BOOKV
Thanksgiving
for Deliverance from Many Troubles
107[106] O give thanks to
the LORD, for he is
good;
for his mercy endures for ever!
2Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
whom he has redeemed from trouble
3and gathered in from the lands,
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.
4Some wandered in desert wastes,
finding no way to a city to dwell in;
5hungry and thirsty,
their soul fainted within them.
6Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their
distress;
7he led them by a straight way,
till they reached a city to dwell in.
8Let them thank the LORD for his merciful love,
for his wonderful works to the sons of
men!
9For he satisfies him who is thirsty,
and the hungry he fills with good
things.
10Some sat in darkness and in gloom,
prisoners in affliction and in irons,
11for they had rebelled against the words of
God,
and spurned the counsel of the Most
High.
12Their hearts were bowed down with hard
labor;
they fell down, with none to help.
13Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their
distress;
14he brought them out of darkness and gloom,
and broke their bonds asunder.
15Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,
for his wonderful works to the sons of
men!
16For he shatters the doors of bronze,
and cuts in two the bars of iron.
17Some were sickx through their
sinful ways,
and because of their iniquities suffered
affliction;
18they loathed any kind of food,
and they drew near to the gates of
death.
19Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their
distress;
20he sent forth his word, and healed them,
and delivered them from destruction.
21Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,
for his wonderful works to the sons of
men!
22And let them offer sacrifices of
thanksgiving,
and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!
23Some went down to the sea in ships,
doing business on the great waters;
24they saw the deeds of the LORD,
his wondrous works in the deep.
25For he commanded, and raised the stormy
wind,
which lifted up the waves of the sea.
26They mounted up to heaven, they went down to the
depths;
their courage melted away in their evil
plight;
27they reeled and staggered like drunken
men,
and were at their wits’ end.
28Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their
distress;
29he made the storm be still,
and the waves of the sea were hushed.
30Then they were glad because they had
quiet,
and he brought them to their desired
haven.
31Let them thank the LORD for his merciful love,
for his wonderful works to the sons of
men!
32Let them extol him in the congregation of the
people,
and praise him in the assembly of the
elders.
33He turns rivers into a desert,
springs of water into thirsty ground,
34a fruitful land into a salty waste,
because of the wickedness of its
inhabitants.
35He turns a desert into pools of water,
a parched land into springs of water.
36And there he lets the hungry dwell,
and they establish a city to live in;
37they sow fields, and plant vineyards,
and get a fruitful yield.
38By his blessing they multiply greatly;
and he does not let their cattle
decrease.
39When they are diminished and brought low
through oppression, trouble, and
sorrow,
40he pours contempt upon princes
and makes them wander in trackless
wastes;
41but he raises up the needy out of
affliction,
and makes their families like flocks.
42The upright see it and are glad;
and all wickedness stops its mouth.
43Whoever is wise, let him give heed to these
things;
let men consider the steadfast love of the
LORD.
Praise and
Prayer for Victory
A Song.
A Psalm of David.
108[107] My heart is
steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast!
I will sing and make
melody!
Awake, my soul!
2Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn!
3I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the peoples,
I will sing praises to you among the
nations.
4For your steadfast love is great above the
heavens,
your faithfulness reaches to the
clouds.
5Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be over all the earth!
6That your beloved may be delivered,
give help by your right hand, and answer
me!
7God has promised in his sanctuary:y
“With exultation I will divide up
She'chem,
and portion out the Vale of Succoth.
8Gilead is mine; Manas'seh is mine;
E'phraim is my helmet;
Judah my scepter.
9Moab is my washbasin;
upon Edom I cast my shoe;
over Philistia I shout in
triumph.”
10Who will bring me to the fortified city?
Who will lead me to Edom?
11Have you not rejected us, O God?
You do not go forth, O God, with our
armies.
12O grant us help against the foe,
for vain is the help of man!
13With God we shall do valiantly;
it is he who will tread down our foes.
Prayer for
Vindication and Vengeance
To the
choirmaster.
A Psalm of David.
109[108] Be not
silent, O God of my praise!
2For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against
me,
speaking against me with lying
tongues.
3They beset me with words of hate,
and attack me without cause.
4In return for my love they accuse me,
even as I make prayer for them.
z5So they reward me evil for good,
and hatred for my love.
6Appoint a wicked man against him;
let an accuser bring him to trial.
a7When he is tried, let him come forth
guilty;
let his prayer be counted as sin!
may another seize his goods!
9May his children be fatherless,
and his wife a widow!
10May his children wander about and beg;
may they be driven out of
b the ruins
they inhabit!11May the creditor seize all that he has;
may strangers plunder the fruits of his
toil!
12Let there be none to extend kindness to
him,
nor any to pity his fatherless
children!
13May his posterity be cut off;
may his name be blotted out in the second
generation!
14May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before
the LORD,
and let not the sin of his mother be blotted
out!
15Let them be before the LORD continually;
and may his
c memory be cut
off from the earth!16For he did not remember to show kindness,
but pursued the poor and needy
and the brokenhearted to their death.
17He loved to curse; let curses come on him!
He did not like blessing; may it be far from
him!
18He clothed himself with cursing as his
coat,
may it soak into his body like water,
like oil into his bones!
19May it be like a garment which he wraps round
him,
like a belt with which he daily girds
himself!
20May this be the reward of my accusers from the
LORD,
of those who speak evil against my
life!
21But you, O GOD my Lord,
deal on my behalf for your name’s
sake;
because your mercy is good, deliver
me!
22For I am poor and needy,
and my heart is stricken within me.
23I am gone, like a shadow at evening;
I am shaken off like a locust.
24My knees are weak through fasting;
my body has become gaunt.
25I am an object of scorn to my accusers;
when they see me, they wag their
heads.
26Help me, O LORD my
God!
Save me according to your merciful
love!
27Let them know that this is your hand;
you, O LORD,
have done it!
28Let them curse, but do bless!
Let my assailants be put to shame;
d may your
servant be glad!29May my accusers be clothed with dishonor;
may they be wrapped in their own shame as in
a mantle!
30With my mouth I will give great thanks to the
LORD;
I will praise him in the midst of the
throng.
31For he stands at the right hand of the
needy,
to save him from those who condemn him to
death.
Assurance of
Victory for God’s Priest-King
A Psalm of
David.
“Sit at my right hand,
till I make your
enemies your footstool.”
2The LORD sends forth
from Zion
your mighty scepter.
Rule in the midst of your foes!
on the day you lead your host
From the womb of the
morning
and will not change his mind,
“You are a
priest for ever
according to the order of
Melchiz'edek.”
5The Lord is at your right hand;
he will shatter kings on the day of his
wrath.
6He will execute judgment among the
nations,
filling them with corpses;
over the wide earth.
7He will drink from the brook by the way;
therefore he will lift up his head.
Praise for
God’s Wonderful Works
111[110] Praise the
LORD!
I will give thanks
to the LORD with my whole
heart,
in the company of the upright, in the
congregation.
2Great are the works of the LORD,
studied by all who have pleasure in
them.
3Full of honor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures for
ever.
4He has caused his wonderful works to be
remembered;
the LORD is
gracious and merciful.
5He provides food for those who fear him;
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6He has shown his people the power of his
works,
in giving them the heritage of the
nations.
7The works of his hands are faithful and
just;
all his precepts are trustworthy,
8they are established for ever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and
uprightness.
9He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant for
ever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
10The fear of the LORD
is the beginning of wisdom;
a good understanding have all those who
practice it.
His praise endures for ever!
Blessings of
the Righteous
112[111] Praise the
LORD!
Blessed is the man
who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his
commandments!
2His descendants will be mighty in the
land;
the generation of the upright will be
blessed.
3Wealth and riches are in his house;
and his righteousness endures for
ever.
4Light rises in the darkness for the
upright;
the L
ORDh is gracious,
merciful, and righteous.5It is well with the man who deals generously and
lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
6For the righteous will never be moved;
he will be remembered for ever.
7He is not afraid of evil tidings;
his heart is firm, trusting in the
LORD.
8His heart is steady, he will not be
afraid,
until he sees his desire on his
adversaries.
9He has distributed freely, he has given to the
poor;
his righteousness endures for ever;
his horn is exalted in honor.
10The wicked man sees it and is angry;
he gnashes his teeth and melts away;
the desire of the wicked man comes to
nought.
God the Helper
of the Needy
113[112] Praise the
LORD!
Praise, O servants
of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD!
2Blessed be the name of the LORD
from this time forth and for evermore!
3From the rising of the sun to its setting
the name of the LORD is to be praised!
4The LORD is high above
all nations,
and his glory above the heavens!
5Who is like the LORD
our God,
who is seated on high,
6who looks far down
upon the heavens and the earth?
7He raises the poor from the dust,
and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
8to make them sit with princes,
with the princes of his people.
9He gives the barren woman a home,
making her the joyous mother of
children.
Praise the
LORD!
God’s
Wonders at the Exodus
114[113] When Israel went
forth from Egypt,
the house of Jacob from a people of strange
language,
2Judah became his sanctuary,
Israel his dominion.
3The sea looked and fled,
Jordan turned back.
4The mountains skipped like rams,
the hills like lambs.
5What ails you, O sea, that you flee?
O Jordan, that you turn back?
6O mountains, that you skip like rams?
O hills, like lambs?
7Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the LORD,
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
8who turns the rock into a pool of water,
the flint into a spring of water.
The Impotence
of Idols and the Greatness of God
115Not to us, O
LORD, not to us,
but to your name give glory,
for the sake of your mercy and your
faithfulness!
2Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
3Our God is in the heavens;
he does whatever he pleases.
4Their idols are silver and gold,
the work of men’s hands.
5They have mouths, but do not speak;
eyes, but do not see.
6They have ears, but do not hear;
noses, but do not smell.
7They have hands, but do not feel;
feet, but do not walk;
and they do not make a sound in their
throat.
8Those who make them are like them;
so are all who trust in them.
9O Israel, trust in the LORD!
He is their help and their shield.
10O house of Aaron, put your trust in the LORD!
He is their help and their shield.
11You who fear the LORD,
trust in the LORD!
He is their help and their shield.
12The LORD has been
mindful of us; he will bless us;
he will bless the house of Israel;
he will bless the house of Aaron;
13he will bless those who fear the LORD,
both small and great.
14May the LORD give you
increase,
you and your children!
15May you be blessed by the LORD,
who made heaven and earth!
16The heavens are the LORD’s heavens,
but the earth he has given to the sons of
men.
17The dead do not praise the LORD,
nor do any that go down into silence.
18But we will bless the LORD
from this time forth and for evermore.
Praise the
LORD!
Thanksgiving
for Recovery from Illness
116[114] I love the
LORD, because he has
heard
my voice and my supplications.
2Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I
live.
3The snares of death encompassed me;
the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
4Then I called on the name of the LORD:
“O LORD,
I beg you, save my life!”
5Gracious is the LORD,
and righteous;
our God is merciful.
6The LORD preserves the
simple;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
7Return, O my soul, to your rest;
for the LORD
has dealt bountifully with you.
8For you have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling;
9I walk before the LORD
in the land of the living.
[115] 10I kept my faith, even when I said,
“I am greatly afflicted”;
11I said in my consternation,
“Men are all a vain hope.”
12What shall I render to the LORD
for all his bounty to me?
13I will lift up the chalice of salvation
and call on the name of the LORD,
14I will pay my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people.
15Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his saints.
16O LORD, I am your
servant;
I am your servant, the son of your
handmaid.
You have loosed my bonds.
17I will offer to you the sacrifice of
thanksgiving
and call on the name of the LORD.
18I will pay my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people,
19in the courts of the house of the LORD,
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the
LORD!
Universal Call
to Worship
Extol him, all peoples!
2For great is his mercy toward us;
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures for ever.
Praise the
LORD!
A Song of
Victory
118[117] O give thanks to
the LORD, for he is
good;
his mercy endures for ever!
2Let Israel say,
“His mercy endures for
ever.”
3Let the house of Aaron say,
“His mercy endures for
ever.”
4Let those who fear the LORD say,
“His mercy endures for
ever.”
5Out of my distress I called on the LORD;
the LORD
answered me and set me free.
6With the LORD on my
side I do not fear.
What can man do to me?
7The LORD is on my side
to help me;
I shall look in triumph on those who hate
me.
8It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to put confidence in man.
9It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to put confidence in princes.
10All nations surrounded me;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
11They surrounded me, surrounded me on every
side;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
12They surrounded me like bees,
they blazed
i like a fire
of thorns;in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
13I was pushed hard,j so that I was
falling,
but the LORD
helped me.
14The LORD is my
strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
15Listen, glad songs of victory
in the tents of the righteous:
“The right
hand of the LORD does
valiantly!
16
The right hand of the LORD is exalted;
the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!”
17I shall not die, but I shall live,
and recount the deeds of the LORD.
18The LORD has chastened
me sorely,
but he has not given me over to death.
19Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the LORD.
20This is the gate of the LORD;
the righteous shall enter through it.
21I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
22The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
23This is the LORD’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
24This is the day which the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25Save us, we beg you, O LORD!
O LORD, we beg
you, give us success!
26Blessed be he who enters in the name of the
LORD!
We bless you from the house of the
LORD.
27The LORD is
God,
and he has given us light.
Bind the festal
procession with branches,
up to the horns of the altar!
28You are my God, and I will give thanks to
you;
you are my God, I will extol you.
29O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his mercy endures for ever!
The Glories of
God’s Law
119[118] *Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the LORD!
2Blessed are those who keep his
testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
4You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
5O that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your
commandments.
7I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous
ordinances.
8I will observe your statutes;
O forsake me not utterly!
9How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your
commandments!
11I have laid up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12Blessed are you, O LORD;
teach me your statutes!
13With my lips I declare
all the ordinances of your mouth.
14In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
15I will meditate on your precepts,
and fix my eyes on your ways.
16I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
17Deal bountifully with your servant,
that I may live and observe your word.
18Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
19I am a sojourner on earth;
hide not your commandments from me!
20My soul is consumed with longing
for your ordinances at all times.
21You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from your commandments;
22take away from me their scorn and
contempt,
for I have kept your testimonies.
23Even though princes sit plotting against
me,
your servant will meditate on your
statutes.
24Your testimonies are my delight,
they are my counselors.
25My soul clings to the dust;
revive me according to your word!
26When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
27Make me understand the way of your
precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous
works.
28My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
29Put false ways far from me;
and graciously teach me your law!
30I have chosen the way of faithfulness,
I set your ordinances before me.
31I cling to your testimonies, O LORD;
let me not be put to shame!
32I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my understanding!
33Teach me, O LORD, the
way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
34Give me understanding, that I may keep your
law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to gain!
37Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;
and give me life in your ways.
38Confirm to your servant your promise,
which is for those who fear you.
39Turn away the reproach which I dread;
for your ordinances are good.
40Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!
41Let your mercy come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your
promise;
42then shall I have an answer for those who taunt
me,
for I trust in your word.
43And take not the word of truth utterly out of my
mouth,
for my hope is in your ordinances.
44I will keep your law continually,
for ever and ever;
45and I shall walk at liberty,
for I have sought your precepts.
46I will also speak of your testimonies before
kings,
and shall not be put to shame;
47for I find my delight in your
commandments,
which I love.
48I revere your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
49Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
50This is my comfort in my affliction
that your promise gives me life.
51Godless men utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
52When I think of your ordinances from of
old,
I take comfort, O LORD.
53Hot indignation seizes me because of the
wicked,
who forsake your law.
54Your statutes have been my songs
in the house of my pilgrimage.
55I remember your name in the night, O LORD,
and keep your law.
56This blessing has fallen to me,
that I have kept your precepts.
57The LORD is my
portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your
promise.
59When I think of your ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
62At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous ordinances.
63I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
64The earth, O LORD, is
full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes!
65You have dealt well with your servant,
O LORD,
according to your word.
66Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
67Before I was afflicted I went astray;
but now I keep your word.
68You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
69The godless besmear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your
precepts;
70their heart is gross like fat,
but I delight in your law.
71It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
72The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver
pieces.
73Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your
commandments.
74Those who fear you shall see me and
rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
75I know, O LORD, that
your judgments are right,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted
me.
76Let your mercy be ready to comfort me
according to your promise to your
servant.
77Let your compassion come to me, that I may
live;
for your law is my delight.
78Let the godless be put to shame,
because they have subverted me with
guile;
as for me, I will meditate on your
precepts.
79Let those who fear you turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
80May my heart be blameless in your
statutes,
that I may not be put to shame!
81My soul languishes for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82My eyes fail with watching for your
promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort
me?”
83For I have become like a wineskin in the
smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your
statutes.
84How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute
me?
85Godless men have dug pitfalls for me,
men who do not conform to your law.
86All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help
me!
87They have almost made an end of me on
earth;
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88In your mercy spare my life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your
mouth.
89For ever, O LORD, your
word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90Your faithfulness endures to all
generations;
you have established the earth, and it
stands fast.
91By your appointment they stand this day;
for all things are your servants.
92If your law had not been my delight,
I should have perished in my
affliction.
93I will never forget your precepts;
for by them you have given me life.
94I am yours, save me;
for I have sought your precepts.
95The wicked lie in wait to destroy me;
but I consider your testimonies.
96I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly
broad.
97Oh, how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
98Your commandment makes me wiser than my
enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99I have more understanding than all my
teachers,
for your testimonies are my
meditation.
100I
understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
101I hold back
my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102I do not
turn aside from your ordinances,
for you have taught me.
103How sweet
are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104Through
your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
105Your word
is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106I have
sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to observe your righteous ordinances.
107I am sorely
afflicted;
give me life, O LORD, according to your word!
108Accept my
offerings of praise, O LORD,
and teach me your ordinances.
109I hold my
life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110The wicked
have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111Your
testimonies are my heritage for ever;
yes, they are the joy of my heart.
112I incline
my heart to perform your statutes
for ever, to the end.
113I hate
double-minded men,
but I love your law.
114You are my
hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
115Depart from
me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my
God.
116Uphold me according to your promise, that I may
live,
and let me not be put to shame in my
hope!
117Hold me up,
that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes
continually!
118You spurn
all who go astray from your statutes;
yes, their cunning is in vain.
119All the
wicked of the earth you count as dross;
therefore I love your testimonies.
120My flesh
trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.
121I have done
what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122Be surety
for your servant for good;
let not the godless oppress me.
123My eyes
fail with watching for your salvation,
and for the fulfilment of your righteous
promise.
124Deal with
your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
125I am your
servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
126It is time
for the LORD to act,
for your law has been broken.
127Therefore I
love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128Therefore I direct my steps by all your
precepts;k
I hate every false way.
129Your
testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130The
unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the
simple.
131With open
mouth I pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132Turn to me
and be gracious to me,
as you always do toward those who love your
name.
133Keep steady
my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over
me.
134Redeem me
from man’s oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135Make your
face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136My eyes
shed streams of tears,
because men do not keep your law.
137You are righteous, O LORD,
and right are your judgments.
138You have
appointed your testimonies in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
139My zeal
consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
140Your
promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
141I am small
and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142Your
righteousness is righteous for ever,
and your law is true.
143Trouble and
anguish have come upon me,
but your commandments are my delight.
144Your
testimonies are righteous for ever;
give me understanding that I may live.
145With my
whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD!
I will keep your statutes.
146I cry to
you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
147I rise
before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
148My eyes are
awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate upon your promise.
149Hear my
voice in your steadfast love;
O LORD, in your
justice preserve my life.
150They draw
near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
151But you are
near, O LORD,
and all your commandments are true.
152Long have I
known from your testimonies
that you have founded them for ever.
153Look on my
affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.
154Plead my
cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your
promise!
155Salvation
is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
156Great is
your mercy, O LORD;
give me life according to your
justice.
157Many are my
persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not swerve from your
testimonies.
158I look at
the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep your
commands.
159Consider
how I love your precepts!
Preserve my life according to your steadfast
love.
160The sum of
your word is truth;
and every one of your righteous ordinances
endures for ever.
161Princes
persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your
words.
162I rejoice
at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
163I hate and
abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
164Seven times
a day I praise you
for your righteous ordinances.
165Great peace
have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
166I hope for
your salvation, O LORD,
and I do your commandments.
167My soul
keeps your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly.
168I keep your
precepts and testimonies,
for all my ways are before you.
169Let my cry
come before you, O LORD;
give me understanding according to your
word!
170Let my
supplication come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
171My lips
will pour forth praise
that you teach me your statutes.
172My tongue
will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
173Let your
hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174I long for
your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.
175Let my soul
live, that I may praise you,
and let your ordinances help me.
176I have gone
astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.
Prayer for
Deliverance from Slanderers
A Song of
Ascents.
120[119] *In my distress I cry to the LORD,
that he may answer me:
2“Deliver me, O LORD,
from lying lips,
from a deceitful tongue.”
3What shall be given to you?
And what more shall be done to you,
you deceitful tongue?
4A warrior’s sharp arrows,
with glowing coals of the broom tree!
5Woe is me, that I sojourn in Meshech,
that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6Too long have I had my dwelling
among those who hate peace.
7I am for peace;
but when I speak,
they are for war!
Assurance of
God’s Protection
A Song of
Ascents.
121[120] I lift up my
eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
2My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
3He will not let your foot be moved,
he who keeps you will not slumber.
4Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5The LORD is your
keeper;
the LORD is
your shade
on your right hand.
6The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7The LORD will keep you
from all evil;
he will keep your life.
8The LORD will
keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and for evermore.
Song of
Praise; and a Prayer for Jerusalem
A Song of
Ascents.
Of David.
122[121] I was glad
when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the
LORD!”
2Our feet have been standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem!
3Jerusalem, built as a city
which is bound firmly together,
4to which the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD,
as was decreed for
Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the
LORD.
5There thrones for judgment were set,
the thrones of the house of David.
6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
“May they prosper who love you!
7Peace be within your walls,
and security within your
towers!”
8For my brethren and companions’ sake
I will say, “Peace be within
you!”
9For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your good.
Supplication
for Mercy
A Song of
Ascents.
123[122] To you I lift
up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned in the
heavens!
2Behold, as the eyes of servants
look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a
maid
to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to
the LORD our God,
till he have mercy upon us.
3Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us,
for we have had more than enough of
contempt.
4Too long our soul has been sated
with the scorn of those who are at
ease,
the contempt of the proud.
Thanksgiving
for Israel’s Deliverance
A Song of
Ascents.
Of David.
124[123] If it had not
been the LORD who was on our
side,
let Israel now say—
2if it had not been the LORD who was on our side,
when men rose up against us,
3then they would have swallowed us up
alive,
when their anger was kindled against
us;
4then the flood would have swept us away,
the torrent would have gone over us;
5then over us would have gone
the raging waters.
6Blessed be the LORD,
who has not given us
as prey to their teeth!
7We have escaped as a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is
broken,
and we have escaped!
8Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
The Security
of God’s People
A Song of
Ascents.
125[124] Those who
trust in the LORD are like Mount
Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abides for
ever.
2As the mountains are round about
Jerusalem,
so the LORD is
round about his people,
from this time forth and for evermore.
3For the scepter of wickedness shall not
rest
upon the land allotted to the
righteous,
lest the righteous
put forth
their hands to do wrong.
4Do good, O LORD, to
those who are good,
and to those who are upright in their
hearts!
5But those who turn aside upon their crooked
ways
the LORD will
lead away with evildoers!
Peace be in Israel!
A Harvest of
Joy
A Song of
Ascents.
126[125] When the
LORD restored the fortunes of
Zion,l
we were like those who dream.
2Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among
the nations,
“The LORD
has done great things for them.”
3The LORD has done
great things for us;
we are glad.
4Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the watercourses in the Neg'eb!
5May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy!
6He that goes forth weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with
shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
God’s
Blessings in the Home
A Song of
Ascents.
Of Solomon.
127[126] Unless the
LORD builds the
house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the
LORD watches over the
city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
2It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of
anxious toil;
for
m he gives to
his beloved sleep.3Behold, sons are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the sons of one’s youth.
5Happy is the man who has
his quiver full of them!
He shall not be put
to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the
gate.
The Happy Home
of the Faithful
A Song of
Ascents.
128[127] Blessed is
every one who fears the LORD,
who walks in his ways!
2You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your
hands;
you shall be happy, and it shall be well
with you.
3Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will
be like olive shoots
around your table.
4Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
who fears the LORD.
5The LORD bless you
from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of
Jerusalem
all the days of your life!
6May you see your children’s
children!
Peace be upon Israel!
Prayer for the
Downfall of Israel’s Enemies
A Song of
Ascents.
129[128] “Sorely
have they afflicted me from my youth,”
let Israel now say—
2“Sorely have they afflicted me from my
youth,
yet they have not prevailed against
me.
3The plowers plowed upon my back;
they made long their furrows.”
4The LORD is
righteous;
he has cut the cords of the wicked.
5May all who hate Zion
be put to shame and turned backward!
6Let them be like the grass on the
housetops,
which withers before it grows up,
7with which the reaper does not fill his
hand
or the binder of sheaves his arms,
8while those who pass by do not say,
“The blessing of the LORD be upon you!
We bless you in the name of the
LORD!”
Waiting for
Divine Redemption
A Song of
Ascents.
130[129] Out of the
depths I cry to you, O LORD!
2 Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be
attentive
to the voice of my supplications!
3If you, O LORD, should
mark iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
4But there is forgiveness with you,
that you may be feared.
5I wait for the LORD,
my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
6my soul waits for the LORD
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.
7O Israel, hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is mercy,
and with him is plenteous redemption.
8And he will redeem Israel
from all his iniquities.
Song of Quiet
Trust
A Song of
Ascents.
Of David.
131[130] O
LORD, my heart is not lifted
up,
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy
myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
2But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a child quieted at its mother’s
breast;
like a child that is quieted is my
soul.
3O Israel, hope in the LORD
from this time forth and for evermore.
The Eternal
Dwelling of God in Zion
A Song of
Ascents.
132[131] Remember, O
LORD, in David’s
favor,
his humility;
2how he swore to the LORD
and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
3“I will not enter my house
or get into my bed;
4I will not give sleep to my eyes
or slumber to my eyelids,
5until I find a place for the LORD,
a dwelling place for the Mighty One of
Jacob.”
6Behold, we heard of it in Eph'rathah,
we found it in the fields of Ja'ar.
7“Let us go to his dwelling place;
let us worship at his
footstool!”
8Arise, O LORD, and go
to your resting place,
you and the ark of your might.
9Let your priests be clothed with
righteousness,
and let your saints shout for joy.
10For your servant David’s sake
do not turn away the face of your anointed
one.
11The LORD swore to
David a sure oath
from which he will not turn back:
“One of the
sons of your body
I will set on your throne.
12If your sons keep my covenant
and my testimonies which I shall teach
them,
their sons also for
ever
shall sit upon your throne.”
13For the LORD has
chosen Zion;
he has desired it for his habitation:
14“This is my resting place for ever;
here I will dwell, for I have desired
it.
15I will abundantly bless her provisions;
I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16Her priests I will clothe with salvation,
and her saints will shout for joy.
17There I will make a horn to sprout for
David;
I have prepared a lamp for my
anointed.
18His enemies I will clothe with shame,
but upon himself his crown will shed its
luster.”
The
Blessedness of Unity
A Song of
Ascents.
133[132] Behold, how
good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!
2It is like the precious oil upon the head,
running down upon the beard,
upon the beard of
Aaron,
running down on the collar of his
robes!
3It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the
LORD has commanded the
blessing,
life for evermore.
Praise in the
Night
A Song of
Ascents.
134[133] Come, bless
the LORD,
all you servants of the LORD,
who stand by night in the house of the
LORD!
2Lift up your hands to the holy place,
and bless the LORD!
3May the LORD bless you
from Zion,
he who made heaven and earth!
Praise for
God’s Goodness and Might
135[134] Praise the
LORD!
Praise the name of
the LORD,
give praise, O servants of the
LORD,
2you that stand in the house of the LORD,
in the courts of the house of our God!
3Praise the LORD, for
the LORD is good;
sing to his name, for he is gracious!
4For the LORD has
chosen Jacob for himself,
Israel as his own possession.
5For I know that the LORD is great,
and that our Lord is above all gods.
6Whatever the LORD
pleases he does,
in heaven and on earth,
in the seas and all deeps.
7He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the
earth,
who makes lightnings for the rain
and brings forth the wind from his
storehouses.
8He it was who struck the first-born of
Egypt,
both of man and of beast;
9who in your midst, O Egypt,
sent signs and wonders
against Pharaoh and all his servants;
10who struck many nations
and slew mighty kings,
11Sihon, king of the Amorites,
and Og, king of Bashan,
and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
12and gave their land as a heritage,
a heritage to his people Israel.
13Your name, O LORD,
endures for ever,
your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages.
14For the LORD will
vindicate his people,
and have compassion on his servants.
15The idols of the nations are silver and
gold,
the work of men’s hands.
16They have mouths, but they speak not,
they have eyes, but they see not,
17they have ears, but they hear not,
nor is there any breath in their
mouths.
18Like them be those who make them!—
yes, every one who trusts in them!
19O house of Israel, bless the LORD!
O house of Aaron, bless the LORD!
20O house of Levi, bless the LORD!
You that fear the LORD, bless the LORD!
21Blessed be the LORD
from Zion,
he who dwells in Jerusalem!
Praise the
LORD!
God’s
Work in Creation and in History
136[135] O give thanks to
the LORD, for he is
good,
for his mercy endures for ever.
2O give thanks to the God of gods,
for his mercy endures for ever.
3O give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his mercy endures for ever;
4to him who alone does great wonders,
for his mercy endures for ever;
5to him who by understanding made the
heavens,
for his mercy endures for ever;
6to him who spread out the earth upon the
waters,
for his mercy endures for ever;
7to him who made the great lights,
for his mercy endures for ever;
8the sun to rule over the day,
for his mercy endures for ever;
9the moon and stars to rule over the night,
for his mercy endures for ever;
10to him who struck the first-born of Egypt,
for his mercy endures for ever;
11and brought Israel out from among them,
for his mercy endures for ever;
12with a strong hand and an outstretched
arm,
for his mercy endures for ever;
13to him who divided the Red Sea in two,
for his mercy endures for ever;
14and made Israel pass through the midst of
it,
for his mercy endures for ever;
15but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red
Sea,
for his mercy endures for ever;
16to him who led his people through the
wilderness,
for his mercy endures for ever;
17to him who struck great kings,
for his mercy endures for ever;
18and slew famous kings,
for his mercy endures for ever;
19Sihon, king of the Amorites,
for his mercy endures for ever;
20and Og, king of Bashan,
for his mercy endures for ever;
21and gave their land as a heritage,
for his mercy endures for ever;
22a heritage to Israel his servant,
for his mercy endures for ever.
23It is he who remembered us in our low
estate,
for his mercy endures for ever;
24and rescued us from our foes,
for his mercy endures for ever;
25he who gives food to all flesh,
for his mercy endures for ever.
26O give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his mercy endures for ever.
Lament over
the Destruction of Jerusalem
137[136] *By the waterso of Babylon,
there we sat down and wept,
when we remembered Zion.
we hung up our lyres.
3For there our captors
required of us songs,
and our tormentors,
mirth, saying,
“Sing us one of the songs of
Zion!”
4How shall we sing the LORD’s song
in a foreign land?
5If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
let my right hand wither!
6Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my
mouth,
if I do not remember you,
if I do not set
Jerusalem
above my highest joy!
7Remember, O LORD,
against the E'domites
the day of Jerusalem,
how they said,
“Raze it, raze it!
Down to its foundations!”
8O daughter of Babylon, you devastator!q
Happy shall he be who repays you
with what you have done to us!
9Happy shall he be who takes your little
ones
and dashes them against the rock!
Thanksgiving
and Praise
A Psalm of
David.
138[137] I give you
thanks, O LORD, with my whole
heart;
before the angels I sing your praise;
2I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your mercy
and your faithfulness;
for you have exalted
above everything
your name and your word.
r3On the day I called, you answered me,
my strength of soul you increased.
s4All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O
LORD,
for they have heard the words of your
mouth;
5and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
for great is the glory of the LORD.
6For though the LORD is
high, he regards the lowly;
but the haughty he knows from afar.
7Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your
hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
8The LORD will fulfil
his purpose for me;
your mercy, O LORD, endures for ever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
The
Inescapable God
To the
choirmaster.
A Psalm of David.
139[138] O
LORD, you have searched me and
known me!
2You know when I sit down and when I rise
up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD,
you know it altogether.
5You beset me behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high, I cannot attain it.
7Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your
presence?
8If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are
there!
9If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the
sea,
10even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
11If I say, “Let only darkness cover
me,
and the light about me be
night,”
12even the darkness is not dark to you,
the night is bright as the day;
for darkness is as light with you.
13For you formed my inward parts,
you knitted me together in my mother’s
womb.
14I praise you, for I am wondrously made.t
Wonderful are your works!
You know me right
well;
15
my frame was not hidden from
you,
when I was being
made in secret,
intricately wrought in the depths of the
earth.
16Your eyes beheld my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of
them,
the days that were
formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
17How precious to me are your thoughts, O
God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18If I would count them, they are more than the
sand.
When I awake, I am still with you.
u19O that you would slay the wicked, O God,
and that men of blood would depart from
me,
20men who maliciously defy you,
who lift themselves up against you for
evil!
v21Do I not hate them that hate you, O LORD?
And do I not loathe them that rise up
against you?
22I hate them with perfect hatred;
I count them my enemies.
23Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24And see if there be any wickedw way in
me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
xPrayer for
Deliverance from Enemies
To the
choirmaster.
A Psalm of David.
140[139] Deliver me, O
LORD, from evil men;
preserve me from violent men,
2who plan evil things in their heart,
and stir up wars continually.
3They make their tongue sharp as a
serpent’s,
and under their lips is the poison of
vipers. Selah
4Guard me, O LORD, from
the hands of the wicked;
preserve me from violent men,
who have planned to trip up my feet.
5Arrogant men have hidden a trap for me,
and with cords they have spread a
net,
yby the wayside they have set snares for me.
Selah
6I say to the LORD, You
are my God;
give ear to the voice of my supplications, O
LORD!
7O LORD, my Lord, my
strong deliverer,
you have covered my head in the day of
battle.
8Grant not, O LORD, the
desires of the wicked;
do not further his evil plot! Selah
9Those who surround me lift up their head,z
let the mischief of their lips overwhelm
them!
10Let burning coals fall upon them!
Let them be cast into pits, no more to
rise!
11Let not the slanderer be established in the
land;
let evil hunt down the violent man
speedily!
12I know that the LORD
maintains the cause of the afflicted,
and executes justice for the needy.
13Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your
name;
the upright shall dwell in your
presence.
Prayer for
Preservation from Evil
A Psalm of
David.
141[140] I call upon
you, O LORD; make haste to
me!
Give ear to my voice, when I call to
you!
2Let my prayer be counted as incense before
you,
and the lifting up of my hands as an evening
sacrifice!
3Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD,
keep watch over the door of my lips!
4Incline not my heart to any evil,
to busy myself with wicked deeds
in company with men
who work iniquity;
and let me not eat of their dainties!
5 Let a good man strike or rebuke me in
kindness,
but let the oil of the wicked never anoint
my head;
afor my prayer is continually
b against their
wicked deeds.6When they are given over to those who shall condemn
them,
then they shall learn that the word of the
LORD is true.
7As a rock which one cleaves and shatters on the
land,
so shall their bones be strewn at the mouth
of Sheol.
c8But my eyes are toward you, O LORD God;
in you I seek refuge; leave me not
defenseless!
9Keep me from the trap which they have laid for
me,
and from the snares of evildoers!
10Let the wicked together fall into their own
nets,
while I escape.
Prayer for
Deliverance from Persecutors
A Maskil of David,
when he was in the cave.
A Prayer.
142[141] I cry with my
voice to the LORD,
with my voice I make supplication to the
LORD,
2I pour out my complaint before him,
I tell my trouble before him.
3When my spirit is faint,
you know my way!
In the path where I
walk
they have hidden a trap for me.
4I look to the right and watch,d
but there is none who takes notice of
me;
no refuge remains to
me,
no man cares for me.
5I cry to you, O LORD;
I say, You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.
6Give heed to my cry;
for I am brought very low!
Deliver me from my
persecutors;
for they are too strong for me!
7Bring me out of prison,
that I may give thanks to your name!
The righteous will
surround me;
for you will deal bountifully with me.
Prayer for
Deliverance from Enemies
A Psalm of
David.
143[142] Hear my
prayer, O LORD; give ear to my
supplications!
In your faithfulness answer me, in your
righteousness!
2Enter not into judgment with your servant;
for no man living is righteous before
you.
3For the enemy has pursued me;
he has crushed my life to the ground;
he has made me sit in darkness like those
long dead.
4Therefore my spirit faints within me;
my heart within me is appalled.
5I remember the days of old,
I meditate on all that you have done;
I muse on what your hands have
wrought.
6I stretch out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.
Selah
7Make haste to answer me, O LORD!
My spirit fails!
Hide not your face
from me,
lest I be like those who go down to the
Pit.
8Let me hear in the morning of your merciful
love,
for in you I put my trust.
Teach me the way I
should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
9Deliver me, O LORD,
from my enemies!
I have fled to you for refuge!
e10Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God!
Let your good spirit
lead me
on a level path!
11For your name’s sake, O LORD, preserve my life!
In your righteousness bring me out of
trouble!
12And in your steadfast love cut off my
enemies,
and destroy all my adversaries,
for I am your servant.
Prayer for
National Deliverance and Security
A Psalm of
David.
144[143] Blessed be
the LORD, my rock,
who trains my hands
for war,
and my fingers for battle;
2my mercyf and my
fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield and he in
whom I take refuge,
who subdues my people under me.
g3O LORD, what is man
that you regard him,
or the son of man that you think of
him?
4Man is like a breath,
his days are like a passing shadow.
5Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down!
Touch the mountains that they smoke!
6Flash forth the lightning and scatter
them,
send out your arrows and rout them!
7Stretch forth your hand from on high,
rescue me and deliver me from the many
waters,
from the hand of aliens,
8whose mouths speak lies,
and whose right hand is a right hand of
falsehood.
9I will sing a new song to you, O God;
upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to
you,
10who give victory to kings,
who rescue David your
h servant from
the cruel sword.11Rescue me from the cruel sword,
and deliver me from the hand of
aliens,
whose mouths speak
lies,
and whose right hand is a right hand of
falsehood.
12May our sons in their youth
be like plants full grown,
our daughters like
corner pillars
cut for the structure of a palace;
13may our garners be full,
providing all manner of store;
may our sheep bring
forth thousands
and ten thousands in our fields;
14may our cattle be heavy with young,
suffering no mischance or failure in
bearing;
may there be no cry
of distress in our streets!
15Happy the people to whom such blessings
fall!
Happy the people whose God is the
LORD!
The Greatness
and the Goodness of God
A Song of
Praise.
Of David.
145[144] I will extol
you, my God and King,
and bless your name for ever and ever.
2Every day I will bless you,
and praise your name for ever and
ever.
3Great is the LORD, and
greatly to be praised,
and his greatness is unsearchable.
4One generation shall laud your works to
another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
5On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will
meditate.
6Men shall proclaim the might of your awesome
acts,
and I will declare your greatness.
7They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant
goodness,
and shall sing aloud of your
righteousness.
8The LORD is gracious
and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in mercy.
9The LORD is good to
all,
and his compassion is over all that he has
made.
10All your works shall give thanks to you, O
LORD,
and all your saints shall bless you!
11They shall speak of the glory of your
kingdom,
and tell of your power,
12to make known to the sons of men yourh mighty
deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your
h kingdom.13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all
generations.
The LORD is faithful in all his words,
and gracious in all his deeds.
i14The LORD upholds all
who are falling,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due
season.
16You open your hand,
you satisfy the desire of every living
thing.
17The LORD is just in
all his ways,
and kind in all his doings.
18The LORD is near to
all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.
19He fulfils the desire of all who fear him,
he also hears their cry, and saves
them.
20The LORD preserves all
who love him;
but all the wicked he will destroy.
21My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,
and let all flesh bless his holy name for
ever and ever.
Praise for
God’s Help
146[145] Praise the
LORD!
Praise the
LORD, O my soul!
2I will praise the LORD
as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have
being.
3Put not your trust in princes,
in a son of man, in whom there is no
help.
4When his breath departs he returns to his
earth;
on that very day his plans perish.
5Happy is he whose help is the God of
Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith for
ever;
7 who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets the prisoners free;
8 the LORD opens the
eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed
down;
the LORD loves
the righteous.
9The LORD watches over
the sojourners,
he upholds the widow and the
fatherless;
but the way of the wicked he brings to
ruin.
10The LORD will reign
for ever,
your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the
LORD!
Praise for
God’s Care for Jerusalem
147[146] Praise the
LORD!
For it is good to
sing praises to our God;
for he is gracious, and a song of praise is
seemly.
2The LORD builds up
Jerusalem;
he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
3He heals the brokenhearted,
and binds up their wounds.
4He determines the number of the stars,
he gives to all of them their names.
5Great is our LORD, and
abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.
6The LORD lifts up the
downtrodden,
he casts the wicked to the ground.
7Sing to the LORD with
thanksgiving;
make melody to our God upon the lyre!
8He covers the heavens with clouds,
he prepares rain for the earth,
he makes grass grow upon the hills.
9He gives to the beasts their food,
and to the young ravens which cry.
10His delight is not in the strength of the
horse,
nor his pleasure in the legs of a man;
11but the LORD takes
pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast
love.
[147]12Praise the
LORD, O Jerusalem!
Praise your God, O
Zion!
13For he strengthens the bars of your gates;
he blesses your sons within you.
14He makes peace in your borders;
he fills you with the finest of the
wheat.
15He sends forth his command to the earth;
his word runs swiftly.
16He gives snow like wool;
he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.
17He casts forth his ice like morsels;
who can stand before his cold?
18He sends forth his word, and melts them;
he makes his wind blow, and the waters
flow.
19He declares his word to Jacob,
his statutes and ordinances to Israel.
20He has not dealt thus with any other
nation;
they do not know his ordinances.
Praise the
LORD!
Praise for
God’s Universal Glory
Praise the
LORD from the
heavens,
praise him in the heights!
2Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his host!
3Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars!
4Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
5Let them praise the name of the LORD!
For he commanded and they were
created.
6And he established them for ever and ever;
he fixed their bounds which cannot be
passed.
j7Praise the LORD from
the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
8fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!
9Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
10Beasts and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds!
11Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
12Young men and maidens together,
old men and children!
13Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
14He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his saints,
for the people of Israel who are near to
him.
Praise the
LORD!
Praise for
God’s Goodness to Israel
Sing to the
LORD a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the
faithful!
2Let Israel be glad in his Maker,
let the sons of Zion rejoice in their
King!
3Let them praise his name with dancing,
making melody to him with timbrel and
lyre!
4For the LORD takes
pleasure in his people;
he adorns the humble with victory.
5Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy on their
couches.
6Let the high praises of God be in their
throats
and two-edged swords in their hands,
7to wreak vengeance on the nations
and chastisement on the peoples,
8to bind their kings with chains
and their nobles with fetters of iron,
9to execute on them the judgment written!
This is glory for all his faithful
ones.
Praise the
LORD!
Praise for
God’s Surpassing Greatness
Praise God in his
sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty firmament!
2Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his exceeding
greatness!
3Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
4Praise him with timbrel and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
5Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6Let everything that breathes praise the LORD!
Praise the
LORD!