Psalms 118:1-150:6

ISV(i) 1 Thanksgiving to God Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his gracious love is eternal. 2 Let Israel now say, “His gracious love is eternal.” 3 Let the house of Aaron now say, “His gracious love is eternal.” 4 Let those who fear the LORD now say, “His gracious love is eternal.” 5 I called on the LORD in my distress; the LORD answered me openly. 6 The LORD is with me. I will not be afraid. What can people do to me? 7 With the LORD beside me as my helper, I will triumph over those who hate me. 8 It is better to take shelter in the LORD than to trust in people. 9 It is better to take shelter in the LORD than to trust in princes. 10 All the nations surrounded me; but in the name of the LORD I will defeat them. 11 They surrounded me, they are around me; but in the name of the LORD I will defeat them. 12 They surrounded me like bees; but they will be extinguished like burning thorns. In the name of the LORD I will defeat them. 13 Indeed, you oppressed me so much that I nearly fell, but the LORD helped me. 14 The LORD is my strength and protector, for he has become my deliverer. 15 There’s exultation for deliverance in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the LORD is victorious! 16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted! The right hand of the LORD is victorious!” 17 I will not die, but I will live to recount the deeds of the LORD. 18 The LORD will discipline me severely, but he won’t hand me over to die. 19 Open for me the righteous gates so I may enter through them to give thanks to the LORD. 20 This is the LORD’s gate— The righteous will enter through it. 21 I will praise you because you have answered me and have become my deliverer. 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23 This is from the LORD— it is awesome in our sight. 24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let’s rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Please LORD, deliver us! Please LORD, hurry and bring success now! 26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Let us bless you from the LORD’s house. 27 The LORD is God—he will be our light! Bind the festival sacrifice with ropes to the horn at the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will praise you; my God, and I will exalt you. 29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good and his gracious love is eternal.
119 1 Alef
Living in the Law of God How blessed are those whose life is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD! 2 How blessed are those who observe his decrees, who seek him with all of their heart, 3 who practice no evil while they walk in his ways. 4 You have commanded concerning your precepts, that they be guarded with diligence. 5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast, so I may keep your statutes. 6 Then I will not be ashamed, since my eyes will be fixed on all of your commands. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart, as I learn your righteous decrees. 8 I will keep your statutes; do not ever abandon me.
9 Bet
The Benefits of the WordHow can a young man keep his behavior pure? By guarding it in accordance with your word. 10 I have sought you with all of my heart; do not let me drift away from your commands. 11 I have stored what you have said in my heart, so I won’t sin against you. 12 Blessed are you, LORD! Teach me your statutes. 13 I have spoken with my lips about all your decrees that you have announced. 14 I find joy in the path of your decrees, as if I owned all kinds of riches. 15 I will meditate on your precepts, and I will respect your ways. 16 I am delighted with your statutes; I will not forget your word.
17 Gimmel
Living and Keeping God’s WordDeal kindly with your servant so I may live and keep your word. 18 Open my eyes so that I will observe amazing things from your instruction. 19 Since I am a stranger on the earth, do not hide your commands from me. 20 My soul is consumed with longing for your decrees at all times. 21 You rebuke the accursed ones, who wander from your commands. 22 Remove scorn and disrespect from me, for I observe your decrees. 23 Though nobles take their seat and gossip about me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. 24 I take joy in your decrees, for they are my counselors.
25 Daleth
Strength Comes from the WordMy soul clings to the dust; revive me according to your word. 26 I have talked about my ways, and you have answered me; Teach me your statutes. 27 Help me understand how your precepts function, and I will meditate on your wondrous acts. 28 I weep because of sorrow; fortify me according to your word. 29 Remove false paths from me; and graciously give me your instruction. 30 I have chosen the faithful way; I have firmly placed your ordinances before me. 31 I cling to your decrees; LORD, do not put me to shame. 32 I eagerly race along the way of your commands, for you enable me to do so.
33 He
Instructed by the WordTeach me, LORD, about the way of your statutes, and I will observe them without fail. 34 Give me understanding and I will observe your instruction. I will keep it with all of my heart. 35 Help me live my life by your commands, because my joy is in them. 36 Turn my heart to your decrees and away from unjust gain. 37 Turn my eyes away from gazing at worthless things, and revive me by your ways. 38 Confirm your promise to your servant, which is for those who fear you. 39 Turn away the shame that I dread, because your ordinances are good. 40 Look, I long for your precepts; revive me through your righteousness.
41 Vav
A Song of PraiseMay your gracious love come to me, LORD, your salvation, just as you said. 42 Then I can answer the one who insults me, for I place my trust in your word. 43 Never take your truthful words from me, For I wait for your ordinances. 44 Then I will always keep your Law, forever and ever, 45 I will walk in liberty, for I seek your precepts. 46 Then I will speak of your decrees before kings and not be ashamed. 47 I will take delight in your commands, which I love. 48 I will lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.
49 Zayin
Remembering What God Has SaidRemember what you said to your servant, by which you caused me to hope. 50 This is what comforts me in my troubles: that what you say revives me. 51 Even though the arrogant utterly deride me, I do not turn away from your instruction. 52 I have remembered your ancient ordinances, LORD, and I take comfort in them. 53 I burn with indignation because of the wicked who forsake your instruction. 54 Your statutes are my songs, no matter where I make my home. 55 In the night I remember your name, LORD, and keep your instruction. 56 I have made it my personal responsibility to keep your precepts.
57 Cheth
Keeping God’s WordThe LORD is my inheritance; I have given my promise to keep your word. 58 I have sought your favor with all of my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. 59 I examined my lifestyle and set my feet in the direction of your decrees. 60 I hurried and did not procrastinate to keep your commands. 61 Though the ropes of the wicked have ensnared me, I have not forgotten your instruction. 62 At midnight I will get up to thank you for your righteous ordinances. 63 I am united with all who fear you, and with everyone who keeps your precepts. 64 LORD, the earth overflows with your gracious love! Teach me your statutes.
65 Teth
Praise for God’s WordLORD, you have dealt well with your servant, according to your word. 66 Teach me both knowledge and appropriate discretion, because I believe in your commands. 67 Before I was humbled, I wandered away, but now I observe your words. 68 LORD, you are good, and do what is good; teach me your statutes. 69 The arrogant have accused me falsely; but I will observe your precepts wholeheartedly. 70 Their minds are clogged as with greasy fat, but I find joy in your instruction. 71 It was for my good that I was humbled; so that I would learn your statutes. 72 Instruction that comes from you is better for me than thousands of gold and silver coins.
73 Yod
Prayer for God’s GraceYour hands made and formed me; give me understanding, that I may learn your commands. 74 May those who fear you see me and be glad, for I have hoped in your word. 75 I know, LORD, that your decrees are just, and that you have rightfully humbled me. 76 May your gracious love comfort me in accordance with your promise to your servant. 77 May your mercies come to me that I may live, for your instruction is my delight. 78 May the arrogant become ashamed, because they have subverted me with deceit; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts. 79 May those who fear you turn to me, along with those who know your decrees. 80 May my heart be blameless with respect to your statutes so that I may not become ashamed.
81 Kaf
On Obeying God’s WordI long for your deliverance; I have looked to your word, placing my hope in it. 82 My eyes grow weary with respect to what you have promised— I keep asking, “When will you comfort me?” 83 Though I have become like a water skin dried by smoke, I have not forgotten your statutes. 84 How many days must your servant endure this? When will you judge those who persecute me? 85 The arrogant have dug pitfalls for me disobeying your instruction. 86 All of your commands are reliable. I am persecuted without cause—help me! 87 Though the arrogant nearly destroyed me on earth, I did not abandon your precepts. 88 Revive me according to your gracious love; and I will keep the decrees that you have proclaimed.
89 Lamed
Pay Attention to God’s WordYour word is forever, LORD; it is firmly established in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness continues from generation to generation. You established the earth, and it stands firm. 91 To this day they stand by means of your rulings, for all things serve you. 92 Had your instruction not been my pleasure, I would have died in my affliction. 93 I will never forget your precepts, for you have revived me with them. 94 I am yours, so save me, since I have sought your precepts. 95 The wicked lay in wait to destroy me, while I ponder your decrees. 96 I have observed that all things have their limit, but your commandment is very broad.
97 Mem
Loving God’s WordHow I love your instruction! Every day it is my meditation. 98 Your commands make me wiser than my adversaries, since they are always with me. 99 I am more insightful than my teachers, because your decrees are my meditations. 100 I have more common sense than the elders, for I observe your precepts. 101 I keep away from every evil choice so that I may keep your word. 102 I do not avoid your judgments, for you pointed them out to me. 103 How pleasing is what you have to say to me— tasting better than honey. 104 I obtain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every false way.
105 Nun
God’s Word a LightYour word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my pathway. 106 I have given my word and affirmed it, to keep your righteous judgments. 107 I am severely afflicted. Revive me, LORD, according to your word. 108 LORD, please accept my voluntary offerings of praise, and teach me your judgments. 109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I do not forget your instruction. 110 Though the wicked lay a trap for me, I haven’t wandered away from your precepts. 111 I have inherited your decrees forever, because they are the joy of my heart. 112 As a result, I am determined to carry out your statutes forever.
113 Samek
Loving God’s LawI despise the double-minded, but I love your instruction. 114 You are my fortress and shield; I hope in your word. 115 Leave me, you who practice evil, that I may observe the commands of my God. 116 Sustain me, God, as you have promised, and I will live. Do not let me be ashamed of my hope. 117 Support me, that I may be saved, and I will carry out your statutes consistently. 118 You reject all who wander from your statutes, since their deceitfulness is vain. 119 You remove all the wicked of the earth like dross; therefore I love your decrees. 120 My flesh trembles out of fear of you, and I am in awe of your judgments.
121 Ayin
Praying for God’s DeliveranceI have acted with justice and righteousness; do not abandon me to my oppressors. 122 Back up your servant in a positive way; do not let the arrogant oppress me. 123 My eyes fail as I look for your salvation and for your righteous promise. 124 Act toward your servant consistent with your gracious love, and teach me your statutes. 125 Since I am your servant, give me understanding, so I will know your decrees. 126 It is time for the LORD to act, since they have violated your instruction. 127 I truly love your commands more than gold, including fine gold. 128 I truly consider all of your precepts—all of them—to be just, while I despise every false way.
129 Peyh
Living in God’s WordYour decrees are wonderful— that’s why I observe them. 130 The disclosure of your words illuminates, providing understanding to the simple. 131 I open my mouth and pant as I long for your commands. 132 Turn in my direction and show mercy to me, as you have decreed regarding those who love your name. 133 Direct my footsteps by your promise, and do not let any kind of iniquity rule over me. 134 Deliver me from human oppression and I will keep your precepts. 135 Show favor to your servant, and teach me your statutes. 136 My eyes shed rivers of tears, when others do not obey your instruction.
137 Tsade
God’s Righteous DecreesLORD, you are righteous, and your judgments are right. 138 You have ordered your decrees to us rightly, and they are very faithful. 139 My zeal consumes me because my enemies forget your words. 140 Your word is very pure, and your servant loves it. 141 Though I may be small and despised, I do not neglect your precepts. 142 Your righteousness is an eternal righteousness, and your instruction is true. 143 Though trouble and anguish overwhelm me, your commands remain my delight. 144 Your righteous decrees are eternal; give me understanding, and I will live.
145 Qof
Waiting in HopeI have cried out with all of my heart. Answer me, LORD! I will observe your statutes. 146 I have called out to you, “Save me, so I may keep your decrees.” 147 I get up before dawn and cry for help; I place my hope in your word. 148 I look forward to the night watches, when I may meditate on what you have said. 149 Hear my voice according to your gracious love. LORD, revive me in keeping with your justice. 150 Those who pursue wickedness draw near; they remain far from your instruction. 151 You are near, LORD, and all of your commands are true. 152 I discovered long ago about your decrees that you have confirmed them forever.
153 Resh
God’s Word is TruthLook on my misery, and rescue me, for I do not ignore your instruction. 154 Defend my case and redeem me; revive me according to your promise. 155 Deliverance remains remote from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes. 156 Your mercies are magnificent, LORD; revive me according to your judgments. 157 Though my persecutors and adversaries are numerous, I do not turn aside from your decrees. 158 I watch the treacherous, and despise them, because they do not do what you have said. 159 Look how I love your precepts, LORD; revive me according to your gracious love. 160 The sum of your word is truth, and each righteous ordinance of yours is everlasting.
161 Sin/Shin
Loving God’s InstructionThough nobles persecute me for no reason, my heart stands in awe of your words. 162 I find joy at what you have said like one who has discovered a great treasure. 163 I despise and hate falsehood, but I love your instruction. 164 I praise you seven times a day because of your righteous ordinances. 165 Great peace belongs to those who love your instruction, and nothing makes them stumble. 166 I am looking in hope for your deliverance, LORD, as I carry out your commands. 167 My soul treasures your decrees, and I love them deeply. 168 I keep your precepts and your decrees because all of my ways are before you.
169 Tav
The Joy of God’s WordMay my cry arise before you, LORD; give me understanding according to your word. 170 Let my request come before you; deliver me, as you have promised. 171 May my lips utter praise, for you teach me your statutes. 172 May my tongue sing about your promise, for all of your commands are right. 173 May your hand stand ready to assist me, for I have chosen your precepts. 174 I am longing for your deliverance, LORD, and your instruction is my joy. 175 Let me live, and I will praise you; let your ordinances help me. 176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come find your servant, for I do not forget your commands.
120 1 A Song of Ascents
A Prayer for Deliverance I cried to the LORD in my distress, and he responded to me. 2 “LORD, deliver me from lips that lie and tongues that deceive.” 3 What will be given to you, and what will be done to you, you treacherous tongue? 4 Like a sharp arrow from a warrior, along with fiery coals from juniper trees! 5 How terrible for me, that I am an alien in Meshech, that I reside among the tents of Kedar! 6 I have resided too long with those who hate peace. 7 I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they are in favor of war.
121 1 A Song of Ascents
The Guardian of God’s People I lift up my eyes toward the mountains— from where will my help come? 2 My help is from the LORD, maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will never let your foot slip, nor will your guardian become drowsy. 4 Look! The one who is guarding Israel never sleeps and does not take naps. 5 The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade at your right side. 6 The sun will not ravage you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will guard you from all evil, preserving your life. 8 The LORD will guard your goings and comings, from this time on and forever.
122 1 A Davidic Song of Ascents
Up to Jerusalem I rejoiced when they kept on asking me, “Let us go to the LORD’s Temple.” 2 Our feet are standing inside your gates, Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem stands built up, a city knitted together. 4 To it the tribes ascend— the tribes of the LORD— as decreed to Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. 5 For thrones are established there for judgment, thrones of the house of David. 6 Pray for peace for Jerusalem: “May those who love you be at peace! 7 May peace be within your ramparts, and prosperity within your fortresses.” 8 For the sake of my relatives and friends I will now say, “May there be peace within you.” 9 For the sake of the Temple of the LORD our God, I will seek your welfare.
123 1 A Song of Ascents
A Prayer for Relief To you, who sit enthroned in heaven, I lift up my eyes. 2 Consider this: as the eyes of a servant focus on what his master provides, and as the eyes of a female servant focus on what her mistress provides, so our eyes focus on the LORD our God, until he has mercy on us. 3 Have mercy on us, LORD, have mercy, for we have had more than enough of contempt. 4 Our lives overflow with scorn from those who live at ease, with contempt from those who are proud.
124 1 A Davidic Song of Ascents
God is for Us If the LORD had not been on our side— let Israel now say— 2 if the LORD had not been on our side, when men came against us, 3 then they would have devoured us alive, when their anger burned against us. 4 Then the flood waters would have overwhelmed us, the torrent would have flooded over us; 5 the swollen waters would have swept us away. 6 Blessed be the LORD, who did not give us as prey to their teeth. 7 We have escaped like a bird from the hunter’s trap. The trap has been broken, and we have escaped. 8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.
125 1 A Song of Ascents
God is Secure Those who are trusting in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be overthrown. They remain forever. 2 Just as mountains encircle Jerusalem, so the LORD encircles his people, from now to eternity. 3 For evil’s scepter will not rest on the land that has been allotted to the righteous, and so the righteous will not direct themselves to do wrong. 4 LORD, do good to those who are good, and to those who are upright in heart. 5 But for those who choose their own devious paths, the LORD will lead them away, along with those who practice evil. Peace be upon Israel.
126 1 A Song of Ascents
The Exiles Restored When the LORD brought back Zion’s exiles, we were like dreamers. 2 Then our mouths were filled with laughter, and our tongues formed joyful shouts. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” 3 The great things that the LORD has done for us gladden us. 4 Restore our exiles, LORD, like the streams of the Negev. 5 Those who weep while they plant will sing for joy while they harvest. 6 The one who goes out weeping, carrying a bag of seeds, will surely return with a joyful song, bearing sheaves from his harvest.
127 1 A Solomonic Song of Ascents
God’s Blessing in the Family Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor uselessly. Unless the LORD guards the city, its security forces keep watch uselessly. 2 It is useless to get up early and to stay up late, eating the food of exhausting labor— truly he gives sleep to those he loves. 3 Children are a gift from the LORD; a productive womb, the LORD’s reward. 4 As arrows in the hand of a warrior, so also are children born during one’s youth. 5 How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be ashamed as they confront their enemies at the city gate.
128 1 A Song of Ascents
The Blessings of Fearing God How blessed are all who fear the LORD as they follow in his ways. 2 You will eat from the work of your hands; you will be happy, and it will go well for you. 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children like olive shoots surrounding your table. 4 See how the man will be blessed who fears the LORD. 5 May the LORD bless you from Zion, and may you observe the prosperity of Jerusalem every day that you live! 6 And may you see your children’s children! Peace be on Israel!
129 1 A Song of Ascents
God Defeats Israel’s Enemies “Since my youth they have often persecuted me,” let Israel repeat it, 2 “Since my youth they have often persecuted me, yet they haven’t defeated me. 3 Wicked people ploughed over my back, creating long-lasting wounds.” 4 The LORD is righteous— he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked. 5 Let all who hate Zion be turned away and be ashamed. 6 May they become like a tuft of grass on a roof top, that withers before it takes root— 7 not enough to fill one’s hand or to bundle in one’s arms. 8 And may those who pass by never tell them, “May the LORD’s blessing be upon you. We bless you in the name of the LORD.”
130 1 A Song of Ascents
A Prayer for Mercy I cry to you from the depths, LORD, 2 Lord, listen to my voice; let your ears pay attention to what I ask of you! 3 LORD, if you were to record iniquities, Lord, who could remain standing? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, so that you may be feared. 5 I wait for the LORD; my soul waits, and I will hope in his word. 6 My soul looks to the Lord more than watchmen look for the morning— more, indeed, than watchmen for the morning. 7 Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is gracious love, along with abundant redemption. 8 And he will redeem Israel from all its sins.
131 1 A Davidic Song of Ascents
Hope in the LORD LORD, my heart is not arrogant, nor do I look haughty. I do not aspire to great things, nor concern myself with things beyond my ability. 2 Instead, I have composed and quieted myself like a weaned child with its mother; I am like a weaned child. 3 Place your hope in the LORD, Israel, both now and forever.
132 1 A Song of Ascents
The LORD Lives in Zion LORD, remember in David’s favor all of his troubles; 2 how he swore an oath to the LORD, vowing to the Mighty One of Jacob, 3 “I will not enter my house, or lie down on my bed, 4 or let myself go to sleep or even take a nap, 5 until I locate a place for the LORD, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.” 6 We heard about it in Ephrata; we found it in the fields of Jaar. 7 Let’s go to his dwelling place and worship at his footstool. 8 Arise, LORD, and go to your resting place, you and the ark of your strength. 9 May your priests be clothed with righteousness and may your godly ones shout for joy. 10 For the sake of your servant David, don’t turn away the face of your anointed one. 11 The LORD made an oath to David from which he will not retreat: “One of your sons I will set in place on your throne. 12 If your sons keep my covenant and my statutes that I will teach them, then their sons will also sit on your throne forever.” 13 For the LORD has chosen Zion, desiring it as his dwelling place. 14 “This is my resting place forever. Here I will live, because I desire to do so. 15 I will bless its provisions abundantly; I will satiate its poor with food. 16 I will clothe its priests with salvation and its godly ones will shout for joy. 17 There I will create a power base for David— I have prepared a lamp for my anointed one. 18 I will clothe his enemies with disgrace, but on him his crown will shine.”
133 1 A Davidic Song of Ascents
The Significance of Unity Look how good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil on the head, descending to the beard— even to Aaron’s beard— and flowing down to the edge of his robes. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon falling on Zion’s mountains. For there the LORD commanded his blessing— life everlasting.
134 1 A Song of Ascents
Praise to the Creator Now bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who serve nightly in the LORD’s Temple. 2 Lift up your hands to the Holy Place and bless the LORD. 3 May the LORD who fashions heaven and earth bless you from Zion.
135 1 Praising God for His Graciousness Hallelujah! Praise the name of the LORD! Give praise, you servants of the LORD, 2 you who are standing in the LORD’s Temple, in the courtyards of the house of our God. 3 Praise the LORD, because the LORD is good; Sing to his name, for he is gracious. 4 It is Jacob whom the LORD chose for himself— Israel as his personal possession. 5 Indeed, I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord surpasses all gods. 6 The LORD does whatever pleases him in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all its deep regions. 7 He makes the clouds rise from the ends of the earth, fashioning lightning for the rain, bringing the wind from his storehouses. 8 It was the LORD who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, including both men and animals. 9 He sent signs and wonders among you, Egypt, before Pharaoh and all his servants. 10 He struck down many nations, killing many kings— 11 Sihon, king of the Amorites, Og, king of Bashan, and every kingdom of Canaan— 12 and he gave their land as an inheritance, an inheritance to his people Israel. 13 Your name, LORD, exists forever, and your reputation, LORD, throughout the ages. 14 For the LORD will vindicate his people, and he will show compassion on his servants. 15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, worked by the hands of human beings. 16 Mouths are attributed to them, but they cannot speak; sight is attributed to them, but they cannot see; 17 ears are attributed to them, but they do not hear, and there is no breath in their mouths. 18 Those who craft them— and all who trust in them— will become like them. 19 House of Israel, bless the LORD! House of Aaron, bless the LORD! 20 House of Levi, bless the LORD! You who fear the LORD, bless the LORD! 21 Blessed be the LORD from Zion, he who lives in Jerusalem. Hallelujah!
136 1 God’s Gracious Love Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his gracious love is everlasting. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods, for his gracious love is everlasting. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his gracious love is everlasting— 4 To the one who alone does great and wondrous things, for his gracious love is everlasting— 5 to the one who by wisdom made the heavens, for his gracious love is everlasting— 6 to the one who spread out the earth over the waters, for his gracious love is everlasting— 7 to the one who made the great lights, for his gracious love is everlasting— 8 the sun to illumine the day, for his gracious love is everlasting— 9 and the moon and stars to illumine the night, for his gracious love is everlasting— 10 to the one who struck the firstborn of Egypt, for his gracious love is everlasting— 11 and brought Israel out from among them, for his gracious love is everlasting— 12 with a strong hand and an active arm, for his gracious love is everlasting. 13 To the one who split the Reed Sea in two for his gracious love is everlasting— 14 and made Israel pass through the middle of it, for his gracious love is everlasting— 15 and cast Pharaoh and his armies into the Reed Sea, for his gracious love is everlasting. 16 To the one who led his people into the wilderness, for his gracious love is everlasting— 17 to the one who struck down great kings, for his gracious love is everlasting— 18 and killed famous kings, for his gracious love is everlasting— 19 including Sihon king of the Amorites, for his gracious love is everlasting— 20 and Og king of Bashan, for his gracious love is everlasting— 21 and gave their land as an inheritance, for his gracious love is everlasting— 22 to Israel his servant as a possession, for his gracious love is everlasting— 23 He it is who remembered us in our lowly circumstances, for his gracious love is everlasting— 24 and rescued us from our enemies, for his gracious love is everlasting. 25 He gives food to all creatures, for his gracious love is everlasting. 26 Give thanks to the God of Heaven, for his gracious love is everlasting.
137 1 Remembering Jerusalem There we sat down and cried— by the rivers of Babylon— as we remembered Zion. 2 On the willows there we hung our harps, 3 for it was there that our captors asked us for songs and our torturers demanded joy from us, “Sing us one of the songs about Zion!” 4 How are we to sing the song of the LORD on foreign soil? 5 If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand cease to function. 6 May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don’t remember you, if I don’t consider Jerusalem to be more important than my highest joy. 7 Remember the day of Jerusalem’s fall, LORD, because of the Edomites, who kept saying, “Tear it down! Tear it right down to its foundations!” 8 Daughter of Babylon! You devastator! How blessed will be the one who pays you back for what you have done to us. 9 How blessed will be the one who seizes your young children and pulverizes them against the cliff!
138 1 Thanksgiving to God LORD, I thank you with all of my heart; because you heard the words that I spoke, I will sing your praise before the heavenly beings. 2 I will bow down in worship toward your holy Temple and give thanks to your name for your gracious love and truth, for you have done great things to carry out your word consistent with your name. 3 When I called out, you answered me; you strengthened me. 4 LORD, all the kings of the earth will give you thanks, for they have heard what you have spoken. 5 They will sing about the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD! 6 Though the LORD is highly exalted, yet he pays attention to those who are lowly regarded, but he is aware of the arrogant from afar. 7 Though I walk straight into trouble, you preserve my life, stretching out your hand to fight the vehemence of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. 8 The LORD will complete what his purpose is for me. LORD, your gracious love is eternal; do not abandon your personal work in me.
139 1 To the Music Director: A Davidic Song
God’s Knowledge and Presence LORD, you have examined me; you have known me. 2 You know when I rest and when I am active. You understand what I am thinking when I am distant from you. 3 You scrutinize my life and my rest; you are familiar with all of my ways. 4 Even before I have formed a word with my tongue, you, LORD, know it completely! 5 You encircle me from back to front, placing your hand upon me. 6 Knowledge like this is too amazing for me. It is beyond my reach, and I cannot fathom it.
7 The Magnitude of GodWhere can I flee from your spirit? Or where will I run from your presence? 8 If I rise to heaven, there you are! If I lay down with the dead, there you are! 9 If I take wings with the dawn and settle down on the western horizon 10 your hand will guide me there, too, while your right hand keeps a firm grip on me. 11 If I say, “Darkness will surely conceal me, and the light around me will become night,” 12 even darkness isn’t dark to you, darkness and light are the same to you. 13 It was you who formed my internal organs, fashioning me within my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, because you are fearful and wondrous! Your work is wonderful, and I am fully aware of it. 15 My frame was not hidden from you while I was being crafted in a hidden place, knit together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes looked upon my embryo, and everything was recorded in your book. The days scheduled for my formation were inscribed, even though not one of them had come yet. 17 How deep are your thoughts, God! How great is their number! 18 Were I to count them, they would number more than the sand. When I awake, I will be with you. 19 God, if only you would execute the wicked, so that the men guilty of bloodshed would get away from me, 20 who speak against you with evil motives, your enemies who are acting in vain. 21 I hate those who hate you, LORD, do I not? I loathe those who rebel against you, do I not ? 22 With consummate hatred I hate them; I consider them my enemies. 23 Examine me, God, and know my mind, test me, and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive tendency in me, and lead me in the eternal way.
140 1 To the Music Director: A Davidic Song
A Prayer for Deliverance Deliver me, LORD, from evil people, preserve me from violent men, 2 who craft evil plans in their minds, inciting wars every day. 3 They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Interlude 4 Protect me, LORD, from the control of evil people, from violent men who have planned to trip me. 5 The arrogant have laid a trap for me; they have spread a net with ropes, lining it with snares along the way. Interlude 6 So I say to the LORD, “You are my God; listen to my voice as I plead for mercy, LORD. 7 LORD, my Lord, my strong deliverer, you have protected my head in the time of battle. 8 Never grant, LORD, the desires of the wicked; never condone their plans so they cannot exalt themselves. Interlude 9 May those who surround me discover that the trouble they talk about falls on their own head! 10 May burning coals fall on them; may they be cast into fire, and into miry pits, never to rise again. 11 Let not the slanderer become established in the land. May evil quickly hunt down the violent man. 12 I know that the LORD will act on behalf of the tormented, providing justice for the needy. 13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name, while the upright live in your presence.
141 1 A Davidic Song
A Prayer for Maturity LORD, I call to you, be quick to listen to me when I cry out! 2 Let my prayer be like incense offered before you, and my uplifted hands like the evening sacrifice. 3 LORD, set a guard over my mouth; keep watch over the door to my lips. 4 Don’t let my heart turn toward evil or involve itself in wicked activities with men who practice iniquity. Let me not feast on their delicacies. 5 Let one who is righteous strike me; It is an act of gracious love. Let him rebuke me, because it is oil for my head; do not let my head refuse it. My prayers continuously will be against their wicked activities. 6 When their judges are thrown off the cliff, the people will hear my words, for they are appropriate. 7 Just as one plows and breaks up the earth, our bones are scattered near the entrance to the place of the dead. 8 Nevertheless, my eyes are on you, Lord GOD, as I seek protection in you. Don’t leave me defenseless! 9 Protect me from the trap laid for me and from the snares of those who practice evil. 10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I come through.
142 1 A Davidic Song, when he was in the cave. A prayer.
A Call to God for Help My voice cries out to the LORD; my voice pleads for mercy to the LORD. 2 I pour out my complaint to him, telling him all of my troubles. 3 Though my spirit grows faint within me, you are aware of my path. Wherever I go, they have hidden a trap for me. 4 I look to my right and observe— no one is concerned about me. There is nowhere I can go for refuge, and no one cares for me. 5 So I cry to you, Lord, declaring, “You are my refuge, my only possession while I am on this earth.” 6 Pay attention to my cry, for I have been brought very low. Deliver me from my tormentors, for they are far too strong for me. 7 Break me out of this prison, so I can give thanks to your name. The righteous will surround me, for you will deal generously with me.
143 1 A Davidic Song
Longing for God LORD, hear my prayer; pay attention to my request, because you are faithful; answer me in your righteousness. 2 Do not enter into judgment with your servant, for no living person is righteous in your sight. 3 For those who oppose me are pursuing my life, crushing me to the ground, making me sit in darkness like those who died long ago. 4 As a result, my spirit is desolate within me, and my mind within me is appalled. 5 I remember the former times, meditating on everything you have done. I think about the work of your hands. 6 I stretch out my hands toward you, longing for you like a parched land. Interlude 7 Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit is failing. Do not hide your face from me; otherwise, I will become like those who descend to the Pit, 8 In the morning let me hear of your gracious love, for in you I trust. Cause me to know the way I should take, because I have set my hope on you. 9 Deliver me from my enemies, LORD. I have taken refuge in you. 10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground. 11 For the sake of your name, LORD, preserve my life. Because you are righteous, bring me out of trouble. 12 Because of your gracious love, you will cut off my enemies. You will destroy all who oppose me, for I am your servant.
144 1 Davidic
A Song for God’s Provision Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for battle and my fingers for warfare, 2 he is my gracious love and my fortress, my strong tower and my deliverer, my shield and the one in whom I find refuge, who subdues peoples under me. 3 LORD, what are human beings, that you should care about them, or mortal man, that you should think about him? 4 The human person is a mere empty breath; his days are like a fading shadow. 5 Bow your heavens, LORD, and descend; touch the mountains, and they will smolder. 6 Send forth lightning and scatter the enemy, shoot your arrows and confuse them. 7 Reach down your hand from your high place; rescue me and deliver me from mighty waters, from the control of foreigners. 8 Their mouths speak lies, and their right hand deceives, 9 God, I will sing a new song to you. On a harp of ten strings I will play to you— 10 to you who gives victory to kings, rescuing his servant David from cruel swords. 11 Rescue me and deliver me from the control of foreigners, whose mouths speak lies, and whose right hand deceives. 12 May our sons in their youth be like full-grown plants, and our daughters like pillars destined to decorate a palace. 13 May our granaries be filled, storing produce in abundance; may our sheep bring forth thousands, even tens of thousands in our fields. 14 May our cattle grow heavy with young, with no damage or loss. May there be no cry of anguish in our streets! 15 Happy are the people to whom these things come; happy are the people whose God is the LORD.
145 1 A Davidic Psalm
Praising God for His Works I will speak highly of you, my God and King, and I will bless your name forever and ever. 2 I will bless you every day and I will praise your name forever and ever. 3 The LORD is great, and to be praised highly, though his greatness is indescribable. 4 One generation will acclaim your works to another and will describe your mighty actions. 5 I will speak about the glorious splendor of your majesty as well as your awesome actions. 6 People will speak about the might of your great deeds, and I will announce your greatness. 7 They will extol the fame of your abundant goodness, and will sing out loud about your righteousness. 8 Gracious and merciful is the LORD, slow to become angry, and overflowing with gracious love. 9 The LORD is good to everyone and his mercies extend to everything he does. 10 LORD, everything you have done will praise you, and your holy ones will bless you. 11 They will speak about the glory of your kingdom, and they will talk about your might, 12 in order to make known your mighty acts to mankind as well as the majestic splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your authority endures from one generation to another. 13bGod is faithful about everything he says and merciful in everything he does. 14 The LORD supports everyone who falls and raises up those who are bowed down. 15 Everyone’s eyes are on you, as you give them their food in due time. 16 You open your hand and keep on satisfying the desire of every living thing. 17 The LORD is righteous in all of his ways and graciously loving in all of his activities. 18 The LORD remains near to all who call out to him, to everyone who calls out to him sincerely. 19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him, hearing their cry and saving them. 20 The LORD preserves everyone who loves him, but he will destroy all of the wicked. 21 My mouth will praise the LORD, and all creatures will bless his holy name forever and ever.
146 1 Praise to God the Help of Israel Hallelujah! Praise the LORD, my soul! 2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live, singing praises to my God while I exist. 3 Do not look to nobles, nor to mere human beings who cannot save. 4 When they stop breathing, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans evaporate! 5 Happy is the one whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, 6 maker of heaven and earth, the seas and everything in them, forever the guardian of truth, 7 who brings justice for the oppressed, and who gives food to the hungry. The LORD frees the prisoners; 8 the LORD gives sight to the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down. The LORD loves the righteous. 9 The LORD stands guard over the stranger; he supports both widows and orphans, but makes the path of the wicked slippery. 10 The LORD will reign forever, your God, Zion, for all generations! Hallelujah!
147 1 Praise for God’s Provision Hallelujah! It is good to sing praise to our God, and it is fitting to sing glorious praise. 2 The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem; he gathers together the outcasts of Israel. 3 He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their injuries. 4 He keeps track of the number of stars, assigning names to all of them. 5 Our Lord is great, and rich in power; his understanding has no limitation. 6 The LORD supports the afflicted while he casts the wicked to the ground. 7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving, and compose music to our God with the lyre. 8 He shields the heavens with clouds, preparing rain for the earth and making grass grow on the hills. 9 He gives wild animals their food, including the young ravens when they cry. 10 He takes no delight in the strength of a horse, and gains no pleasure in the runner’s swiftness. 11 But the LORD is pleased with those who fear him, with those who depend on his gracious love. 12 Glorify the LORD, Jerusalem! Praise your God, Zion! 13 For he has strengthened the bars of your gates, blessing your children within you. 14 He grants peace within your borders, satisfying you with the finest of wheat. 15 He sends out his command to the earth, making his word go forth quickly. 16 He supplies snow like wool, scattering frost like ashes. 17 He casts down his ice crystals like bread fragments. Who can endure his freezing cold? 18 He sends out his word and melts them. He makes his wind blow and the water flows. 19 He declares his words to Jacob, his statutes and decrees to Israel. 20 He has not dealt with any other nation like this; they never knew his decrees. Hallelujah!
148 1 Let All the Earth Praise the LORD Hallelujah! Praise the LORD from heaven; praise him in the highest places. 2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his armies! 3 Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. 4 Praise him, you heaven of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he himself gave the command that they be created. 6 He set them in place to last forever and ever; he gave the command and will not rescind it. 7 Praise the LORD, you from the earth, you creatures of the sea and all you depths, 8 fire, hail, snow, fog, and wind storm that carry out his command, 9 mountains and every hill, fruit trees and cedars, 10 living creatures and livestock, insects and flying birds, 11 earthly kings and all peoples, nobles and all court officials of the earth, 12 young men and young women alike, along with older people and children. 13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is lifted up; his majesty transcends earth and heaven. 14 He has raised up a source of strength for his people, an object of praise for all of his holy ones, that is, for the people of Israel who are near him. Hallelujah!
149 1 A Song About Rejoicing in God Hallelujah! Sing a new song to the LORD, praising him where the godly gather together. 2 May Israel rejoice in its Maker, and Zion’s descendants in their King! 3 May they praise his name with dancing, chanting songs to him with tambourines and lyres. 4 For the LORD is pleased with his people; he beautifies the afflicted with salvation. 5 May those he loves be exalted, singing for joy on their couches. 6 Let high praises to God be heard in their throats, while they wield two-edged swords in their hands 7 as they bring retribution to nations and punishment to peoples, 8 binding their kings with chains, their officials with iron bands, 9 and executing the judgment written against them. This is honor for all the ones he loves. Hallelujah!
150 1 A Psalm of Praise Hallelujah! Praise God in his Holy Place. Praise him in his great expanse. 2 Praise him for his mighty works. Praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3 Praise him with trumpet sounding. Praise him with stringed instrument and harp. 4 Praise him with tambourine and dancing. Praise him with stringed and wind instruments. 5 Praise him with loud cymbals. Praise him with reverberating cymbals. 6 Let everyone who breathes praise the LORD. Hallelujah!