floods sweep them away;
they are like a dream,
or like grass which sprouts in the morning,
[6] which blossoms and sprouts in the morning,
but by evening is cut and withered.
[7] For your anger consumes us,
the heat of your wrath confounds us.
[8] Our sins you have set before you,
our secrets in the light of your face.
[9] For through your wrath our days are declining,
we bring our years to an end as a sigh.
[10] The span of our life is seventy years,
or, if we are strong, maybe eighty;
yet is their breadth but empty toil,
for swiftly they go, and we fly away.
[11] Who lays to heart the power of your anger?
Or who stands in reverent awe of your wrath?
[12] O teach us to count our days
so our minds may learn wisdom.
[13] Return, O Lord ; why so long?
Relent on your servants.
[14] Grant us your love to the full in the morning,
that all our days we may shout for joy.
[15] Make us glad for the days you have humbled us,
for the evil years we have seen.
[16] Let your servants see you in action,
show your majesty to their children.
[17] Let the grace of the Lord our God be upon us,
uphold what our hands are striving to do.
Psalm 91 – In the Shelter of the Most High
[Psalms 91] You whose home is the shelter of God Most High,
whose abode is the shadow of God Almighty,
[2] can say to the Lord , “My refuge, my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
[3] For he saves you from fowler’s snare,
from deadly plague,
[4] he shelters you with his pinions,
and under his wings you can hide.
His truth will be a shield and buckler.
[5] You need not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
[6] nor the plague that stalks in darkness,
nor the pestilence raging at noon.
[7] A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand:
but it will not draw near to you.
[8] You will only look on with your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
[9] You have made the Lord your refuge,
you have made the Most High your defence.
[10] You will never be met by misfortune,
no plague will come near your tent,
[11] for he orders his angels to guard you,
wherever you go.
[12] They will carry you with their hands,
so you don’t hurt your foot on a stone.
[13] You will trample down lions and snakes,
tread on young lions and cobras.
[14] “Because of their love for me, I will deliver them,
I will protect those who trust my name.
[15] I will answer their cry and be with them in trouble,
bringing them forth into safety and honor.
[16] I will give them a life of many days,
I will show them my salvation.”
Psalm 92 – The Ways of God
A psalm. A song; for the sabbath day.[Psalms 92] It is good to give thanks to the Lord ,
to sing praise to your name, O Most High,
[2] to declare your love in the morning,
and your faithfulness in the night,
[3] with voice and a ten-stringed harp,
with music that throbs on the lyre.
[4] For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord ,
at the work of your hands I will ring out my joy.
[5] How great are your works, O Lord ;
how deep are your thoughts!
[6] The insensitive cannot know,
nor can a fool understand,
[7] that, though the wicked flourish like grass,
and evildoers all blossom,
they will perish forever.
[8] But you are exalted forever.
[9] For see! Your enemies, Lord
For see! Your enemies perish,
all evildoers are scattered.
[10] But you lift me to honor,
and anoint me afresh with oil.
[11] My eyes will feast on my foes,
and my ears will hear of the doom of the wicked.
[12] The righteous will sprout like the palm,
will grow like a cedar of Lebanon.
[13] In the house of the Lord are they planted,
in the courts of our God they will sprout.
[14] They will still bear fruit in old age,
all sappy and fresh will they be
[15] So they proclaim the Lord to be just,
Psalm 93 – The Lord, King of all the World
[Psalms 93] The Lord has taken his seat on the throne,
clothed with majesty, armed with might.
Now the world stands firm, to be shaken no more,
[2] firm stands your throne from all eternity.
You are from everlasting.
[3] The floods, O Lord , have lifted,
the floods have lifted their voice,
the floods lift up their roar.
[4] But more grand than the great roaring waters,
more grand than the ocean waves,
grand on the height stands the Lord .
[5] What you have ordained is most sure;
most sure shall your house stand inviolate,
Psalm 94 – A Prayer for Vengeance on the Cruel
[Psalms 94] Lord , God of vengeance,
God of vengeance, shine forth.
[2] Rise up, judge of the earth,
pay back the proud what they deserve.
[3] Lord , how long shall the wicked,
how long shall the wicked exult,
[4] with their blustering arrogant words,
their braggart and wicked speech,
[5] crushing your people, Lord ,
and afflicting your heritage,
[6] murdering widows and strangers,
slaying the fatherless?
[7] They think that the Lord does not see,
nor the God of Jacob regard it.
[8] Take heed, you dullest of people;
when will you be wise, you fools?
[9] Is he deaf, who shaped the ear?
Is he blind, who fashioned the eye?
[10] Can he who trains nations not punish them
he who teaches knowledge to people?
[11] The Lord knows the thoughts of people,
that only a breath are they.
[12] Happy are those whom you chasten,
and teach out of your law,
[13] keeping them calm in the day of misfortune,
till a pit be dug for the wicked.
[14] For the Lord will not leave his people,
he will not forsake his inheritance.
[15] For the righteous shall come to their rights,
and all true-hearted people shall follow them.
[16] Who will rise up for me against those who do evil?
Who will stand up for me against workers of wrong?
[17] Were it not for the help of the Lord ,
I would soon have gone to the silent grave.
[18] When I thought that my foot was slipping,
your kindness, Lord , held me up.
[19] When with cares my heart was crowded,
your comforts make me glad.
[20] Can corrupt justice be your ally,
framing mischief by statute?
[21] They assail the life of the righteous,
and innocent blood condemn.
[22] But the Lord is my sure retreat,
my God is the rock of my refuge.
[23] He will bring back their sin upon them,
for their wickedness he will destroy them;
the Lord our God will destroy them.
Psalm 95 – For a Festival. A Hymn of Praise and a Solemn Warning
[Psalms 95] Come! Let us ring out our joy to the Lord ,
let us merrily shout to our rock of salvation.
[2] Before his face let us come with thanks,
with songs of praise let us shout to him.
[3] For the Lord is a great God,
king above all gods.
[4] In his hand are the depths of the earth,
the heights of the mountains are his.
[5] The sea is his, for he made it:
the dry land was formed by his hands.
[6] Come! Let us worship and bow
on our knees to the Lord our creator.
[7] For he is our God; and we
are the people he tends, the sheep in his care.
If only you would heed his voice today:
[8] “Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah,
or at Massah, that day in the desert,
[9] when your ancestors tempted and tried me,
though they had seen my deeds.
[10] “For forty years I was filled with loathing
for that generation, so I said:
‘A people with wandering hearts are they,
and ignorant of my ways.’
[11] So I solemnly swore to them in my anger,
that never would they enter my place of rest.”
Psalm 96 – The Lord’s Rule
[Psalms 96] Sing to the Lord a new song,
sing to the Lord , all the earth.
[2] Sing to the Lord , bless his name,
from day to day herald his victory.
[3] Tell his glory among the nations,
his wonders among all peoples.
[4] For great is the Lord and worthy all praise;
held in awe, above all gods:
[5] for all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord created the heavens.
[6] Before him are splendor and majesty,
beauty and strength in his holy place.
[7] Ascribe to the Lord , you tribes of the nations,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
[8] Ascribe to the Lord the glory he manifests:
bring you an offering, enter his courts.
[9] Bow to the Lord in holy array:
tremble before him, all the earth.
[10] Say to the nations, “The Lord is king.”
The world stands firm to be shaken no more.
He will judge the peoples with equity.
[11] Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice,
let the sea and its fulness thunder.
[12] Let the field, and all that is in it, exult;
let the trees of the forest ring out their joy
[13] before the Lord : for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with justice
and the nations with faithfulness.
Psalm 97 – The Lord’s Judgment
[Psalms 97] The Lord is king, let the earth rejoice:
let her many isles be glad.
[2] Clouds and darkness are round about him,
justice and right are the base of his throne.
[3] Fire goes before him,
and blazes around his steps,
[4] his lightnings illumine the world:
the earth quakes at the sight.
[5] Mountains melt like wax
before the Lord of all the earth.
[6] The heavens proclaim his justice,
all nations behold his glory.
[7] Shamed are all image-worshippers,
who make a boast of their idols.
All the gods bow before him.
[8] Zion is glad at the tidings,
the towns of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments, Lord .
[9] For you are most high over all the earth,
greatly exalted above all gods.
[10] The Lord loves those who hate evil,
he guards the lives of the faithful:
from the hand of the wicked he saves them.
[11] Light arises for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
[12] Rejoice in the Lord , you righteous:
Psalm 98 – A Song of Praise to the Lord
A psalm.[Psalms 98] Sing a new song to the Lord ,
for he has done wonders;
his right hand and holy arm
have won him the victory.
[2] The Lord has made his victory known,
and revealed to the eyes of the nations his righteousness.
[3] Mindful he was of his kindness to Jacob,
faithful he was to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the victory of our God.
[4] Shout, all the earth, to the Lord :
break into cries and music.
[5] Play on the lyre to the Lord ,
on the lyre and with loud melody.
[6] With trumpet and sound of horn,
shout before the king.
[7] Let the sea and its fulness roar,
the world and the dwellers upon it.
[8] Let the streams clap their hands,
let the hills shout for gladness together
[9] before the Lord for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with justice
Psalm 99 – The Lord’s Just and Holy Rule
[Psalms 99] The Lord is king; let the nations tremble:
he is throned upon cherubs; let earth quake.
[2] The Lord is great in Zion,
he is high over all the nations.
[3] Let them praise your great and terrible name.
Holy is he.
[4] You are a king who loves justice,
equity you have established:
justice and right you have wrought for Jacob.
[5] Exalt the Lord our God,
bow down at his footstool.
Holy is he.
[6] Among his priests were Moses and Aaron,
Samuel among those who called on his name.
They called to the Lord , and he gave them answer.
[7] He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud,
they kept his commands and the statute he gave them.
[8] Lord our God, you gave them answer.
A God of forgiveness were you to them,
who suffered their deeds to go unpunished.
[9] Exalt the Lord our God;
bow down at his holy mountain.
Psalm 100 – A Call to Worship
A psalm of praise.[Psalms 100] Shout, all the earth, to the Lord .
[2] Serve the Lord with gladness,
approach him with ringing cries.
[3] Be sure that the Lord alone is God.
It is he who has made us, and his we are
his people, the sheep of his pasture.
[4] Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name.
[5] For the Lord is good, his love is forever,
and to all ages endures his faithfulness.
Psalm 101 – A Model King
Of David, a psalm.[Psalms 101] If kindness and justice I sing,
making melody to you, Lord .
[2] I would look to the way that is blameless,
and make it my own.
Within my own house I would walk
with an innocent heart.
[3] I would never direct my eyes
to a thing that is base.
The impulse to stray I abhor
it shall not cling to me.
[4] Far from me be perverseness of heart,
or kinship with evil.
[5] Who slanders their neighbor in secret,
I bring them to silence:
haughty looks and proud hearts
I will not abide.
[6] I will favor the true in the land,
they shall live in my court.
Those who walk in a way that is blameless
will be my attendant.
[7] No one will live in my house
who practises guile.
No one that speaks a lie
will abide in my presence.
[8] Morn by morn I will wholly wipe out
all the bad in the land,
and cut off from the Lord ’s own city
Psalm 102 – A Prayer for Pity and for the Restoration of Zion
The prayer: for a weary and suffering person who pours out their grief to the Lord .[Psalms 102] Hear my prayer, O Lord ;
let my cry for help come to you.
[2] Hide not your face from me
in the day of my distress.
Incline your ear to me:
when I call, answer me speedily.
[3] For my days pass away like smoke:
my bones are burned through as with fire.
[4] My heart is scorched, withered like grass;
I forget to eat my bread.
[5] By reason of my loud groaning,
my flesh clings to my bones.
[6] Like a desert-owl of the wilderness,
like an owl among ruins am I.
[7] I make my sleepless lament
like a bird on the house-top alone.
[8] All the day wild foes revile me,
using my name for a curse.
[9] For ashes have been my bread,
and tears have been mixed with my cup.
[10] Because of your passionate anger,
you did raise me, then hurl me to the ground.
[11] My days come to an end, shadows lengthen,
I wither like grass.
[12] But you, O Lord , are enthroned forever,
your fame endures to all generations.
[13] You will arise and have pity on Zion;
it’s time to be gracious; her hour has come.
[14] For even her stones are dear to your servants,
even the dust of her ruins they look on with love.
[15] Then the nations will revere the name of the Lord
and all the kings of the earth his glory,
[16] when the Lord shall have built up Zion,
and revealed himself in his glory,
[17] in response to the prayer of the destitute,
whose prayer he will not despise.
[18] Let this be recorded for ages to come,
that the Lord may be praised by a people yet unborn.
[19] For he shall look down from his holy height,
from the heavens the Lord will gaze on the earth,
[20] to hear the groans of the prisoner,
to free those who are doomed to die;
[21] that people may recount the Lord ’s fame in Zion,
and the praise of him in Jerusalem,
[22] when the nations are gathered together,
and the kingdoms, to worship the Lord .
[23] He has broken my strength on the way,
he has shortened my days.
[24] I will say, “My God, take me not hence
in the midst of my days.
“Your years endure age after age.
[25] Of old you have founded the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
[26] They shall perish; but you do stand.
They shall all wax old like a garment,
and change as a robe you will change them.
[27] But you are the same, your years are endless.
[28] The children of your servants abide,
evermore shall their seed be before you.”
Psalm 103 – Bless the Lord, O my Soul
Of David.[Psalms 103] O my soul, bless the Lord ;
and all that is in me, his holy name.
[2] O my soul, bless the Lord ;
and forget not one of his benefits.
[3] He pardons all your sins,
he heals all your diseases.
[4] He ransoms your life from the pit,
he crowns you with kindness and pity.
[5] He gives you your heart’s desire,
renewing your youth like the eagle’s.
[6] The Lord executes justice –
and right for all who are wronged.
[7] He revealed his ways to Moses,
his acts to the children of Israel.
[8] Full of pity and grace is the Lord ,
patient, and rich in kindness:
[9] he will not always chide,
nor cherish his anger forever.
[10] Not after our sins has he dealt with us,
nor requited us after our wickedness.
[11] For high as the heavens o’er the earth
is his love over those who fear him.
[12] Far as is east from the west
has he put our transgressions from us.
[13] As a father pities his children,
so the Lord pities those who fear him;
[14] for well he knows our frame,
he remembers that we are dust.
[15] A person’s days are as grass;
blossoms like a flower of the meadow.
[16] At the breath of the wind it is gone,
and the place thereof knows it no more.
[17] But the love of the Lord is eternal,
and his kindness to children’s children,
[18] to those who keep his covenant
and mindfully do his behests.
[19] The Lord has set his throne in the heavens;
the whole world is under his sway.
[20] Bless the Lord , you angels of his,
mighty heroes performing his word.
[21] Bless the Lord , all you his hosts,
you servants who do his will.
[22] Bless the Lord , all you his works,
far as his sway extends.
Psalm 104 – The Hymn of Creation
[Psalms 104] Bless the Lord , O my soul.
O Lord my God, you are very great,
clad in awful splendor,
[2] covered with robe of light.
You stretch out the heavens like the cloth of a tent.
[3] He lays the beams of his chambers on water.
He takes dark clouds for his chariot,
and rides on the wings of the wind.
[4] He takes the winds for his messengers,
the fire and the flame for his servants.
[5] He founded the earth upon pillars,
to sustain it unshaken forever.
[6] With the garment of ocean he covered it,
waters towered over the mountains.
[7] But at your rebuke they fled,
scared by the roar of your thunder,
[8] mountains rose, valleys sank down
to the place appointed for them.
[9] They dared not pass the bounds set for them,
or cover the earth any more.
[10] He sent brooks into the valleys,
they meander between the mountains.
[11] The wild beasts all drink from them,
and the wild asses quench their thirst.
[12] The birds have their home by the banks,
and sing in the branches.
[13] From his chambers above he gives drink to the mountains,
and satisfies earth with the vials of heaven.
[14] He makes grass grow for the cattle,
and herbs for people.
He brings bread out of the earth;
[15] wine, to gladden hearts;
oil, to make faces shine;
bread, to strengthen hearts.
[16] The trees of the Lord drink their fill
the cedars he planted on Lebanon,
[17] where the little birds build their nest,
and the stork whose home is the cypress.
[18] The high hills are for the wild goats,
and the rocks are for coneys to hide in.
[19] He created the moon to mark seasons,
and told the sun when to set.
[20] You make it dark: night comes,
when all the wild beasts creep out.
[21] Young lions that roar for their prey,
seeking their meat from God.
[22] At sunrise they slink away,
and lie down in their dens.
[23] Then people go forth to their work,
and toil till evening.
[24] How many, O Lord , are your works,
all of them made in wisdom!
The earth is filled with your creatures.
[25] And there is the great broad sea,
where are countless things in motion,
living creatures, both great and small.
[26] There go the ships,
and the Leviathan you made to play there.
[27] They all look in hope to you,
to give them their food in due season.
[28] And you give with open hand;
they gather and eat to their heart’s desire.
[29] When you hide your face, they are terrified;
when you take their breath away,
they die and go back to their dust.
[30] But a breath from your lips creates them,
and renews the face of the earth.
[31] May the glory of the Lord be forever,
may the Lord rejoice in his works.
[32] A glance of his makes the earth tremble,
a touch of his makes the hills smoke.
[33] I will sing to the Lord while I live,
I will play to my God while I am.
[34] May my musing be sweet to him,
for I rejoice in the Lord .
[35] But may sinners be swept from the earth,
and the wicked vanish forever.
O my soul, bless the Lord .
Psalm 105 – The Inspiration of the Past
[Psalms 105] Give thanks to the Lord , call on his name:
make known his deeds among the nations.
[2] Sing to him, make music to him,
tell of all his wondrous works.
[3] Make your boast in his holy name,
be glad at heart, you who seek the Lord .
[4] Seek after the Lord and his strength,
seek his face evermore.
[5] Remember the wonders he did,
his portents, the judgments he uttered,
[6] you who are offspring of Abraham, his servant,
the children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
[7] He is the Lord our God:
in all the earth are his judgments.
[8] He remembers forever his covenant,
his promise for a thousand generations
[9] The covenant he made with Abraham,
the oath he swore to Isaac,
[10] and confirmed as a statute to Jacob,
a pact everlasting to Israel
[11] to give them the land of Canaan
as the lot which they should inherit.
[12] And when they were very few,
few and but pilgrims therein,
[13] wandering from nation to nation,
journeying from people to people,
[14] he allowed no one to oppress them,
even punishing kings for their sakes.
[15] He forbade them to touch his anointed,
or do any hurt to his prophets.
[16] When he called down famine on the land,
and cut off the bread which sustained them,
[17] he sent before them a man,
Joseph, who was sold as a slave.
[18] His feet were galled with fetters,
he was laid in chains of iron,
[19] till the time that his word came to pass,
the word of the Lord that had tried him.
[20] The king sent and freed him,
the ruler of nations released him.
[21] He made him lord of his household,
and ruler of all his possessions,
[22] to admonish his princes at will
and instruct his elders in wisdom.
[23] Thus Israel came into Egypt,
Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.
[24] His people he made very fruitful,
and mightier than their foes.
[25] He inspired them to hate his people,
and to deal with his servants craftily.
[26] He sent his servant Moses,
and Aaron whom he had chosen,
[27] portents he wrought in Egypt,
and signs in the land of Ham.
[28] Darkness he sent, and it fell:
yet they gave no heed to his word.
[29] He turned their waters into blood,
thus causing their fish to die.
[30] Their land was alive with frogs,
swarming even in the royal chambers.
[31] At his command came flies,
and lice in all their borders.
[32] He gave them hail for rain
and fire that flashed through the land,
[33] smiting their vines and figs,
breaking the trees of their border.
[34] At his command came locusts,
young locusts beyond all counting,
[35] which ate every herb in the land,
ate up, too, the fruit of their ground.
[36] He struck down in their land all the firstborn,
the firstlings of all their strength
[37] Then forth he led Israel with silver and gold,
and among his tribes no one was weary.
[38] Egypt was glad when they left,
for terror had fallen upon them.
[39] He spread out a cloud to screen them,
and fire to give light in the night.
[40] He sent quails at their entreaty,
and heavenly bread in abundance.
[41] He opened the rock; waters gushed:
in the desert they ran like a river.
[42] For he remembered his holy promise
to Abraham his servant.
[43] So he led out his people with joy,
his elect with a ringing cry.
[44] And he gave them the lands of the nations,
the fruit of their toil for possession,
[45] that so they might keep his statutes,
and be of his laws observant.
Psalm 106 – The Nation’s Sin against the Lord
[Psalms 106] Hallelujah!
Give thanks to the Lord for his goodness,
for his kindness endures forever.
[2] Who can describe his heroic deeds,
or publish all his praise?
[3] Happy they who act justly,
and do righteousness evermore.
[4] Remember me, Lord , as you remember your people,
and visit me with your gracious help.
[5] May I see the good fortune of your elect,
may I share in the joy of your nation,
and in the pride of your heritage.
[6] We, like our fathers, have sinned,
we have done perversely and wickedly
[7] In the land of Egypt our fathers,
all heedless of your wonders,
and unmindful of your great kindness,
at the Red Sea defied the Most High.
[8] But true to his name he saved them,
in order to show his might.
[9] He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried;
they marched through the depths as through desert,
[10] saved from the hand of the hostile,
redeemed from the hand of the foe.
[11] The waters covered their enemies:
not one of them was left.
[12] So then they believed in his words,
and began to sing his praise.
[13] But soon they forgot his deeds:
they did not wait for his counsel.
[14] Their greed was ravenous in the desert;
they put God to the test in the wilderness.
[15] He gave them the thing they had asked for,
but sent wasting disease among them.
[16] The camp grew jealous of Moses
and of Aaron, holy one of the Lord .
[17] The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan,
and covered Abiram’s company.
[18] Fire broke out on their company,
flame kindled upon the wicked.
[19] They made a calf in Horeb,
and bowed to the molten image.
[20] They exchanged their glorious God
for the image of ox that eats grass.
[21] They forgot the God who had saved them
by mighty deeds in Egypt
[22] Wonders in the land of Ham,
terrors by the Red Sea.
[23] So he vowed, and would have destroyed them,
but for Moses his elect,
who stepped into the breach before him,
to divert his deadly wrath.
[24] They spurned the delightsome land,
they refused to believe in his word.
[25] They grumbled in their tents,
would not listen to the voice of the Lord .
[26] So he swore with uplifted hand
to lay them low in the wilderness;
[27] to disperse their seed among heathen,
to scatter them over the world.
[28] Then they joined them to Baal of Peor,
and ate what was offered the dead.
[29] They provoked him to wrath by their deeds,
and plague broke out among them.
[30] Then Phinehas stood between,
and so the plague was stayed;
[31] and it was counted to him for righteousness
unto all generations forever.
[32] They angered him at the waters of Meribah,
through them it went ill with Moses.
[33] They rebelled against his spirit,
and he uttered speech that was rash.
[34] They did not destroy the nations,
as the Lord had commanded them;
[35] but they mingled with the heathen,
and learned to do as they did.
[36] Their idol gods they worshipped,
and they were ensnared by them.
[37] They sacrificed their sons
and their daughters to the demons.
[38] They poured out innocent blood
the blood of their sons and daughters
whom they offered to Canaan’s idols,
and the land was polluted with blood.
[39] They became unclean by their works,
and adulterous in their deeds.
[40] Then the Lord ’s fury was on his people,
filled with horror at his inheritance.
[41] He delivered them to the heathen,
to the sway of those who hated them.
[42] Their enemies oppressed them,
and subdued them under their hand.
[43] Many a time he saved them,
but they rebelled at his counsel,
and were brought low by their wrongdoing.
[44] Yet he looked upon their distress,
when he heard their cry.
[45] He remembered his covenant,
and, in his great kindness, relented.
[46] He caused them to be pitied
by all who carried them captive.
[47] Save us, O Lord our God,
and gather us out of the nations,
to give thanks to your holy name,
and to make our boast of your praise.
[48] Blessed be the Lord , the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
And let all the people say “Amen.”
Book Five
Psalm 107 – The Song of the Redeemed
[Psalms 107] Give thanks to the Lord for his goodness
for his kindness endures forever.
[2] Let this be the song of the ransomed,
whom the Lord has redeemed from distress,
[3] gathering them from all lands,
east, west, north, and south.
[4] In the wastes of the desert some wandered,
finding no way to a city inhabited.
[5] Full of hunger and thirst,
their spirit failed.
[6] Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distresses,
[7] guiding them straight on the way,
till they reached an inhabited city.
[8] Let them thank the Lord for his kindness,
for his wonderful deeds for people;
[9] for the thirsty he satisfies,
and the hungry he fills with good things.
[10] Some sat in darkness and gloom
prisoners in irons and misery,
[11] for rebelling against God’s word,
and spurning the Most High’s counsel.
[12] Their heart was bowed with toil;
there was no one to help when they stumbled.
[13] Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distresses.
[14] Out of darkness and gloom he brought them,
and burst their chains.
[15] Let them praise the Lord for his kindness,
for his wonderful deeds for people.
[16] For he shattered the gates of bronze,
and broke bars of iron.
[17] Some were sick from their wicked ways,
and suffering because of their sins.
[18] All manner of food they hated;
they had come to the gates of death.
[19] Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distresses.
[20] He sent his word and healed them,
and delivered their life from the pit.
[21] Let them praise the Lord for his kindness,
for his wonderful deeds for people.
[22] Let them offer to him thankofferings,
and with joy tell what things he has done.
[23] Some crossed the sea in ships,
doing business in great waters.
[24] They have seen what the Lord can do,
and his wonderful deeds on the deep.
[25] At his command rose a tempest,
which lifted the waves on high.
[26] Up to heaven they went, down to the depths;
their courage failed them.
[27] They staggered and reeled like drunkards;
all their skills useless.
[28] Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distresses.
[29] He stilled the storm to a whisper,
and the waves of the sea were hushed.
[30] They were glad, because it was quiet;
they were led to the haven they longed for.
[31] Let them praise the Lord , for his kindness,
for his wonderful deeds for people.
[32] Where the people assemble, extol him,
and praise him in council of elders.
[33] He turns streams into a wilderness,
springs of water into thirsty land,
[34] fruitful land into a salt waste,
because of the sin of the people.
[35] A desert he makes pools of water,
a land of drought into springs of water.
[36] He settles the hungry therein,
they establish a city to live in.
[37] They sow fields and plant vineyards,
which furnish a fruitful yield.
[38] By his blessing they multiply greatly,
and he lets not their cattle decrease.
[39] Yet when they are bowed and diminished
by oppression, misfortune, or sorrow,
[40] he pours contempt upon princes,
and on trackless wastes leads them astray
[41] He lifts the poor out of misery,
and makes families fruitful as flocks.
[42] At this sight shall the upright be glad,
and all wicked mouths shall be stopped.
[43] Let those who are wise observe this,
and consider the love of the Lord
Psalm 108 – A Prayer for Victory
A song. A psalm of David.[Psalms 108] My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast.
I would sing, I would make music;
awake, my soul.
[2] Awake, harp and lyre;
I would wake the dawn.
[3] I would praise you among the peoples, O Lord ;
make music among the nations to you.
[4] For great to heaven is your love,
and your faithfulness to the clouds.
[5] Be exalted, O God, o’er the heavens,
and your glory o’er all the earth.
[6] So those you love may be rescued,
save by your right hand and answer us.
[7] God did solemnly swear:
“As victor will I divide Shechem,
portion out the valley of Succoth.
[8] Mine is Gilead, mine is Manasseh,
Ephraim is my helmet,
Judah my sceptre of rule,
[9] Moab the pot that I wash in,
on Edom I hurl my sandal,
I shout o’er Philistia in triumph.”
[10] O to be brought to the fortified city!
O to be led into Edom!
[11] Have you not spurned us, O God?
You do not march forth with our armies.
[12] Grant us help from the foe,
for human help is worthless.
[13] With God we shall yet do bravely,
he himself will tread down our foes.
Psalm 109 – A Prayer for the Lord’s Help
For the leader. Of David, a psalm.[Psalms 109] O God whom I praise, keep not silence;
[2] for their wicked mouths they have opened against me,
they speak to me with tongues that are false,
[3] they beset me with words of hatred,
and fight without cause against me.
[4] My love they requite with hostility,
while for them I lift up my prayer.
[5] Evil for good they reward me,
and hatred for my love.
[6] “Set over him one who is godless,” they say,
“an opponent at his right hand.
[7] From his trial let him come forth guilty,
may his prayer be counted as sin.
[8] Grant that his days may be few,
that his office be seized by another.
[9] Grant that his children be fatherless,
and that his wife be a widow.
[10] Up and down may his children go begging,
expelled from their desolate home.
[11] May all that he owns be seized by the creditor
may strangers plunder the fruits of his toil.
[12] “May none extend to him kindness,
or pity his fatherless children.
[13] His descendants be doomed to destruction!
Blotted out be his name in one generation!
[14] May his father’s guilt be remembered,
and his mother’s sin not blotted out:
[15] on record always before the Lord ,
and his memory root from the earth;
[16] for he gave no thought to show kindness,
but pursued the poor and the needy,
drove the downhearted to death.
[17] “May the curses he loved light upon him,
may the blessings he loathed be afar.
[18] Like a garment he clothed him with curses;
may they pierce to his inwards like water,
and cling to his bones like oil.
[19] Let them be like the robe he wraps round him,
like the belt he wears every day.”
[20] Be this the reward of my adversaries,
of those who speak evil against me.
[21] But you, Lord my God ,
be true to your name,
deal kindly with me;
in your gracious kindness
save me.
[22] For I am poor and needy,
and my heart is wounded within me.
[23] I am gone like a lengthening shadow,
I am shaken off like a locust.
[24] My knees totter from fasting,
my flesh is shrivelled and spare.
[25] They heap insults upon me:
when they see me, they shake their head.
[26] Help me, O Lord my God,
and save me in your kindness.
[27] Teach them that this is your hand,
and your own doing, O Lord .
[28] Let them curse, if only you bless.
Put my assailants to shame,
and make your servant glad.
[29] My opponents be clothed with dishonor,
and wrapped in a robe of shame.
[30] I give thanks to you, Lord , with loud voice,
I give praise in the midst of the throng;
[31] for he stands by the poor, at his right hand,
to save them from those who condemn them.
Psalm 110 – A Promise of Victory to the King
Of David, a psalm.[Psalms 110] This said the Lord concerning my lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
till I set your foot on the neck of your foes.”
[2] On Zion the Lord is wielding
your sceptre of might, and charges you
to rule over the foes that surround you.
[3] The day that you march to battle
your people will follow you gladly
young warriors in holy array,
like dew-drops, born of the morning.
[4] The Lord has sworn and will not repent,
“As for you, you are priest for ever
as Melchizedek was.”
[5] By your side will the Lord shatter kings
on the day of his wrath.
[6] He will execute judgment
filling the valleys with dead,
the broad fields with shattered heads.
[7] He will drink of the brook by the way,
and march onward with uplifted head.
Psalm 111 – In Praise of the Divine Goodness
[Psalms 111] Hallelujah.
I will thank the Lord with all my heart,
in the assembled congregation of his people.
[2] Great are the things that the Lord has done,
worthy of study by those who love them.
[3] Majestic and glorious is his work,
and his righteousness abides forever.
[4] For his marvelous deeds he has won renown;
the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
[5] Food he gives to those who fear him,
always he remembers his covenant.
[6] His mighty works he has shown to his people,
in giving to them the nations for heritage.
[7] All that he does is faithful and right,
all his behests are firm and sure.
[8] They are established for ever and ever,
executed with truth and uprightness.
[9] To his people he sent redemption,
he has appointed his covenant forever.
His name is holy and awe-inspiring.
[10] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
those who keep it are wise indeed.
His praise abides for ever and ever.
Psalm 112 – The Blessings of Godliness
[Psalms 112] Hallelujah. Happy are those who fear the Lord ,
and greatly delight in his commandments.
[2] Mighty on earth shall be their seed;
a blessing shall rest on the race of the upright.
[3] Wealth and riches are in their houses,
their prosperity stands forever.
[4] To the upright arises light in the darkness;
full of favor and pity and kindness are they.
[5] It is well with those who show pity and lend,
who support all their affairs upon justice.
[6] For they will never be shaken;
the just will be forever remembered.
[7] They will not be afraid of evil tidings,
with steady heart they trust the Lord .
[8] Their heart is firm and unafraid:
they know they will feast their eyes on their enemies.
[9] With lavish hands they give to the poor,
and their prosperity stands forever.
They are lifted to heights of triumph and honor.
[10] The sight of them fills the wicked with anger:
grinding their teeth with despair.
The hopes of the wicked will come to nothing.
Psalm 113 – The Lord loves the Humble
[Psalms 113] Hallelujah.
Praise the Lord , you his servants,
praise the name of the Lord .
[2] The name of the Lord be blessed
from now and for evermore.
[3] From sunrise to sunset
is the name of the Lord to be praised.
[4] High is the Lord above all nations,
above the heavens is his glory.
[5] Who is like the Lord our God,
seated on high?
[6] He bends down to look
at the heavens and earth.
[7] He raises the weak from the dust,
he lifts the poor from the dunghill,
[8] and sets them beside the princes,
even the princes of his people.
[9] He gives the childless woman a home,
and makes her the happy mother of children.
Psalm 114 – The Marvel of the Exodus
[Psalms 114] When Israel went out of Egypt,
Jacob’s house from a barbarous people,
[2] God chose Judah for himself,
Israel became his kingdom.
[3] The sea saw it, and fled,
Jordan river ran backwards.
[4] Mountains skipped like rams,
hills like the young of the flock.
[5] Why, sea, do you flee?
Jordan, why run backwards?
[6] Mountains, why skip ram-like?
Why, hills, like the young of the flock?
[7] Earth, tremble before the Lord ,
at the presence of Jacob’s God,
[8] who turns rocks into pools of water,
and flint into fountains of water.
Psalm 115 – Israel’s Incomparable God
[Psalms 115] Not to us, Lord , not to us,
but to your name give glory,
for your kindness’ and faithfulness’ sake.
[2] Why should the heathen say,
“Where is now their God?”
[3] Our God he is in heaven;
whatever he wishes, he does.
[4] Their idols are silver and gold,
made by human hands.
[5] They have mouths, but cannot speak;
they have eyes, but cannot see.
[6] They have ears, but cannot hear;
they have noses, but cannot smell.
[7] They have hands, but cannot feel;
they have feet, but cannot walk:
no sound comes from their throats.
[8] Their makers become like them,
so do all who trust in them.
[9] O Israel, trust in the Lord :
he is their help and their shield.
[10] House of Aaron, trust in the Lord :
he is their help and their shield.
[11] You who fear the Lord , trust in the Lord
he is their help and their shield.
[12] The Lord , mindful of us, will bless us:
he will bless the house of Israel,
he will bless the house of Aaron.
[13] He will bless those who fear the Lord ,
the small and the great together.
[14] May the Lord add to your numbers
to you and to your children.
[15] Blessed be you of the Lord ,
creator of heaven and earth.
[16] The heavens are the heavens of the Lord ,
but the earth has he given to people.
[17] The dead cannot praise the Lord ,
nor those who go down into silence.
[18] But we will bless the Lord
from now and for evermore.
Psalm 116 – Song of Thanksgiving for Deliverance
[Psalms 116] I love the Lord , for he hears
my voice, my pleas for mercy.
[2] For he has inclined his ear to me:
I will call upon him as long as I live.
[3] About me were snares of death,
the anguish of Sheol was upon me:
distress and sorrow were mine.
[4] Then I called on the name of the Lord :
“I beseech you, O Lord , deliver me.”
[5] Gracious and just is the Lord ,
compassionate is our God.
[6] The Lord preserves the simple;
when I was drooping, he saved me.
[7] Be at peace, my heart, once more,
for the Lord has been good to you.
[8] You have rescued me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling.
[9] Before the Lord I will walk
in the land of the living.
[10] I held fast my faith, though I said,
“Ah me! I am sore afflicted,”
[11] though in my alarm I said,
“Everyone is a liar.”
[12] What shall I render the Lord
for all his bounty to me?
[13] I will lift up the cup of salvation,
and call on the name of the Lord .
[14] I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people.
[15] Grave in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his loyal and loved ones.
[16] Ah, Lord ! I am your servant,
your servant, child of your handmaid.
You have loosened my bonds.
[17] I will offer to you a thank-offering,
and call on the name of the Lord .
[18] I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people,
[19] in the courts of the house of the Lord ,
in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
Psalm 117 – A Call to Praise
[Psalms 117] Praise the Lord , all you nations:
laud him, all you peoples.
[2] For his mighty love is over us:
the Lord is faithful forever.
Psalm 118 – Thanksgiving for Victory
[Psalms 118] Give thanks to the Lord for his goodness,
his kindness endures forever.
[2] Let the house of Israel now say:
his kindness endures forever.
[3] Let the house of Aaron now say:
his kindness endures forever.
[4] Let those who fear the Lord now say:
his kindness endures forever.
[5] Out of straits I called on the Lord ,
the Lord answered and gave me room.
[6] The Lord is mine; I am fearless.
What can mere people do to me?
[7] The Lord is mine, as my help:
I shall feast my eyes on my foes.
[8] It is better to hide in the Lord
than to trust in mortals.
[9] It is better to hide in the Lord
than to put any trust in princes.
[10] Everywhere heathen swarmed round me;
in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
[11] They swarmed, swarmed around me;
in the name of the Lord I cut them down,
[12] they swarmed around me like bees,
they blazed like a fire of thorns:
in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
[13] Sore they pushed me, to make me fall;
but the Lord gave me his help.
[14] The Lord is my strength and my song,
and he is become my salvation.
[15] Hark! In the tents of the righteous
glad cries of victory are ringing.
The hand of the Lord has wrought bravely,
[16] the hand of the Lord is exalted,
the hand of the Lord has wrought bravely.
[17] I shall not die: nay, I shall live,
to declare the works of the Lord .
[18] Though the Lord has chastened me sore,
he has not given me over to death.
(The Procession arrives at the Temple)
[19] “Open to me the gates of victory.
I would enter therein and give thanks to the Lord .”
(The Welcome)
[20] “This is the gate of the Lord :
the righteous may enter therein;”
[21] I thank you because you have heard me,
and are become my salvation.
[22] The stone which the builders despised
is become the head-stone of the corner.
[23] This has been wrought by the Lord ;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
[24] This day is the Lord ’s own creation:
in it let us joy and be glad.
[25] O Lord , save us, we pray,
O Lord , prosper, we pray.
[26] Blessed the one who enters
in the name of the Lord .
From the house of the Lord we bless you.
[27] The Lord is God,
he has given us light.
Wreathe the dance with boughs,
till they touch the horns of the altar.
[28] You are my God, I will thank you;
O my God, I will exalt you.
[29] Give thanks to the Lord for his goodness:
Psalm 119 – The Power and Comfort of the Word of God
[Psalms 119] Happy they whose life is blameless,
who walk by the law of the Lord .
[2] Happy they who keep his charges,
and seek him with all their hearts;
[3] who have done no wrong,
but walk in his ways.
[4] You yourself have appointed your precepts
to be kept with diligence.
[5] O to be steadily guided
in the keeping of your statutes!
[6] Then unashamed shall I be,
when I look towards all your commandments.
[7] I will thank you with heart unfeigned,
when I learn your righteous judgments.
[8] I will observe your statutes:
O forsake me not utterly.
[9] How can a young person keep their life pure?
By giving heed to your word.
[10] With all my heart have I sought you,
let me not stray from your commandments.
[11] In my heart have I treasured your word,
to keep from sinning against you.
[12] Blessed are you, O Lord ;
teach me your statutes.
[13] With my lips have I rehearsed
all the judgments of your mouth.
[14] I delight in the way of your charges,
more than in riches of all sorts.
[15] I will muse upon your precepts,
and look to your paths.
[16] In your statutes I delight,
I will not forget your word.
[17] Grant that your servant may live,
and I will observe your word.
[18] Open my eyes, that I see
wondrous things out of your law.
[19] But a guest am I on the earth:
hide not your commandments from me.
[20] My heart is crushed with longing
for your ordinances, at all times.
[21] You rebuke the proud, the accursed,
who wander from your commandments.
[22] Roll away from me scorn and contempt,
for I have observed your charges.
[23] Though princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will muse on your statutes.
[24] Your charges are my delight,
they are my counsellors.
[25] I lie grovelling in the dust;
revive me, as you have promised.
[26] I told of my ways, you made answer;
teach me your statutes.
[27] Grant me insight into your precepts,
and I will muse on your wonders.
[28] I am overcome with sorrow;
raise me up, as you have promised.
[29] Put the way of falsehood from me,
and graciously grant me your law.
[30] I have chosen the way of fidelity,
your ordinances I long for.
[31] I hold fast to your charges:
O put me not, Lord , to shame.
[32] I will run in the way of your commandments,
for you give me room of heart.
[33] Teach me, O Lord , the way of your statutes,
and I will keep it to the end,
[34] instruct me to keep your law,
and I will observe it with all my heart.
[35] Guide me in the path of your commandments,
for therein do I delight.
[36] Incline my heart to your charges,
and not to greed of gain.
[37] Turn away my eyes from vain sights,
revive me by your word.
[38] Confirm to your servant the promise
which is given to those who fear you.
[39] Remove the reproach which I dread,
because your judgments are good.
[40] Behold, I long for your precepts.
Quicken me in your righteousness.
[41] Visit me, Lord , with your love
and salvation, as you have promised.
[42] So shall I answer my slanderers,
for my trust is in your word.
[43] Snatch not from my mouth the word of truth,
for in your judgments I hope.
[44] I will keep your law continually,
for ever and evermore.
[45] So shall I walk in wide spaces,
for I give my mind to your precepts.
[46] I will speak of your charge before kings,
and will not be ashamed thereof.
[47] Your commandments are my delight,
I love them exceedingly.
[48] I will lift up my hands to your commandments,
and muse upon your statutes.
[49] Remember your word to your servant,
on which you have made me to hope.
[50] This is my comfort in trouble,
that your word gives life to me.
[51] The arrogant utterly scorn me,
but I have not declined from your law.
[52] When I think of your judgments of old,
O Lord , I take to me comfort.
[53] I am seized with glowing anger
at the wicked who forsake your law.
[54] Your statutes have been to me songs
in the house of my pilgrimage.
[55] I remember your name in the night,
O Lord and observe your law.
[56] My lot has been this,
that I have kept your precepts.
[57] My portion are you, O Lord :
I have promised to keep your words.
[58] I entreat you with all my heart;
grant me your promised favor.
[59] I have thought upon my ways,
and turned my feet to your charges.
[60] I hasted and tarried not
to give heed to your commandments.
[61] Though the godless have wound their cords round me,
I have not forgotten your law.
[62] At midnight I rise to praise you
because of your righteous judgments.
[63] With all those who fear you I company,
aid with those who observe your precepts.
[64] The earth, Lord , is full of your kindness;
teach me your Statutes.
[65] Well have you dealt with your servant,
as you have promised, O Lord .
[66] Teach me discretion and knowledge,
for I have believed your commandments.
[67] Till trouble came I was a wanderer,
but now I observe your word.
[68] You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
[69] The proud have forged lies against me,
but I keep your precepts with all my heart.
[70] Their heart is gross like fat,
but I delight in your law.
[71] It was good for me to be humbled,
that I should learn your statutes.
[72] The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
[73] Your hands have made me and fashioned me;
make me wise to learn your commandments.
[74] Those who fear you shall see me with joy,
for in your word have I hoped.
[75] I know, O Lord , that your judgments are right,
and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
[76] Let your love be a comfort to me,
for so have you promised your servant.
[77] Visit me with your quickening pity,
for your law is my delight.
[78] Put the proud to shame, who have wronged me falsely:
I will muse on your precepts.
[79] Let those turn to me who fear you,
that they may learn your charges.
[80] Let my heart be sound in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame.
[81] My long for you to rescue me,
I put my hope in your word.
[82] My eyes pine away for your promise:
saying, “When will you comfort me?”
[83] Though shrivelled like wine-skin in smoke,
your statutes I have not forgotten.
[84] How few are the days of your servant!
When will you judge those who harass me?
[85] Proud people have dug for me pits
people who do not conform to your law.
[86] All your commandments are trusty.
With falsehood they harass me: help me.
[87] They had nearly made an end of me,
yet I did not forget your precepts.
[88] Spare me in your kindness,
and I will observe the charge of your mouth.
[89] Forever, O Lord , is your word
fixed firmly in the heavens.
[90] Your truth endures age after age;
it is established on earth, and it stands.
[91] By your appointment they stand this day,
for all are your servants.
[92] Had not your law been my joy,
in my misery then had I perished.
[93] I will never forget your precepts,
for through them you have put life in me.
[94] I am yours, O save me,
for I give my mind to your precepts.
[95] The wicked lay wait to destroy me,
but I give heed to your charge.
[96] I have seen a limit to all things:
but your commandment is spacious exceedingly.
[97] O how I love your law!
All the day long I muse on it.
[98] Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies:
for it is mine forever.
[99] I am prudent above all my teachers,
for your charges are my meditation.
[100] I have insight more than the aged,
because I observe your precepts.
[101] I refrain my foot from all wicked ways,
that I may keep your word.
[102] I turn not aside from your judgments,
for you yourself are my teacher.
[103] How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
[104] Insight I win through your precepts,
therefore every false way I hate.
[105] Your word is a lamp to my feet,
and a light to my path.
[106] I have sworn an oath, and will keep it,
to observe your righteous judgments.
[107] I am afflicted sorely:
revive me, O Lord , as you said.
[108] Accept, Lord , my willing praise,
and teach me your judgments.
[109] My life is in ceaseless peril;
but I do not forget your law.
[110] The wicked set traps for me,
yet I do not stray from your precepts.
[111] In your charges are my everlasting inheritance,
they are the joy of my heart.
[112] I am resolved to perform your statutes
forever, to the utmost.
[113] I hate people of divided heart,
but your law do I love.
[114] You are my shelter and shield:
in your word do I hope.
[115] Begone, you wicked people,
I will keep the commands of my God.
[116] Uphold me and spare me, as you have promised:
O disappoint me not.
[117] Hold me up, and I shall be saved:
and your statutes shall be my unceasing delight.
[118] All who swerve from your statutes you spurn:
their cunning is in vain.
[119] All the wicked of earth you count as dross,
therefore I love your charges.
[120] My flesh, for fear of you, shudders,
and I stand in awe of your judgments.
[121] Justice and right have I practised,
do not leave me to my oppressors.
[122] Be your servant’s surety for good,
let not the proud oppress me.
[123] My eyes pine for your salvation,
and for your righteous promise.
[124] Deal in your love with your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
[125] Your servant am I; instruct me,
that I may know your charges.
[126] It is time for the Lord to act:
they have violated your law.
[127] Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
[128] So by all your precepts I guide me,
and every false way I hate.
[129] Your decrees are wonderful,
gladly I keep them.
[130] When your word is unfolded, light breaks;
it imparts to the simple wisdom.
[131] With open mouth I pant
with longing for your commandments.
[132] Turn to me with your favor,
as is just to those who love you.
[133] Steady my steps by your word,
so that sin have no power over me.
[134] Set me free from those who oppress me,
and I shall observe your precepts.
[135] Shine with your face on your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
[136] My eyes run down with rills of water,
because your law is not kept.
[137] Righteous are you, O Lord ,
and right are your ordinances.
[138] The laws you has ordered are just,
and trusty exceedingly.
[139] My jealousy has undone me,
that my foes have forgotten your words.
[140] Your word has been tested well;
and your servant loves it.
[141] I am little and held in contempt,
but your precepts I have not forgotten.
[142] Just is your justice forever,
and trusty is your law.
[143] Stress and strain are upon me,
but your commandments are my delight.
[144] Right are your charges forever,
instruct me that I may live.
[145] With my whole heart I cry; O answer me.
I would keep your statutes, O Lord .
[146] I cry to you: O save me,
and I will observe your charges.
[147] Ere the dawn I cry for your help:
in your word do I hope.
[148] Awake I meet the night-watches,
to muse upon your sayings.
[149] Hear my voice in your kindness:
O Lord , by your judgments revive me.
[150] Near me are wicked tormentors,
who are far from thoughts of your law;
[151] but near, too, are you, O Lord ,
and all your commandments are trusty.
[152] Long have I known from your charges
that you have founded them for all time.
[153] Look on my misery, and rescue me;
for I do not forget your law.
[154] Defend my cause and redeem me:
revive me, as you have promised.
[155] Salvation is far from the wicked,
for their mind is not in your statutes.
[156] Great is your pity, O Lord :
Revive me, as you have ordained.
[157] My foes and tormentors are many,
but I have not declined from your charges.
[158] I behold the traitors with loathing,
for they do not observe your word.
[159] Behold how I love your precepts:
revive me, O Lord !, in your kindness.
[160] The sum of your word is truth,
all your laws are just and eternal.
[161] Princes have harassed me wantonly:
but my heart stands in awe of your word.
[162] Over your word I rejoice
as one who finds great spoil.
[163] Falsehood I hate and abhor,
but your law do I love.
[164] Seven times a day do I praise you
because of your righteous judgments.
[165] Right well do they fare who love your law:
they go on their way without stumbling.
[166] I hope for your salvation;
O Lord I do your commandments.
[167] I observe your charges:
I love them greatly.
[168] I observe your precepts and charges:
all my ways are before you.
[169] Let my cry come before you, O Lord :
give me insight, as you have promised.
[170] Let my prayer enter into your presence:
deliver me, as you have said.
[171] My lips shall be fountains of praise,
that you teach me your statutes.
[172] My tongue shall sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
[173] Let your hand be ready to help me,
for your precepts have been my choice.
[174] I long, Lord , for your salvation,
and your law is my delight.
[175] Revive me that I may praise you,
and let your precepts help me.
[176] I have strayed like a wandering sheep
seek your servant, because
I do not forget your commandments.
Psalm 120 – Prayer for Deliverance from Slander and Treachery
A song of ascents.[Psalms 120] In distress I cried to the Lord ,
and he answered me.
[2] “Deliver me, Lord ,
from the lip that is false
and the tongue that is crafty.”
[3] What shall he give to you,
you tongue that is crafty?
What yet shall he give to you?
[4] Arrows of warrior, sharpened,
with glowing broom coals together.
[5] Woe is me that I sojourn in Meshech,
that I live by the tents of Kedar.
[6] Already too long have I dwelt
among those who hate peace.
[7] I am for peace:
but when I speak of it,
Psalm 121 – The Lord Our Protector
A song of ascents.[Psalms 121] I will lift up my eyes to the mountains.
O whence shall help for me come?
[2] From the Lord comes help to me
the creator of heaven and earth.
[3] Your foot he will not let totter:
he who guards you will not sleep.
[4] The guardian of Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
[5] The Lord is he who guards you
your shelter upon your right hand.
[6] The sun by day shall not strike you,
nor the moon by night.
[7] From all evil the Lord will guard you,
he will guard your life.
[8] The Lord will guard your going and coming
Psalm 122 – The Joy and the Prayer of the Pilgrims
A song of ascents. Of David.[Psalms 122] I was glad when they said to me,
“We will go to the house of the Lord .”
[2] Now we are standing,
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
[3] O Jerusalem, built close-packed,
like a city without breach or gap,
[4] to you do the tribes come,
the tribes of the Lord ,
as the law has ordained for Israel,
there to give thanks to the Lord .
[5] There once stood thrones of justice
even thrones of the household of David.
[6] Pray that all may be well with Jerusalem,
and well with those who love you,
[7] well within your ramparts,
and well within your palaces.
[8] For the sake of my brethren and friends,
I will wish you now prosperity:
[9] for the sake of the house of the Lord
our God, I will seek your good.
Psalm 123 – A Prayer for Mercy
A song of ascents.[Psalms 123] I Lift up my eyes to you,
who are throned in the heavens.
[2] As the eyes of a servant
turn to the hand of his master,
or the eyes of a maid
to the hand of her mistress,
so do our eyes turn
to the Lord our God,
until he is gracious to us.
[3] Be gracious, be gracious to us, Lord .
Scorn enough, and more, have we borne
[4] More than enough have we borne
of derision from those at their ease,
of scorn from those who are haughty.
Psalm 124 – A Magnificent Deliverance
A song of ascents. Of David.[Psalms 124] “Had it not been the Lord who was for us”
let Israel say
[2] “Had it not been the Lord who was for us
when enemies rose against us,
[3] then alive they’d have swallowed us up,
when their anger was kindled against us.
[4] Then the waters would’ve swept us away,
and the torrent passed over us clean:
[5] then most sure would’ve passed over us clean
the wild seething waters.”
[6] Blest be the Lord who has given us not
to be torn by their teeth.
[7] We are like a bird just escaped
from the snare of the fowler.
The snare is broken,
and we are escaped.
[8] Our help is the name of the Lord ,
the Creator of heaven and earth.
Psalm 125 – A Sure Defence
A song of ascents.[Psalms 125] Those who trust in the Lord
are like Mount Zion,
that cannot be moved,
but abides forever.
[2] Round Jerusalem are the mountains,
and the Lord is round his people
from now and for evermore.
[3] For he will not suffer
the sceptre of wrong
to rest on the land
allotted to the righteous;
else the righteous might put forth
their own hand to evil.
[4] Do good, O Lord ,
to the good,
and to the true-hearted.
[5] But those who swerve
into crooked ways
will the Lord lead away
with the workers of evil.
Psalm 126 – Sowing in Tears
A song of ascents.[Psalms 126] When the Lord turned the fortunes of Zion,
we were like dreamers.
[2] Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
our tongue with glad shouts;
then among the nations they said,
“The Lord has dealt greatly with them.”
[3] The Lord had dealt greatly with us,
and we were rejoicing.
[4] Turn our fortunes, O Lord ,
as the streams in the Negreb.
[5] They who sow in tears
shall reap with glad shouts.
[6] Forth they fare, with their burden of seed,
and they weep as they go.
But home, home, with glad shouts they shall come
with their arms full of sheaves.
Psalm 127 – The Need of Heavenly Help
A song of ascents. Of Solomon.[Psalms 127] Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord guards the city,
the watchman wakes in vain.
[2] In vain you rise early,
and finish so late,
and so eat sorrow’s bread;
for he cares for his loved ones
in their sleep.
[3] Children are a gift of the Lord ,
the fruit of the womb, a reward.
[4] Like arrows wielded by warriors,
are the children of youth.
[5] Happy the man who has filled
his quiver full of them.
He will not be ashamed when he speaks
Psalm 128 – The Blessings of Home
A song of ascents.[Psalms 128] Happy all who fear the Lord ,
who walk in his ways.
[2] You will eat what your hands have toiled for,
and be happy and prosperous!
[3] Like a fruitful vine shall your wife be
in the innermost room of your house:
your children, like olive shoots,
round about your table.
[4] See! This is the blessing
of the man who fears the Lord .
[5] The Lord shall bless you from Zion.
You will see Jerusalem nourish
all the days of your life.
[6] You will see your children’s children.
Psalm 129 – A Prayer for the Discomfiture of the Enemies of Zion
A song of ascents.[Psalms 129] “Sore have they vexed me from youth”
thus let Israel say
[2] “Sore have they vexed me from youth,
but they have not prevailed against me.
[3] “The ploughers ploughed on my back,
they made their furrows long.
[4] But the Lord , who is righteous, has cut
the cords of the wicked.”
[5] Let all who are haters of Zion
be put to shame and defeated.
[6] May they be as the grass on the house-top,
which withers before it shoots up;
[7] which fills not the arms of the reaper,
nor the lap of the binder of sheaves
[8] whereof no one says as they pass,
“The blessing of God be upon you.”
In the name of the Lord we bless you.
Psalm 130 – Out of the Depths
A song of ascents.[Psalms 130] Out of the depths
I call to you, Lord .
[2] Lord , hear my voice:
give heed with your ears
to my loud plea.
[3] If you should mark sin, Lord ,
O Lord , who could stand?
[4] But with you is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.
[5] I wait for the Lord ,
I wait for his word,
[6] I look for the Lord
more than watchman for morning,
than watchman for morning.
[7] Israel, hope in the Lord :
with the Lord there is love
with him plenteous redemption.
[8] And he redeems Israel
Psalm 131 – As a Little Child
A song of ascents. Of David.[Psalms 131] O Lord , my heart is not haughty,
my eyes are not lofty,
I walk not among great things,
things too wonderful for me.
[2] Yes, I have soothed and stilled myself,
like a young child on his mother’s lap;
like a young child am I.
[3] O Israel, hope in the Lord
Psalm 132 – The Ancient Promise to David and Zion
A song of ascents.[Psalms 132] Remember, O Lord , David
all his sufferings,
[2] the oath that he swore to the Lord ,
and his vow to the Strong One of Jacob,
[3] never to enter his tent,
never to lie on his bed,
[4] never to give his eyes sleep
or his eyelids slumber,
[5] till he had found a place for the Lord ,
for the Strong One of Jacob to live in.
[6] We heard of it in Ephrathah,
in the fields of Jaar we found it.
[7] We went to the place where he dwelt,
we bowed ourselves low at his footstool.
[8] “Arise, Lord , and enter your resting-place,
you and your mighty ark.
[9] Let your priests wear a garment of righteousness,
your faithful shout aloud for joy.
[10] For the sake of David your servant,
do not reject your Anointed.”
[11] The Lord swore an oath to David
an oath that he will not break;
“I will set on your throne
a prince of your line.
[12] If your sons keep my covenant
and the statutes I teach them,
then their sons, too, forever,
will sit on your throne.”
[13] For the choice of the Lord is Zion;
she is the home of his heart.
[14] “This is forever my resting-place,
this is the home of my heart.
[15] I will royally bless her provision,
and give bread to her poor in abundance.
[16] Her priests I will clothe with salvation;
her faithful will shout for joy.
[17] There will I raise up for David
a dynasty of power.
I have set my anointed a lamp
that shall never go out.
[18] Robes of shame I will put on his foes,
but on his head a glittering crown.”
Psalm 133 – Family together
A song of ascents. Of David.[Psalms 133] Behold! How good and how pleasant
is the dwelling of kindred together!
[2] Like precious oil on the head
that ran down on the beard,
the beard of Aaron, running
over the collar of his robe:
[3] like the dew upon Hermon which falls
on the mountains of Zion.
For there has the Lord ordained blessing –
Psalm 134 – An Evening Invocation
A song of ascents.[Psalms 134] Come, praise the Lord ,
all you the Lord ’s servants,
who stand by night
in the house of the Lord .
[2] Lift your hands to the holy place,
praise the Lord .
[3] The Lord who made heaven and earth,
Psalm 135 – The Lord’s Power Revealed in Nature and History
[Psalms 135] Hallelujah.
Praise the name of the Lord .
Praise the Lord , you his servants,
[2] who stand in the house of the Lord ,
in the courts of the house of our God.
[3] Praise the Lord , for the Lord is good:
Sing praise to his name it is pleasant.
[4] The Lord for himself chose Jacob,
Israel as his own special treasure.
[5] For I know that the Lord is great,
that our Lord is above all gods.
[6] All that he wills he does
in the heavens and on the earth,
in the seas and in all the abysses.
[7] Clouds he brings up from the ends of the earth,
lightnings he makes for the rain,
wind he brings out of his storehouses.
[8] The firstborn of Egypt he struck,
both humans and animals.
[9] Signs and wonders he sent
into your midst, O Egypt,
upon Pharaoh and all his servants.
[10] Many nations he struck,
mighty kings he slew
[11] Sihon, king of the Amorites,
Og, king of Bashan,
and all the kingdoms of Canaan.
[12] He gave their land for possession,
possession to Israel his people.
[13] Your name, O Lord , is forever;
your memorial world without end.
[14] For the Lord secures right for his people,
and takes pity upon his servants.
[15] The idols of heathen are silver
made by human hands.
[16] They have mouths, but cannot speak:
they have eyes, but cannot see.
[17] They have ears, but cannot hear:
there is no breath in their mouths.
[18] Their makers become like them,
so do all who trust in them.
[19] House of Israel, praise the Lord :
house of Araon, praise the Lord .
[20] House of Levi, praise the Lord :
you who fear the Lord , praise the Lord .
[21] Blest be the Lord out of Zion,
who lives in Jerusalem.
Psalm 136 – The Lord’s Love Revealed in Nature and History
[Psalms 136] Give thanks to the Lord for his goodness:
for his kindness endures forever.
[2] Give thanks to the God of gods:
for his kindness endures forever.
[3] Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
for his kindness endures forever.
[4] To him who alone does great wonders:
for his kindness endures forever.
[5] Whose wisdom created the heavens:
for his kindness endures forever.
[6] Who spread forth the earth on the waters:
for his kindness endures forever.
[7] Who made great lights:
for his kindness endures forever.
[8] The sun to rule over the day:
for his kindness endures forever.
[9] Moon and stars to rule over the night:
for his kindness endures forever.
[10] Who struck the firstborn of Egypt:
for his kindness endures forever.
[11] And brought Israel out from their midst:
for his kindness endures forever.
[12] With strong hand and outstretched arm:
for his kindness endures forever.
[13] Who cut the Red Sea in pieces:
for his kindness endures forever.
[14] And brought Israel right through the midst:
for his kindness endures forever.
[15] And shook Pharaoh with all his host into the sea
for his kindness endures forever.
[16] Who led his people through the desert:
for his kindness endures forever.
[17] Who struck down great kings:
for his kindness endures forever.
[18] And slew noble kings:
for his kindness endures forever.
[19] Sihon, king of the Amorites:
for his kindness endures forever.
[20] And Og, king of Bashan:
for his kindness endures forever.
[21] Who gave their land for possession:
for his kindness endures forever.
[22] Possession to Israel his servant:
for his kindness endures forever.
[23] Who remembered our low estate:
for his kindness endures forever.
[24] And rescued us from our foes:
for his kindness endures forever.
[25] Who gives to all flesh food:
for his kindness endures forever.
[26] Give thanks to the God of heaven:
for his kindness endures forever.
Psalm 137 – By the Waters of Babylon
[Psalms 137] By the waters of Babylon there we sat,
and we wept at the thought of Zion.
[2] There on the poplars we hung our harps.
[3] For there our captors called for a song:
our tormentors, rejoicing, saying:
“Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”
[4] How can we sing the Lord ’s song
in the foreigner’s land?
[5] If I forget you, Jerusalem,
may my right hand wither.
[6] May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth,
if I am unmindful of you,
or don’t set Jerusalem
above my chief joy.
[7] Remember the Edomites, Lord ,
the day of Jerusalem’s fall,
when they said, “Lay her bare, lay her bare,
right down to her very foundation.”
[8] Babylon, despoiler,
happy are those who pay you back
for all you have done to us.
[9] Happy are they who seize and dash
your children against the rocks.
Psalm 138 – The Constancy of the Lord’s Care
Of David.[Psalms 138] I will thank you, O Lord , with all my heart:
in the sight of the gods I will sing your praise,
[2] and prostrate before your holy temple,
will praise your name for your constant love,
for you have exulted your promise above all.
[3] When I called you, you answered;
you gave me strength, you inspired me.
[4] All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord ,
when they shall have heard the words you have uttered;
[5] and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord ,
and tell of the Lord ’s transcendent glory.
[6] For, high though the Lord is, he looks on the lowly,
and strikes down the haughty from far away.
[7] Though my way be distressful, yet you preserve me:
you lay your hand on my angry foes,
and your right hand gives me victory.
[8] The Lord will accomplish all that which concerns me.
Your kindness, O Lord , endures forever.
O do not abandon the work of your hands.
Psalm 139 – The Ever-Present God
For the leader. Of David, a psalm.[Psalms 139] O Lord , you search and know me;
[2] when I sit, when I rise you know it,
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
[3] When I walk, when I lie you sift it,
familiar with all my ways.
[4] There is not a word on my tongue,
but see! Lord , you know it all.
[5] Behind and before you beset me,
upon me you lay your hand.
[6] It’s too wonderful for me to know
too lofty I cannot attain it.
[7] Whither shall I go from your spirit?
Or whither shall I flee from your face?
[8] If I climb up to heaven, you are there:
or make Sheol my bed, you are there.
[9] If I lift up the wings of the morning
and fly to the end of the sea,
[10] there also your hand would grasp me,
and your right hand take hold of me.
[11] If I say, “Let the darkness cover me,
and night be the light about me,”
[12] The dark is not dark for you,
but night is as light as the day.
[13] For you did put me together;
in my mother’s womb you did weave me.
[14] I give you praise for my fashioning
so full of awe, so wonderful.
Your works are wonderful.
You knew me right well;
[15] my bones were not hidden from you,
when I was made in secret,
and woven in the depths of the earth.
[16] Your eyes saw all my days:
they stood on your book every one
written down, before they were fashioned,
while none of them yet was mine.
[17] But how far, O God, beyond measure
are your thoughts! How mighty their sum!
[18] Should I count, they are more than the sand.
When I wake, I am still with you.
[19] Will you slay the wicked, O God?
And remove from me the bloodthirsty,
[20] who maliciously defy you
and take your name in vain.
[21] Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord ?
Do I not loathe those who resist you?
[22] With perfect hatred I hate them,
I count them my enemies.
[23] Search me, O God, know my heart:
test me, and know my thoughts,
[24] and see if guile be in me;
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 140 – A Prayer for Preservation
To the leader. A Psalm of David.[Psalms 140] Rescue me, Lord , from evil people;
from the violent guard me
[2] from those who plot evil in their heart,
and stir up war continually:
[3] who make their tongue as sharp as a serpent’s,
and under whose lips is the poison of adders. Selah
[4] Preserve me, O Lord , from the hands of the wicked,
from the violent guard me
from those who are plotting to trip up my feet.
[5] The proud have hidden a trap for me,
cords they have spread as a net for my feet:
snares they have set at the side of my track. Selah
[6] I have said to the Lord , “My God are you;
attend, Lord , to my loud plea.
[7] O Lord my Lord , my savior mighty,
you did cover my head in the day of battle.
[8] Grant not, O Lord , the desires of the wicked;
and what they have purposed, promote you not.” Selah
[9] Let them not lift up their heads against me.
May the mischief they prate bring themselves to destruction,
[10] may he rain upon them coals of fire,
may he strike them down swiftly, to rise no more,
[11] no place in the land may there be for the slanderer:
may the violent be hunted from sorrow to sorrow.
[12] I know that the Lord will do right by the weak,
and will execute justice for those who are needy.
[13] Surely the righteous shall praise your name,
and they who are upright shall live in your presence.
Psalm 141 – A Prayer for Protection from Persecutors
A psalm of David.[Psalms 141] Lord , I call to you: hasten, to me,
attend to my voice, when I call to you.
[2] Let my prayer be presented as incense before you,
and my uplifted hands as the evening meal-offering.
[3] Set, O Lord , a watch on my mouth,
put a guard on the door of my lips.
[4] Incline not my heart to an evil matter,
to busy myself in deeds of wickedness,
in company with workers of evil:
never may I partake of their dainties.
[5] A wound or reproof from a good person in kindness
is oil which my head shall never refuse.
In their misfortune my prayer is still with them.
[6] Abandoned they are to the hands of their judges:
they shall learn that my words are true.
[7] Like stones on a country road cleft and broken
so lie our bones scattered for Death to devour.
[8] But my eyes are turned towards you, O Lord .
Do not pour out my life, for in you I take refuge.
[9] Keep me safe from the trap they have laid for me,
from the snares of the workers of trouble.
[10] Into their own nets let wicked people fall;
Psalm 142 – A Prayer for Deliverance from Persecutors
A maskil of David, while he was in the cave, a prayer.[Psalms 142] Loudly I cry to the Lord :
to the Lord plead loudly for mercy,
[2] I pour my complaint before him,
I tell my troubles to him.
[3] When my spirit is faint within me,
my path is known to you.
In the way I am wont to walk in,
they have hidden a trap for me.
[4] I look to the right and the left;
but not a friend have I.
No place of refuge is left me,
not a man to care for me.
[5] So I cry to you, O Lord :
I say, “My refuge are you,
all I have in the land of the living.”
[6] Attend to my piercing cry,
for very weak am I.
Save me from those who pursue me,
for they are too strong for me.
[7] Free me from prison,
that I may give thanks to your name,
for the righteous are patiently waiting
till you show your bounty to me.
Psalm 143 – A Prayer for Deliverance and Guidance
A psalm of David.[Psalms 143] Listen, O Lord , to my prayer;
attend to my plea.
In your faithfulness give me answer,
and in your righteousness.
[2] With your servant O enter you not into judgment,
for in your sight can no one alive be justified.
[3] For the enemy persecutes me,
crushing my life to the ground,
making me live in the darkness,
as those who have long been dead.
[4] My spirit is faint within me,
my heart is bewildered within me.
[5] I remember the days of old,
and brood over all you have done,
musing on all that your hands have wrought.
[6] I spread out my hands to you:
I thirst for you,
like parched earth. Selah
[7] Answer me soon, Lord ,
because my spirit is spent.
Hide not your face from me,
else become I like those who go down to the pit.
[8] Let me learn of your love in the morning,
for my trust is in you.
Teach me the way I should go:
for my heart longs for you.
[9] Save me, O Lord , from my foes:
for to you I have fled for refuge.
[10] Teach me to do your will,
for you yourself are my God.
Guide me by your good spirit,
O Lord , on a way that is smooth.
[11] Be true to your name Lord , spare me,
bring me out of distress in your faithfulness.
[12] In your kindness extinguish my enemies,
and all those who vex me destroy;
Psalm 144 – The Warrior’s Song
Of David.[Psalms 144] Blest be the Lord my rock,
who trains my hands for war,
my fingers for fighting.
[2] My rock and my fortress,
my tower, my deliverer,
my shield, behind whom I take refuge,
who lays nations low at my feet.
[3] Lord , what are mortals
that you care for them,
humans,
that you think of them?
[4] They are like a breath,
their days as a shadow that passes.
[5] Lord , bow your heavens and come down:
touch the hills, so that they smoke.
[6] Flash forth lightning and scatter them,
your arrows send forth and confound them.
[7] Stretch out your hand from on high;
pluck me out of the mighty waters,
out of the hands of foreigners,
[8] who speak with the mouth of falsehood,
and lift their right hand to swear lies.
[9] O God, a new song I would sing you,
on a ten-stringed harp make you music.
[10] For to kings you give the victory,
and David your servant you save.
[11] Snatch me from the cruel sword,
rescue me from the hand of foreigners,
who speak with the mouth of falsehood,
and lift their right hand to swear lies.
The Prosperity of the Lord’s People
[12] May our sons in their youth
be as plants well tended:
our daughters like cornices
carved as in palaces.
[13] May our barns be bursting
with produce of all kinds.
In the fields may our sheep bear
by thousands and ten thousands.
[14] May our cattle be fat,
our walls unbreached,
may no cry of distress
ring in our streets.
[15] Happy the people
who fares so well:
and so fares the people
Psalm 145 – The Kingdom Everlasting
A song of praise. Of David.[Psalms 145] I will exalt you, my God, O king:
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
[2] I will bless you every day:
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
[3] Great is the Lord and worthy all praise,
his greatness is unsearchable.
[4] One age to another shall praise your deeds,
declaring the mighty things you have done.
[5] Of your glorious majesty they shall tell,
and I will muse of your many wonders.
[6] Of the might of your terrible acts they shall speak,
and the tale of your great deeds I will tell.
[7] The fame of your abundant goodness
and righteousness they shall pour forth in song.
[8] The Lord is full of grace and pity,
patient and rich in loving-kindness.
[9] The Lord is good to all the world,
and his pity is over all things that he made.
[10] All your works give you thanks, O Lord ,
and you are blessed of those who love you.
[11] They shall speak of your glorious kingdom,
and of your might shall they discourse,
[12] making known to all his mighty acts,
and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.
[13] Yours is a kingdom that lives through all ages:
through all generations extends your dominion.
[14] The Lord upholds all who fall;
he lifts up all who are bowed down.
[15] The eyes of all look in hope to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
[16] You yourself open your hand,
and fill with your favor all things that live.
[17] The Lord is righteous in all his ways,
gracious is he in all that he does.
[18] The Lord is near to all who call him,
to all who call upon him in truth.
[19] He will fulfil the desires of those who fear him;
he will hear their cry for help and save them.
[20] The Lord is the keeper of all who love him,
but all the wicked will he destroy.
[21] My mouth will utter the praise of the Lord ,
and all life will bless his holy name
Psalm 146 – The Great Protector
[Psalms 146] My soul, praise the Lord .
[2] I will praise the Lord , while I live;
I will sing to my God, while I am.
[3] Put not your trust in princes
mortals, in whom is no help.
[4] When their breath goes out,
they go back to the dust:
on that very day
their purposes perish.
[5] Happy those whose help
is the God of Jacob:
whose hope is set
on the Lord their God,
[6] the Creator of heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them.
He remains eternally loyal.
[7] For the wronged he executes justice;
he gives bread to the hungry;
the Lord releases the prisoners.
[8] The Lord gives sight to the blind:
the Lord raises those who are bowed.
The Lord loves the righteous.
[9] The Lord preserves the stranger,
upholds the widow and orphan,
but the wicked he leads to disaster.
[10] The Lord shall reign forever,
your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Psalm 147 – The Lord’s Love and Power Revealed in Nature
[Psalms 147] Hallelujah.
It is good to sing praise to our God,
for praise is sweet and seemly.
[2] The Lord builds up Jerusalem,
the outcasts of Israel he gathers.
[3] He heals the broken in heart,
and binds up their wounds.
[4] He counts the numberless stars,
he gives names to them all.
[5] Great is our Lord , rich in power,
and measureless is his wisdom.
[6] The Lord lifts up the down-trodden,
the wicked he brings to the ground.
[7] Sing songs of thanks to the Lord ,
and play on the lyre to our God.
[8] For he covers the sky with clouds,
he prepares rain for the earth,
makes grass to grow on the mountains.
[9] He gives the cattle their food
the young ravens when they cry.
[10] His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
his joy is not in the speed of a runner;
[11] but the Lord has his pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who wait for his kindness.
[12] Praise the Lord , then, O Jerusalem:
sing praise to your God, O Zion.
[13] For he strengthens the bars of your gates,
and blesses your children within you.
[14] He brings peace to your borders,
and choicest of wheat in abundance.
[15] He sends his command to the earth:
his word runs very swiftly.
[16] Snow he gives like wool,
frost he scatters like ashes.
[17] He casts forth his ice like morsels:
who can stand before his cold?
[18] He sends forth his word, and melts them:
his wind blows the waters flow.
[19] He declares his word to Jacob,
his statutes and judgments to Israel.
[20] No other nation did he do this for,
they know nothing of his judgments.
Psalm 148 – The Universal Chorus of Praise
[Psalms 148] Praise the Lord from the heavens,
praise him in the heights.
[2] Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his hosts.
[3] Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all stars of light.
[4] Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens.
[5] Let them praise the name of the Lord ,
for at his command they were made.
[6] And he fixed them for ever and ever
by a law which they dare not transgress.
[7] Praise the Lord from the earth:
you depths, with your monsters, all.
[8] Fire, hail, snow and ice,
and stormy wind doing his word.
[9] All you mountains and hills,
all you fruit trees and cedars,
[10] all you wild beasts and tame,
creeping things, birds on the wing.
[11] All you kings and nations of earth;
all you princes and judges of earth:
[12] young men and maidens together,
old men and children together.
[13] Let them praise the name of the Lord ,
for his name alone is exalted.
Over heaven and earth is his glory.
[14] He has lifted his people to honor.
Wherefore this chorus of praise from his saints,
from Israel, the people who stand in his fellowship.
Psalm 149 – Song of Victory
[Psalms 149] Hallelujah.
Sing to the Lord a new song,
sound his praise where the faithful are gathered.
[2] Let Israel rejoice in its maker,
sons of Zion exult in their king.
[3] Let them praise his name in the dance,
making music with lyre and with timbrel.
[4] For the Lord delights in his people,
adorning the humble with victory.
[5] Let the faithful exult and extol him
with glad ringing cries all night long.
[6] High praises of God in their mouth,
and a two-edged sword in their hand:
[7] on the heathen to execute vengeance,
and chastisement sore on the nations,
[8] binding their kings with chains,
and their nobles with fetters of iron,
[9] to execute on them the doom that is written.
This is the glory of all his faithful.
Psalm 150 – Hallelujah
[Psalms 150] Hallelujah.
Praise God in his holy place.
Praise him in the sky, his stronghold.
[2] Praise him for his deeds of power.
Praise him for his boundless greatness.
[3] Praise him with blast of horn;
praise him with harp and lyre.
[4] Praise him with timbrel and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe.
[5] Praise him with resounding cymbals,
praise him with clashing cymbals.
[6] Let all that has breath praise the Lord .
Hallelujah.