You're about to hear a religious text titled Book of Tehillim, Psalms one through one hundred fifty, in a short prose version. This work contains seven main sections, exploring the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, cries for deliverance, unwavering trust, God's sovereignty, penitence and forgiveness, the glory of God in creation, and a universal call to worship. Let's begin. [pause 2s]
The Two Paths: The Righteous and the Wicked. [pause 1s] Blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked, stand in the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers. Instead, their delight is in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. Such a person is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither; whatever they do prospers. The wicked are not so; they are like chaff that the wind blows away. The wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous, for the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction. [pause 1s] The fool says in his heart, quote, "There is no God," end quote. They are corrupt, their deeds are vile, and there is no one who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God, but all have turned away. Do not be envious of evildoers, for like the grass they will soon wither. The wicked plot against the just, but the Lord laughs at them, for He knows their day is coming. Their own swords will pierce their hearts, and their bows will be broken. In contrast, the righteous will flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon, planted in the house of the LORD. They will still bear fruit in old age, proclaiming that the LORD is upright and there is no wickedness in Him. [pause 2s] Now, we explore the Cries for Deliverance in Times of Trouble. [pause 1s] In times of distress, the soul cries out: quote, "O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!" end quote. Many say there is no help for me in God. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me? How long, LORD, will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? My soul is in deep anguish, and my bones are in agony. I am weary with my groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping. [pause 1s] My strength is dried up, and my heart has turned to wax; I sink in deep mire where there is no foothold. My enemies surround me, taunting me with the words, quote, "He trusted in the LORD, let him deliver him," end quote. They whisper together against me and devise my hurt. Even my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, has turned against me. For your sake I bear reproach, becoming a stranger to my own family. When I seek pity, there is none; for comforters, I find none. They give me gall for my food and vinegar for my thirst. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God. Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I. [pause 2s] From cries of distress, we turn to the theme of Unwavering Trust in God's Protection. [pause 1s] Though troubles abound, you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my strength, in whom I trust. Therefore, I will not be afraid of the ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me. Though an army should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this I will be confident. [pause 1s] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, leads me beside quiet waters, and restores my soul. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies and anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. [pause 1s] He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty. He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and the deadly pestilence, covering you with His feathers. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day. A thousand may fall at your side, but it will not come near you, for He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever. [pause 2s] We now consider God's Sovereignty and Universal Reign. [pause 1s] Why do the nations rage and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His anointed. But He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall hold them in derision. He has set His king upon His holy hill of Zion, declaring, quote, "You are my Son; this day have I begotten you. Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance," end quote. [pause 1s] The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof; the world and those who dwell in it. The LORD reigns; He is clothed with majesty and strength. The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; it is powerful and full of majesty, breaking the cedars and shaking the wilderness. Let all the earth fear the LORD and stand in awe of Him, for He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. God is the judge; He puts down one and sets up another. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with His truth. [pause 2s] This leads to the topic of Penitence and the Joy of Forgiveness. [pause 1s] Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your lovingkindness; according to your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin, for I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. [pause 1s] The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. When I kept silent about my sin, my bones grew old through my groaning all day long. But I acknowledged my sin to you, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Out of the depths I have cried to you, O LORD. If you should mark iniquities, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, that you may be feared. [pause 2s] Next, we reflect on The Glory of God in Creation and His Law. [pause 1s] The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have ordained, what is man that you are mindful of him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the angels and crowned him with glory and honor, giving him dominion over the works of your hands. [pause 1s] The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul. The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart. More to be desired are they than gold, and sweeter also than honey. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing shall cause them to stumble. [pause 2s] Finally, we hear A Call to Universal Praise and Worship. [pause 1s] I will extol you, my God, O King; and I will bless your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable. The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. All your works shall praise you, O LORD, and your saints shall bless you. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction. [pause 1s] Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars of light! Mountains and all hills, beasts and all cattle, kings of the earth and all people: let them praise the name of the LORD. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet, with the psaltery and harp, with timbrel and dance. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. [pause 2s] This concludes the short prose summary. We now begin the full text in prose, starting with Book One of the Book of Tehillim, Psalms one through one hundred fifty. [pause 2s] Book One. Prayers of David. [pause 1s] The Two Paths and the Reign of God's Anointed. [pause 1s] Blessed is the man who does not follow the advice of the ungodly, stand in the path of sinners, or sit with the scornful. Instead, his delight is in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. He will be like a tree planted by rivers of water, fruitful and prosperous in all he does. The ungodly, however, are not so; they are like chaff driven away by the wind and will not stand in the judgment or in the congregation of the righteous, for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly will perish. [pause 1s] Despite this, the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain. The kings and rulers of the earth conspire against the LORD and His anointed, seeking to break free from their authority. But He who sits in the heavens laughs them to scorn and will speak to them in His wrath, declaring, quote, "Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion," end quote. The king then proclaims the LORD’s decree: quote, "Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee," end quote. God promises him the nations as an inheritance, to rule them with a rod of iron and shatter them like a potter’s vessel. Therefore, the kings and judges of the earth are exhorted to be wise, to serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling, and to honor the Son, lest His wrath be kindled. Blessed are all who trust in Him. [pause 2s] Personal Laments and Confidence in God. [pause 1s] A prayer laments the great number of troubles and enemies who say there is no help from God. Yet the LORD is a shield, glory, and the one who lifts the head. After crying out, the LORD heard from His holy hill, allowing for peaceful sleep and awakening, sustained by Him. There is no fear of ten thousands of people, for salvation belongs to the LORD, and His blessing is upon His people. Another prayer calls upon God for mercy, remembering past deliverance in distress. It questions how long men will love vanity and shame, affirming that the LORD has set apart the godly for Himself and will hear their call. The psalmist advises to stand in awe without sinning, to commune with one’s own heart in stillness, to offer righteous sacrifices, and to trust in the LORD. While many ask who will show them good, the prayer is for the light of God’s countenance, which brings more gladness than an abundant harvest, allowing for peaceful and safe rest in God alone. [pause 1s] A morning prayer asks God to hear his words and meditation. He is a God who takes no pleasure in wickedness; evil and the foolish cannot stand in His sight, for He hates all who work iniquity and destroys those who speak lies. By God’s great mercy, the psalmist will enter His house to worship. He prays to be led in righteousness because of his enemies, whose mouths are unfaithful, whose hearts are wicked, and whose throats are like open graves. He calls for God to destroy them for their rebellion but asks that all who trust in God rejoice and shout for joy, for the LORD defends them, blesses the righteous, and surrounds them with favor as with a shield. [pause 1s] In a plea for mercy, the psalmist asks not to be rebuked in anger, for he is weak, and his bones and soul are deeply troubled. He questions, quote, "how long?" end quote, and asks the LORD to return and deliver his soul for His mercy’s sake, since in death there is no remembrance or thanks given to God. Weary with groaning, he waters his couch with tears all night, his eye consumed with grief. He commands workers of iniquity to depart, for the LORD has heard his weeping and supplication. He prays that his enemies will be ashamed and vexed, turning back in sudden shame. [pause 2s] Pleas for Justice and Judgment. [pause 1s] Trusting in the LORD, a plea is made for salvation from persecutors, lest they tear his soul apart like a lion. The psalmist declares his innocence, stating that if he has iniquity in his hands or has rewarded evil to one at peace with him, then the enemy should be allowed to persecute and tread down his life. He calls for God to arise in anger against the rage of his enemies and to execute the judgment He has commanded, so the people will gather around Him. He asks to be judged according to his righteousness and integrity, praying for the end of wickedness and the establishment of the just. His defense is God, who saves the upright, judges the righteous, and is angry with the wicked daily. If the wicked do not turn, God has prepared His sword, bow, and instruments of death. The wicked conceives mischief and brings forth falsehood, falling into the pit he himself has dug. His violence will return upon his own head. For this, the psalmist will praise the LORD according to His righteousness. [pause 1s] A song of praise marvels at how excellent God’s name is in all the earth, His glory set above the heavens. From the mouths of infants, He has ordained strength to silence the enemy. Contemplating the heavens, the moon, and the stars, the psalmist wonders, quote, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?" end quote. Yet God has made him a little lower than the angels, crowned him with glory, and given him dominion over all the works of His hands: all sheep and oxen, beasts of the field, birds of the air, and fish of the sea. The psalm concludes by again exclaiming how excellent the LORD’s name is in all the earth. [pause 1s] He gives thanks to the LORD with his whole heart for His marvelous works, rejoicing in the Most High. Enemies turn back and perish at God’s presence, for He has maintained the psalmist’s cause from His throne of right judgment. God has rebuked the nations, destroyed the wicked, and blotted out their name forever. The enemy’s destructions have come to a perpetual end, their cities destroyed and memory perished. But the LORD endures forever, His throne prepared for judgment to judge the world in righteousness. He is a refuge for the oppressed in times of trouble, and those who know His name will trust Him, for He has not forsaken those who seek Him. Praises are sung to the LORD who dwells in Zion, who remembers the humble and does not forget their cry. A plea is made for mercy from the hatred of enemies, that he may praise God in the gates of Zion. The nations have sunk into the pit they made, their own foot caught in the net they hid. The LORD is known by His judgment, and the wicked are snared by their own hands. The wicked, and all nations that forget God, will be turned into the grave. But the needy and poor will not always be forgotten or perish. The prayer asks God to arise, let not man prevail, and judge the nations in His sight, putting them in fear so they may know they are only human. [pause 1s] A cry questions why the LORD stands far off in times of trouble. The wicked, in his pride, persecutes the poor, boasting of his desires and blessing the covetous, whom God abhors. The wicked man is too proud to seek God, having no room for Him in his thoughts. His ways are grievous; he scoffs at his enemies, believing he will never be moved or face adversity. His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and fraud; he murders the innocent from lurking places, lying in wait like a lion to catch the poor. He crouches and humbles himself to overpower the vulnerable, saying in his heart that God has forgotten and will never see. The plea is for the LORD to arise and lift His hand, not forgetting the humble. Why does the wicked contemn God, thinking he will not be held accountable? But God has seen the mischief and spite and will requite it. The poor, the fatherless, and the oppressed commit themselves to Him. A prayer is made to break the arm of the wicked until his wickedness is no more. The LORD is King forever; the nations have perished from His land. He has heard the desire of the humble and will judge the fatherless and oppressed, so that man may no longer oppress. [pause 2s] Trust Amidst Threats and Corruption. [pause 1s] In the LORD he trusts, so why do people tell him to flee like a bird to the mountain? The wicked bend their bow to shoot secretly at the upright. If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? The LORD is in His holy temple, His throne in heaven; His eyes behold and test the children of men. The LORD tests the righteous, but His soul hates the wicked and violent. Upon them He will rain snares, fire, brimstone, and a horrible tempest. For the righteous LORD loves righteousness, and His countenance beholds the upright. [pause 1s] A cry for help arises because the godly and faithful are failing. People speak vanity and flattery with a double heart. The LORD will cut off all flattering lips and the proud tongue of those who say they will prevail by their own strength. But because of the oppression of the poor and the sighing of the needy, the LORD says, quote, "now will I arise," end quote, and set them in safety. The words of the LORD are pure, like silver purified seven times. He will keep and preserve the faithful from this generation forever, even while the wicked walk on every side and the vilest men are exalted. [pause 1s] A lament asks, quote, "How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever?" end quote, questioning how long God will hide His face, leaving him with daily sorrow and the enemy exalted over him. He prays for God to consider and hear him, to enlighten his eyes lest he die and his enemies rejoice in his fall. Yet he affirms his trust in God's mercy and salvation, and resolves to sing to the LORD for His bountiful dealings. [pause 1s] The fool says in his heart, quote, "There is no God," end quote. They are corrupt, have done abominable works, and none do good. The LORD looked down from heaven to see if any understand and seek God, but all have gone aside and become filthy; not one does good. Do these workers of iniquity not know, who consume God’s people like bread and do not call on Him? They were in great fear where there was no cause for fear, for God is with the generation of the righteous. They have shamed the counsel of the poor, but the LORD is his refuge. A prayer is offered for the salvation of Israel to come from Zion, so that when God restores His people, Jacob will rejoice and Israel will be glad. [pause 1s] The question is asked: who can abide in God’s tabernacle and dwell on His holy hill? The one who walks uprightly, works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. He does not backbite, do evil to his neighbor, or take up a reproach against them. He despises a vile person but honors those who fear the LORD. He keeps his oath even to his own hurt and does not lend money at interest or take a bribe against the innocent. The one who does these things shall never be moved. [pause 2s] Devotion and Assurance of God's Favor. [pause 1s] A prayer for preservation is made with trust in God. The psalmist declares to the LORD, quote, "Thou art my Lord," end quote, and that his goodness is for the saints on earth, in whom he delights. Sorrows will multiply for those who follow other gods; he will not offer their blood offerings or speak their names. The LORD is his inheritance and his portion, providing a pleasant and goodly heritage. He blesses the LORD for His counsel, which instructs him even at night. He has set the LORD always before him, and with God at his right hand, he will not be moved. Therefore his heart is glad, his glory rejoices, and his flesh rests in hope, for God will not leave his soul in the grave nor let His Holy One see corruption. God will show him the path of life, where there is fullness of joy and pleasures at His right hand forevermore. [pause 1s] The psalmist calls for God to hear his righteous cause and genuine prayer, asking for his sentence to come from God's presence. He declares his integrity, having been tested by God and found with no fault, purposing that his mouth will not transgress. By God’s word, he has kept from the paths of the destroyer and asks for his steps to be held firm. He calls on God, who will hear, to show His marvelous lovingkindness and save those who trust in Him. He prays to be kept as the apple of the eye, hidden under the shadow of God’s wings from the oppressive wicked who surround him. His enemies are enclosed in their own fat and speak proudly, like a lion greedy for prey. He asks the LORD to arise, cast them down, and deliver his soul from the wicked, who are God’s sword. These men of the world have their portion in this life, filled with treasure and children, but he will behold God’s face in righteousness and be satisfied with His likeness. [pause 2s] A Song of Victory and the King's Thanksgiving. [pause 1s] The psalmist declares his love for the LORD, his strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, and high tower. Calling on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, he is saved from his enemies. When the sorrows of death and floods of ungodly men surrounded him, he cried to the LORD, who heard him from His temple. Then the earth shook and trembled, smoke rose from God’s nostrils, and devouring fire from His mouth. He bowed the heavens and came down, riding on a cherub upon the wings of the wind, with darkness and thick clouds as His pavilion. At His brightness, hail and coals of fire broke through the clouds; the LORD thundered from heaven, sending arrows and lightning that scattered the enemy. The foundations of the world were exposed at His rebuke. [pause 1s] God sent from above and drew him out of many waters, delivering him from a strong enemy because He delighted in him. The LORD rewarded him according to his righteousness and the cleanness of his hands, for he had kept the ways of the LORD and was upright. To the merciful, God shows mercy; to the upright, He shows Himself upright. He saves the afflicted but brings down the proud. God lights his candle and enlightens his darkness, enabling him to run through a troop and leap over a wall. God’s way is perfect; His word is tried. He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God but the LORD? He gives strength, makes his way perfect, makes his feet like a deer’s, and teaches his hands to war. God gives the shield of salvation, holds him up, enlarges his steps, and enables him to pursue and consume his enemies. God girded him with strength for battle and gave him the necks of his enemies. They cried for help, even to the LORD, but were not answered. He beat them small as dust and cast them out like dirt. God delivered him from the strivings of the people and made him head of the nations. Strangers submit to him and fade away. The LORD lives, and blessed is the Rock of his salvation. He gives thanks to the LORD among the nations, for He gives great deliverance to His king, David, and shows mercy to him and his descendants forever. [pause 2s] God's Glory in Creation and Law. [pause 1s] The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day after day and night after night, they pour forth speech and knowledge universally. The sun’s circuit runs from one end of heaven to the other, like a bridegroom or a strong man, and nothing is hidden from its heat. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; His testimony is sure, making wise the simple. His statutes are right, rejoicing the heart; His commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; His judgments are true and altogether righteous, more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey. By them, His servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward. The psalmist asks to be cleansed from secret faults and kept from presumptuous sins, so that he may be upright and innocent. He prays that the words of his mouth and the meditation of his heart be acceptable to the LORD, his strength and redeemer. [pause 2s] Prayers for the King and the People. [pause 1s] A prayer is offered that the LORD will hear the king in the day of trouble, defend him, send help from the sanctuary, remember his offerings, and fulfill his heart’s desires. The people will rejoice in his salvation and set up banners in God’s name. Now it is known that the LORD saves His anointed, hearing him from heaven with His saving strength. Some trust in chariots and horses, but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They have fallen, but we have risen. Quote, "Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call," end quote. [pause 1s] The king rejoices in the LORD’s strength and salvation. God has given him his heart's desire, blessed him with goodness, and set a crown of pure gold on his head. He asked for life, and God gave him length of days forever. His glory, honor, and majesty are great in God’s salvation. He is made most blessed forever, trusting in the LORD and the mercy of the Most High, so he will not be moved. God’s hand will find all His enemies who hate Him, making them a fiery oven in His anger; fire will devour them. He will destroy their descendants from the earth. They intended evil but could not perform it. God will make them turn their back when His arrows are aimed at their faces. The psalm ends with a call for the LORD to be exalted in His own strength, so they will sing and praise His power. [pause 2s] A Cry of Anguish and a Song of Praise. [pause 1s] A cry of dereliction is voiced: quote, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" end quote. He cries day and night but is not heard. Yet God is holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Their fathers trusted in Him and were delivered. But he is a worm, a reproach despised by the people, who mock him, saying, quote, "He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him," end quote. Yet it was God who took him from the womb and has been his God since birth. He pleads for God not to be far, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. Enemies like strong bulls and roaring lions surround him. He is poured out like water, his bones are out of joint, his heart is like melted wax, his strength is dried up, and his tongue sticks to his jaws. [pause 1s] Dogs and the wicked have enclosed him; they have pierced his hands and feet. He can count all his bones while they stare at him. They divide his garments and cast lots for his clothing. He prays for the LORD, his strength, to hurry and help, delivering his soul from the sword and the dog, saving him from the lion's mouth. After this, he declares he will proclaim God’s name to his brethren and praise Him in the congregation. All who fear the LORD are called to praise and glorify Him, for He has not despised the afflicted but has heard his cry. His praise will be in the great congregation, and he will pay his vows. The meek will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise Him. All the ends of the world will remember and turn to the LORD, and all nations will worship before Him, for the kingdom is the LORD’s. A future generation will serve Him and declare His righteousness to a people yet to be born. [pause 2s] Psalms of Confidence and Worship. [pause 1s] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul and leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and staff comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, anoint my head with oil, and my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. [pause 1s] The earth and everything in it belong to the LORD, for He founded it upon the seas. Who may ascend the hill of the LORD or stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted his soul to vanity or sworn deceitfully. He will receive blessing and righteousness from God. This is the generation that seeks Him. The gates are commanded to lift up their heads for the King of glory to come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle, the LORD of hosts. [pause 2s] Prayers for Guidance, Pardon, and Protection. [pause 1s] The psalmist lifts his soul to God, trusting in Him and praying not to be ashamed or let his enemies triumph. Indeed, none who wait for God will be ashamed; only those who transgress without cause will be. He asks God to show him His ways, teach him His paths, and lead him in truth, for he waits on God all day. He pleads for God to remember His tender mercies of old, but not the sins of his youth, asking to be remembered according to God's goodness. The LORD is good and upright, teaching sinners and guiding the meek. All His paths are mercy and truth to those who keep His covenant. For His name's sake, he asks for pardon for his great iniquity. The one who fears the LORD will be taught the way to choose, his soul will dwell at ease, and his descendants will inherit the earth. The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him. His eyes are always toward the LORD, who will pluck his feet from the net. He feels desolate and afflicted, praying for mercy and deliverance from his enlarged troubles, asking God to look on his pain and forgive his sins. He asks God to consider his many cruel enemies, to keep his soul and deliver him, for his integrity to preserve him as he waits on the LORD. The psalm concludes with a plea for God to redeem Israel from all its troubles. [pause 1s] Asserting his integrity and trust in the LORD, he asks to be judged, examined, and proven. He has walked in God's lovingkindness and truth, avoiding vain persons, dissemblers, and the congregation of evildoers. He will wash his hands in innocence and go about God’s altar, proclaiming thanksgiving and telling of His wondrous works. He loves God's house and prays that his soul not be gathered with sinners or bloody men, in whose hands is mischief and bribery. He will walk in his integrity, asking for redemption and mercy. His foot stands on level ground, and in the congregations, he will bless the LORD. [pause 1s] The LORD is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear? He is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came to consume him, they stumbled and fell. Even if an army encamps against him, he will be confident. The one thing he desires is to dwell in the house of the LORD all his days, to behold His beauty. In times of trouble, God will hide him and set him upon a rock. Now his head is lifted above his enemies, and he will offer sacrifices of joy and sing praises. He cries for mercy and answers God’s call to seek His face. He pleads for God not to hide His face or forsake him. When father and mother forsake him, the LORD will take him up. He asks to be taught God’s way and led on a plain path, delivered from false witnesses who breathe out cruelty. He would have fainted unless he had believed he would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. The final exhortation is to wait on the LORD, be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart. [pause 1s] He cries to the LORD, his rock, not to be silent, lest he become like those who go down to the pit. He asks God to hear his supplications as he lifts his hands toward His holy oracle. He prays not to be drawn away with the wicked, who speak peace but have mischief in their hearts. He asks for them to be given according to their wicked deeds, because they do not regard the works of the LORD; He will destroy them. Blessed be the LORD, for He has heard his supplications. The LORD is his strength and shield; his heart trusted and was helped, so he rejoices and praises Him. The LORD is the strength of His people and His anointed. He asks God to save His people, bless His inheritance, and lift them up forever. [pause 2s] Songs of Praise to the Mighty King. [pause 1s] A call is made to the mighty to give the LORD glory and strength, to worship Him in the beauty of holiness. The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders. His voice is powerful and full of majesty. It breaks the cedars of Lebanon, making them skip like a calf. His voice divides flames of fire and shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. It makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare. In His temple, everyone speaks of His glory. The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; He sits as King forever. The LORD will give strength to His people and bless them with peace. [pause 1s] He will extol the LORD for lifting him up and not letting his foes rejoice. He cried to God and was healed, his soul brought up from the grave. The saints are called to sing and give thanks to Him. For His anger is but for a moment, but His favor is for life; weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning. In his prosperity, he thought he would never be moved, but when God hid His face, he was troubled. He cried out, questioning the profit in his death, for the dust cannot praise or declare God’s truth. He asked for mercy and help. God turned his mourning into dancing and clothed him with gladness so that his glory may sing praise. He will give thanks to the LORD forever. [pause 1s] He puts his trust in the LORD, praying never to be ashamed but to be delivered in righteousness. He asks God to be his strong rock and fortress, to lead and guide him for His name’s sake, and to pull him out of the net laid for him. Quote, "Into thine hand I commit my spirit," end quote, he declares, for the LORD God of truth has redeemed him. He hates those who regard lying vanities but trusts in the LORD, rejoicing in His mercy, for God has known his soul in adversities and set his feet in a large room. He pleads for mercy again, for his life is spent with grief, his strength fails, and he has become a reproach among his enemies and neighbors. He is forgotten like a dead man, like a broken vessel, hearing slander from many as they plot to take his life. But he trusts in God, saying, quote, "Thou art my God," end quote, and his times are in God’s hand. He asks for deliverance and for God’s face to shine upon him, praying that the wicked, not he, would be put to shame and silenced in the grave. How great is God’s goodness for those who fear and trust Him, hiding them from the pride of man. Blessed be the LORD for His marvelous kindness. In his haste, he thought he was cut off, but God heard his cry. All saints are called to love the LORD, who preserves the faithful and rewards the proud. They are encouraged to be of good courage, for He will strengthen the hearts of all who hope in Him. [pause 1s] Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven and sin is covered, to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity and in whose spirit there is no deceit. When he kept silent, his bones grew old from groaning, and God’s hand was heavy on him day and night. He acknowledged his sin, confessed his transgressions to the LORD, and God forgave him. For this reason, the godly should pray to God. He is a hiding place, preserved from trouble with songs of deliverance. God promises to instruct, teach, and guide with His eye. He warns not to be like a horse or mule, which lack understanding and must be controlled with bit and bridle. The wicked have many sorrows, but mercy surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD. The righteous are called to be glad, rejoice, and shout for joy. [pause 1s] The righteous are called to rejoice in the LORD, for praise is beautiful for the upright. They should praise Him with the harp, psaltery, and a new song, playing skillfully and loud. The word of the LORD is right, and His works are done in truth. He loves righteousness and judgment; the earth is full of His goodness. By His word the heavens were made. He gathers the sea’s waters and lays up the depth in storehouses. All the earth should fear and stand in awe of Him, for He spoke, and it was done. The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing, but His counsel stands forever. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen. From heaven, the LORD looks on all humanity, fashioning their hearts and considering their works. No king is saved by a large army, nor a mighty man by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety. The eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him and hope in His mercy, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD, our help and shield. Our heart rejoices in Him, for we trust in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, just as we hope in You. [pause 2s] Exhortations to Righteousness and Trust. [pause 1s] He will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will continually be in his mouth. His soul will boast in the LORD; the humble will hear and be glad. He calls others to magnify the LORD with him. He sought the LORD, and He delivered him from all his fears. Those who look to Him are radiant. This poor man cried, and the LORD saved him. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him. He invites all to taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him. The saints should fear the LORD, for there is no want to them. Young lions may lack, but those who seek the LORD will not lack any good thing. He offers to teach the fear of the LORD: to desire a long, good life, one must keep the tongue from evil and guile, depart from evil, do good, and seek peace. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry, but His face is against evildoers. The righteous cry, and the LORD delivers them. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the contrite. The righteous have many afflictions, but the LORD delivers them from all, keeping all their bones so that not one is broken. Evil will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be desolate. The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, and none who trust in Him will be desolate. [pause 1s] He asks the LORD to plead his cause and fight against those who fight him. He calls for God to take up shield and spear and say to his soul, quote, "I am thy salvation," end quote. Let those who seek his soul be put to shame, like chaff before the wind, chased by the angel of the LORD on a dark and slippery path. They hid a net for him without cause. Let destruction come upon them unawares, and let them fall into the very net they hid. Then his soul will rejoice in the LORD’s salvation. His whole being will declare that none is like the LORD, who delivers the poor. False witnesses rose against him with unknown charges, rewarding him evil for good. Yet when they were sick, he humbled himself with fasting and sackcloth, mourning as for a mother. But in his adversity, they rejoiced and gathered against him, tearing at him without ceasing, mocking him at feasts. He asks the Lord how long He will look on, pleading for rescue. He will give thanks in the great congregation. He prays that his enemies will not wrongfully rejoice over him. They devise deceitful matters, opening their mouths wide against him. But the LORD has seen, so he asks Him not to be silent or far away, but to awake and judge his cause. He prays that they will not be able to say, quote, "We have swallowed him up," end quote. Let those who rejoice at his hurt be ashamed, but let those who favor his righteous cause shout for joy and magnify the LORD. His tongue will speak of God’s righteousness and praise all day long. [pause 1s] The transgression of the wicked says there is no fear of God before his eyes. He flatters himself until his iniquity is found to be hateful. The words of his mouth are deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and do good, devising mischief even on his bed. But the LORD’s mercy is in the heavens, His faithfulness reaches the clouds, and His righteousness is like the great mountains. God preserves man and beast. How excellent is His lovingkindness! Therefore people trust under the shadow of His wings, satisfied with the abundance of His house and drinking from the river of His pleasures. For with God is the fountain of life; in His light, we see light. He prays for God to continue His lovingkindness to those who know Him, and not let the foot of pride or the hand of the wicked move him. The workers of iniquity have fallen, cast down and unable to rise. [pause 1s] Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of them, for they will soon be cut down like grass. Trust in the LORD, do good, and you will dwell in the land and be fed. Delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to Him, and He will bring forth your righteousness as the light. Rest in the LORD and wait patiently; do not fret over the one who prospers in his wicked schemes. Cease from anger, for evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait on the LORD will inherit the earth. Soon the wicked will be no more. The meek will inherit the earth and delight in abundant peace. The wicked plots against the just, but the Lord laughs at him, seeing his day is coming. The wicked draw their sword to slay the poor, but their sword will enter their own heart. A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked. The LORD upholds the righteous and knows their days; their inheritance is forever. They will not be ashamed in evil times. But the wicked will perish like the fat of lambs, consumed into smoke. The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives. Those blessed by Him will inherit the earth. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD. Though he falls, he will not be utterly cast down. The psalmist, now old, has never seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging bread. He exhorts to depart from evil and do good, for the LORD loves judgment and does not forsake His saints; they are preserved forever, but the seed of the wicked will be cut off. The righteous will inherit the land. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps will not slide. The wicked watches the righteous to slay him, but the LORD will not leave him in his hand. Wait on the LORD and keep His way, and you will see the wicked cut off. I have seen the wicked in great power, but he passed away and could not be found. Mark the perfect man, for his end is peace, but transgressors will be destroyed. The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD, their strength in trouble. The LORD will help and deliver them because they trust in Him. [pause 1s] A plea is made for God not to rebuke him in wrath, for God’s arrows are stuck in him. There is no soundness in his flesh because of God’s anger and his sin. His iniquities are a heavy burden, and his wounds are corrupt because of his foolishness. He is troubled, bowed down, and mourning all day. His loins are filled with a loathsome disease. He is feeble and broken, roaring from the disquiet of his heart. His desires and groaning are not hidden from God. His heart pants, his strength fails, and the light of his eyes is gone. His friends and kinsmen stand aloof from his suffering. Those who seek his life lay snares and imagine deceits. But he is like a deaf and dumb man who does not respond. His hope is in the LORD, who will hear. He prays that his enemies will not rejoice over him when his foot slips. He is ready to fall, his sorrow is continually before him, and he will declare his iniquity and be sorry for his sin. His enemies are strong and multiplied. They render evil for good because he follows what is good. He pleads for God not to forsake him but to make haste to help him, his salvation. [pause 1s] He resolved to guard his ways and not sin with his tongue while the wicked were before him. He was silent, but his sorrow was stirred, and his heart grew hot within him until he spoke. He asked the LORD to make him know his end and the measure of his days, so he might know how frail he is. His days are like a handbreadth, his age as nothing; every man is vanity. Man walks in a vain show, accumulating riches without knowing who will gather them. His hope is in the Lord. He asks to be delivered from his transgressions and not be a reproach to the foolish. He was silent because God was the one who acted. He asks God to remove His stroke, for he is consumed. When God corrects man for iniquity, his beauty consumes away like a moth. He prays for God to hear his prayer and tears, for he is a stranger and sojourner. He asks to be spared, that he may recover strength before he is no more. [pause 1s] He waited patiently for the LORD, who heard his cry and brought him out of a horrible pit, setting his feet on a rock and putting a new song of praise in his mouth. Many will see, fear, and trust in the LORD. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust and does not respect the proud. God’s wonderful works and thoughts toward us are more than can be numbered. God does not desire sacrifice and offering but has opened his ears; burnt offering and sin offering are not required. He comes as it is written of him in the book, delighting to do God's will, with the law in his heart. He has preached righteousness in the great congregation and has not hidden God's faithfulness, salvation, and lovingkindness. He prays that God will not withhold His tender mercies but let His truth preserve him. Innumerable evils have surrounded him, his iniquities have overtaken him, and his heart fails. He pleads for God to deliver him quickly. Let those who seek to destroy his soul be ashamed, but let all who seek God rejoice and be glad, continually saying, quote, "The LORD be magnified," end quote. Though he is poor and needy, the Lord thinks upon him. He is his help and deliverer; quote, "make no tarrying, O my God," end quote. [pause 1s] Blessed is he who considers the poor; the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble, preserve him, and keep him alive. The LORD will strengthen him on his bed of sickness. He prayed for mercy and healing, for he has sinned. His enemies speak evil of him, wondering when he will die. Visitors speak vanity, gathering iniquity to tell abroad. All who hate him whisper against him, saying an evil disease has fastened on him and he will not rise again. Even his familiar friend, who ate his bread, has lifted his heel against him. But he prays for God’s mercy to raise him up so he may repay them. He knows God favors him because his enemy does not triumph. God upholds him in his integrity and sets him before His face forever. Quote, "Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen," end quote. [pause 2s] Book Two. Songs of Israel. [pause 1s] Yearning for God Amidst Affliction. [pause 1s] As a deer pants for water, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for the living God; when shall I come and appear before Him? My tears have been my food day and night, while people continually ask, quote, "Where is your God?" end quote. I pour out my soul when I remember going with the multitude to the house of God with joy and praise. Why are you cast down, O my soul? Hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. My soul is cast down, so I will remember You from the land of Jordan and the Hermonites. Deep calls to deep at the noise of Your waterspouts; all Your waves have gone over me. Yet the LORD will command His lovingkindness by day, and His song will be with me by night. I will ask God my rock why He has forgotten me and why I go mourning because of the enemy’s oppression, which is like a sword in my bones. Why are you disquieted within me, O my soul? Hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance and my God. [pause 1s] Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. You are the God of my strength; why have You cast me off? Why do I mourn because of the enemy's oppression? Send out Your light and truth to lead me to Your holy hill and tabernacles. Then I will go to the altar of God, my exceeding joy, and praise You with the harp. Why are you cast down, O my soul? Hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance and my God. [pause 1s] We have heard from our fathers what work You did in their days. You drove out the nations with Your hand and planted our ancestors. They did not gain the land by their own sword, but by Your right hand and favor. You are my King, O God; command deliverance for Jacob. Through You we will push down our enemies. I will not trust in my bow or sword, for You have saved us and shamed those who hated us. In God we boast all day long. But now You have cast us off and put us to shame; You do not go out with our armies. You make us turn back from the enemy, who spoil us. You have given us like sheep for slaughter and scattered us among the nations. You make us a reproach and a byword. My confusion and shame cover me because of the enemy and avenger. All this has come upon us, yet we have not forgotten You or been false to Your covenant. Our heart has not turned back, though You have broken us in the place of dragons and covered us with the shadow of death. If we had forgotten God or stretched our hands to a strange god, would He not know it? For Your sake we are killed all day long, counted as sheep for the slaughter. Awake, O Lord! Why do You sleep? Arise, do not cast us off forever. Why do You hide Your face and forget our affliction? Our soul is bowed to the dust. Arise for our help and redeem us for Your mercy’s sake. [pause 2s] Songs of Zion and the King. [pause 1s] My heart overflows with a good theme concerning the king. You are fairer than the children of men; grace is poured on your lips. Gird your sword, O mighty one, and in your majesty ride prosperously for truth, meekness, and righteousness. Your arrows are sharp in the hearts of the king's enemies. Your throne, O God, is forever; the scepter of Your kingdom is a right scepter. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God has anointed you with the oil of gladness. Your garments smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia. Kings' daughters are among your honorable women; the queen stands at your right hand in gold of Ophir. The royal bride is told to forget her own people and her father's house, so the king will greatly desire her beauty. The daughter of Tyre will be there with a gift. The king's daughter is glorious within, her clothing of wrought gold. She will be brought to the king, followed by her virgin companions with gladness into the palace. Instead of your fathers will be your children, whom you will make princes in all the earth. I will make your name to be remembered in all generations, and the people will praise you forever. [pause 1s] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth is removed and mountains are carried into the sea. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God. God is in her midst; she shall not be moved. When the nations raged and kingdoms were moved, He uttered His voice and the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Come, behold the works of the LORD, who makes wars cease, breaks the bow, and burns the chariot. Quote, "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen," end quote. The LORD of hosts is with us. [pause 1s] All peoples are called to clap their hands and shout to God with triumph, for the LORD Most High is a great King over all the earth. He will subdue peoples under us. He chooses our inheritance for us. God has gone up with a shout. Sing praises to God, the King of all the earth. God reigns over the nations from His holy throne. The princes of the people have gathered as the people of the God of Abraham, for the shields of the earth belong to God. [pause 1s] Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, Mount Zion, beautiful in its location, the joy of the whole earth. God is known in her palaces as a refuge. When kings assembled against her, they marveled, were troubled, and fled in fear. As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, which God will establish forever. We have thought of Your lovingkindness in Your temple. Your praise, like Your name, extends to the ends of the earth. Let Mount Zion rejoice because of Your judgments. Walk about Zion, count her towers, mark her bulwarks, consider her palaces, so you may tell the next generation that this God is our God forever; He will be our guide even to death. [pause 2s] Wisdom, Worship, and Personal Confession. [pause 1s] All people, low and high, rich and poor, are called to hear wisdom and understanding. Why should I fear in evil days, when surrounded by those who trust in their wealth? None can redeem his brother or give God a ransom for his soul. They cannot live forever and avoid corruption. Wise men, fools, and the brutish all perish and leave their wealth to others. They think their houses will continue forever, but man in honor does not last; he is like the beasts that perish. This is their folly. Like sheep, they are laid in the grave where death will feed on them, and the upright will have dominion in the morning. But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave. Do not be afraid when one becomes rich, for he will carry nothing away when he dies. Though he blessed his soul while he lived, he will go to the generation of his fathers and never see light. A man in honor who does not understand is like the beasts that perish. [pause 1s] The mighty God, the LORD, has spoken and called the earth. Out of Zion, God has shined. Our God will come and not keep silent; a fire will devour before Him. He will call to the heavens and the earth to judge His people, gathering His saints who made a covenant by sacrifice. God Himself is judge. He speaks to Israel, not to reprove them for sacrifices, for every beast of the forest and cattle on a thousand hills are His. Quote, "If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine," end quote. He does not eat the flesh of bulls. He commands them to offer thanksgiving and pay their vows, and to call upon Him in trouble. But to the wicked, God asks why they declare His statutes while hating instruction. They consent with thieves, partake with adulterers, give their mouth to evil, and slander their own brother. Because God was silent, they thought He was like them, but He will reprove them. Those who forget God should consider this, lest He tear them in pieces. Whoever offers praise glorifies Him, and to him who orders his conduct aright, God will show His salvation. [pause 1s] A plea for mercy is made according to God's lovingkindness. He asks for his transgressions to be blotted out and to be washed thoroughly from iniquity. He acknowledges his sin is always before him; against God only has he sinned, so that God is justified in His judgment. He was brought forth in iniquity. God desires truth in the inward parts. He prays to be purged with hyssop and washed whiter than snow, to hear joy and gladness. He asks God to hide His face from his sins, create in him a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within him. He pleads not to be cast away from God's presence or have the Holy Spirit taken from him. Restore the joy of salvation, and he will teach transgressors God's ways. Deliver him from bloodguiltiness, and his tongue will sing of God's righteousness. God does not desire sacrifice, but a broken spirit and a contrite heart He will not despise. He prays for God to do good to Zion and build the walls of Jerusalem, then He will be pleased with sacrifices of righteousness. [pause 2s] Condemnation of the Wicked and Trust in God. [pause 1s] Why does the mighty man boast in mischief? The goodness of God endures continually. The deceitful tongue devises mischiefs like a sharp razor, loving evil more than good. God will destroy such a person forever, plucking him from his dwelling. The righteous will see, fear, and laugh, saying this is the man who did not make God his strength but trusted in riches. But the psalmist is like a green olive tree in the house of God, trusting in His mercy forever. [pause 1s] The fool has said in his heart, quote, "There is no God," end quote. They are corrupt and do abominable iniquity. God looked down from heaven and saw that all have gone back and become filthy; none does good. Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up God's people like bread? They were in great fear where there was none, for God has scattered the bones of their besiegers. A prayer is made for Israel’s salvation to come from Zion, so when God brings back His people, Jacob will rejoice. [pause 1s] A prayer is made for God to save by His name and judge by His strength. Strangers and oppressors have risen up, who have not set God before them. But God is his helper. He will reward evil to his enemies. He will freely sacrifice and praise God's name, for He has delivered him from all trouble. [pause 1s] A prayer is made to God not to hide from his supplication. He mourns because of the enemy’s voice and the wicked’s oppression. His heart is pained, and the terrors of death have fallen upon him. He wishes for wings like a dove to fly away and be at rest in the wilderness. He prays for the Lord to destroy their tongues, for he has seen violence and strife in the city. It was not an enemy who reproached him, but an equal, a guide, and an acquaintance with whom he walked to the house of God. Let death seize them and let them go down to hell alive. He will call upon God morning, noon, and night, and He will hear and deliver him. God will afflict those who do not fear Him. The companion has broken his covenant; his words were smoother than butter but were drawn swords. Quote, "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee," end quote. God will bring the bloody and deceitful down to the pit of destruction, but the psalmist will trust in Him. [pause 1s] He pleads for mercy, for men try to swallow him up daily. In God, he will praise His word; in God, he trusts and will not fear what flesh can do. His enemies twist his words and plot evil. Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger, God will cast them down. God numbers his wanderings and puts his tears in His bottle. When he cries out, his enemies will turn back, for God is for him. In God he has put his trust; he will not be afraid of what man can do. Vows are upon him, and he will render praises, for God has delivered his soul from death and his feet from falling, so he may walk before God in the light of the living. [pause 1s] He cries for mercy, taking refuge in the shadow of God’s wings until calamities pass. God will send from heaven to save him from reproach, sending forth His mercy and truth. His soul is among lions, men whose teeth are spears and arrows and whose tongues are sharp swords. He prays for God to be exalted above the heavens. They have prepared a net for his steps, but have fallen into the pit they dug themselves. His heart is steadfast; he will sing and give praise, awakening the dawn with his music. He will praise the Lord among the peoples, for His mercy is great to the heavens and His truth to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. [pause 1s] The congregation is asked if they indeed speak and judge righteously. In their hearts, they work wickedness. The wicked are estranged from the womb, speaking lies from birth. Their poison is like a serpent's; they are like a deaf adder that stops its ear to the charmer. He prays for God to break their teeth, for them to melt away like water, to be like a snail that melts or an untimely birth that does not see the sun. Before their pots can feel the thorns, He will take them away in a whirlwind. The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance and washes his feet in the blood of the wicked, so that people will say there is a reward for the righteous and a God who judges the earth. [pause 1s] He prays for deliverance from his enemies, the workers of iniquity and bloody men. They lie in wait for his soul, not for his sin but without fault of his own. He calls on the LORD God of hosts to awaken and visit the nations, showing no mercy to wicked transgressors. They return at evening, making noise like a dog; swords are in their lips, for they think no one hears. But the LORD will laugh at them. God is his defense. God will let him see his desire upon his enemies. He prays not to slay them, lest his people forget, but to scatter and bring them down. For the sin of their mouth, let them be taken in their pride. Consume them in wrath, that they may know God rules in Jacob to the ends of the earth. Let them wander for food, but he will sing of God’s power and mercy in the morning, for God has been his refuge. [pause 2s] Communal Laments and a Prayer for the King. [pause 1s] O God, You have cast us off and scattered us; turn to us again. You have made the earth tremble and broken it; heal its breaches. You have shown Your people hard things. You have given a banner to those who fear You. Save with Your right hand. God has spoken in His holiness, promising victory over Shechem, Succoth, Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah. Moab is His washpot; over Edom He will cast His shoe. Who will bring him into the strong city? Will not You, O God, who cast us off? Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is vain. Through God, we will do valiantly and tread down our enemies. [pause 1s] He cries to God from the end of the earth, overwhelmed, asking to be led to the rock that is higher than he. God has been his shelter and strong tower. He will abide in God’s tabernacle forever, trusting in the covert of His wings. God has heard his vows and given him the heritage of those who fear His name. He prays for the king’s life to be prolonged, for him to abide before God forever, preserved by mercy and truth. So he will sing praise to God’s name forever, performing his vows daily. [pause 1s] His soul waits only upon God, from whom comes his salvation. God alone is his rock, salvation, and defense; he shall not be greatly moved. He asks his enemies how long they will imagine mischief against him, consulting only to cast him down, delighting in lies. His soul waits for God alone. In God is his salvation, glory, and refuge. He tells the people to trust in Him at all times. Men of low and high degree are vanity, altogether lighter than vanity in the balance. Do not trust in oppression or set your heart on riches. God has spoken that power and mercy belong to Him, for He renders to every man according to his work. [pause 1s] O God, he seeks You early; his soul thirsts for You in a dry and thirsty land. His lips will praise you because Your lovingkindness is better than life. His soul will be satisfied, and he will praise You with joyful lips, meditating on You in the night watches. His soul follows hard after You; Your right hand upholds him. But those who seek his soul will go to the lower parts of the earth; they will fall by the sword and be a portion for foxes. The king will rejoice in God, but the mouth of liars will be stopped. [pause 1s] He prays for his life to be preserved from fear of the enemy, to be hidden from the secret counsel of the wicked who whet their tongues like a sword to shoot bitter words at the perfect. They encourage themselves in evil, but God will shoot an arrow at them, and they will be suddenly wounded. Their own tongue will cause them to fall. All men will fear and declare the work of God. The righteous will be glad in the LORD and trust in Him. [pause 1s] Praise awaits God in Zion. To Him who hears prayer, all flesh will come. Though iniquities prevail, God will purge them away. Blessed is the man God chooses to dwell in His courts. God answers with awesome deeds in righteousness, the confidence of all the ends of the earth. He establishes the mountains by His strength, stills the noise of the seas and the tumult of the people. He visits the earth and waters it, enriching it with the river of God, providing corn, watering its ridges, and blessing its growth. He crowns the year with His goodness. The pastures and hills rejoice, clothed with flocks and covered with corn; they shout for joy and sing. [pause 1s] All lands are called to make a joyful noise to God, singing forth the honor of His name. How awesome are His works! Through His great power, His enemies will submit. All the earth will worship and sing to His name. Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward men. He turned the sea into dry land. He rules by His power forever. Bless our God, O peoples. He holds our soul in life. God has tested and tried us like silver, bringing us into the net and laying affliction on us. We went through fire and water, but You brought us out to a wealthy place. He will go into God’s house with burnt offerings and pay the vows his lips uttered in trouble. He calls all who fear God to hear what He has done for his soul. He cried to Him, and He was extolled. If he had regarded iniquity in his heart, the Lord would not have heard, but God has indeed heard. Blessed be God, who has not turned away his prayer or His mercy. [pause 1s] A prayer for God to be merciful, bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, so His way may be known on earth among all nations. Let the peoples praise You. Let the nations be glad, for You will judge righteously and govern the nations. Let the peoples praise You. Then the earth will yield its increase, and God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear Him. [pause 1s] Let God arise and His enemies be scattered. As smoke is driven away and wax melts before the fire, let the wicked perish at God’s presence. But let the righteous be glad and rejoice. Sing to God, who rides upon the heavens by His name JAH. He is a father to the fatherless and a judge of the widows. He sets the solitary in families and brings out prisoners, but the rebellious dwell in a dry land. The psalm recalls God leading His people through the wilderness, when the earth shook and Sinai itself was moved. God sent plentiful rain to confirm His weary inheritance. The Lord gave the word, and great was the company that published it. Kings of armies fled. Even those who had lain among the pots would be like the wings of a dove covered with silver. God desires to dwell forever in His hill, among twenty thousand chariots of angels. He has ascended on high, led captivity captive, and received gifts for men, even the rebellious. Blessed be the Lord, the God of our salvation, to whom belong the escapes from death. God will wound the head of His enemies. The Lord promised to bring His people back from Bashan and the depths of the sea, so their feet may be dipped in the blood of their enemies. God’s procession is seen in the sanctuary with singers and musicians. Bless God in the congregations. The tribes of Benjamin, Judah, Zebulun, and Naphtali are there. God has commanded their strength. Because of His temple at Jerusalem, kings will bring presents. He rebukes the warmongers. Princes will come from Egypt; Ethiopia will stretch out her hands to God. The kingdoms of the earth are called to sing praises to Him who rides on the heavens. Ascribe strength to God, whose excellence is over Israel. O God, You are awesome from Your holy places; You give strength and power to Your people. Blessed be God. [pause 1s] A cry for salvation, for waters have come up to his soul. He sinks in deep mire with no foothold. He is weary of crying, his throat is dry, and his eyes fail while waiting for God. Those who hate him without cause are more numerous than the hairs of his head. He has borne reproach for God's sake, becoming a stranger to his own family. Zeal for God's house has consumed him. When he wept and fasted, it became a reproach; he became a proverb and the song of drunkards. But his prayer is to the LORD in an acceptable time. He asks to be delivered from the mire and deep waters. He pleads for God not to hide His face, for His lovingkindness is good. Reproach has broken his heart; he looked for pity, but there was none. They gave him gall for food and vinegar for his thirst. He prays that their table becomes a snare, their eyes be darkened, and God’s indignation be poured out on them. Let their home be desolate. For they persecute the one God has struck. Let them be blotted out of the book of the living. But he is poor and sorrowful; let God’s salvation set him on high. He will praise God with a song, which will please the LORD more than an ox. The humble will see and be glad. The LORD hears the poor. Let heaven and earth praise Him. For God will save Zion and build the cities of Judah, and the descendants of His servants will inherit it. [pause 1s] A plea is made for God to make haste to deliver and help him. Let those who seek his soul be ashamed and confounded. Let those who mock him be turned back in shame. But let all who seek God rejoice and be glad, saying continually, quote, "Let God be magnified," end quote. He is poor and needy; quote, "make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer," end quote. [pause 1s] In the LORD he puts his trust; let him never be put to confusion. Deliver him in righteousness. Be his strong habitation. Deliver him from the hand of the wicked and cruel man. God is his hope and trust from his youth. He has been sustained by God from the womb. He is a wonder to many, but God is his strong refuge. His mouth will be filled with God's praise all day. He prays not to be cast off in old age. His enemies say God has forsaken him and there is none to deliver. He asks God to make haste to help him. Let his adversaries be consumed, but he will hope continually and praise God more and more. His mouth will show forth God's righteousness and salvation all day. He will go in the strength of the Lord GOD. God has taught him from his youth, and he has declared God's wondrous works. Even when old and gray, he asks God not to forsake him until he has shown God’s strength to the next generation. God’s righteousness is very high. God, who has shown him great troubles, will revive him again. He will praise God with the psaltery and harp. His lips and soul will greatly rejoice, for they are confounded who seek his hurt. [pause 1s] A prayer asks God to give the king His judgments and righteousness. He will judge the people and the poor with righteousness and judgment. The mountains will bring peace. He will save the children of the needy and break the oppressor in pieces. They will fear God as long as the sun and moon endure. He will come down like rain on mown grass. In his days the righteous will flourish, and there will be an abundance of peace. He will have dominion from sea to sea. Those in the wilderness will bow before him, and his enemies will lick the dust. The kings of Tarshish, Sheba, and Seba will bring presents and offer gifts; all kings will fall down before him. He will deliver the needy and save their souls from deceit and violence. He will live, and gold of Sheba will be given to him; prayer will be made for him continually. There will be an abundance of corn in the earth, and the city will flourish. His name will endure forever, and all nations will call him blessed. Quote, "Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen," end quote. The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended. [pause 2s] Book Three. Communal Laments and Divine Sovereignty. [pause 1s] The Paradox of Prosperity and the Sanctuary of God. [pause 1s] Truly God is good to Israel, to those with a clean heart. But my feet almost stumbled, for I was envious of the foolish when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles in their death; they are not troubled like other men. Pride is their necklace, and violence covers them like a garment. They have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt and speak loftily of oppression, setting their mouths against the heavens. They ask, quote, "How does God know?" end quote. These ungodly prosper and increase in riches. I thought I had cleansed my heart in vain, for I have been plagued all day long. When I tried to understand this, it was too painful, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places and cast them down to destruction in a moment. They are like a dream when one awakes. My heart was grieved, and I was foolish and ignorant, like a beast before You. Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand and will guide me with Your counsel and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none on earth I desire besides You. My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from You will perish. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD. [pause 2s] Lament Over Destruction and Plea for Remembrance. [pause 1s] O God, why have You cast us off forever? Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture? Remember Your congregation, which You purchased of old, this Mount Zion where You have dwelt. The enemy has done wickedly in the sanctuary, roaring in Your congregations and setting up their own signs. They have broken down the carved work with axes and hammers, cast fire into Your sanctuary, and defiled the dwelling place of Your name. They have burned up all the synagogues in the land. We see no signs, there is no prophet, and no one knows how long this will last. How long will the adversary reproach and blaspheme Your name forever? Why do you withdraw Your hand? God is my King of old, working salvation in the earth. You divided the sea, broke the heads of dragons and leviathan. You cleaved the fountain and the flood. The day and night are Yours; You have prepared the light and the sun and set all the borders of the earth. Remember that the enemy has reproached You. Do not deliver the soul of Your turtledove to the wicked or forget Your poor forever. Have respect for the covenant, for the dark places of the earth are full of cruelty. Let not the oppressed return ashamed. Arise, O God, plead Your own cause and remember the daily reproach from the foolish. Do not forget the voice of Your enemies. [pause 1s] We give thanks to You, O God, for Your name is near, and Your wondrous works declare it. God says that when He chooses the proper time, He will judge uprightly. Though the earth and its inhabitants are dissolved, He holds up its pillars. He tells the fools not to deal foolishly and the wicked not to lift up their horn. For promotion does not come from east, west, or south, but God is the judge; He puts down one and sets up another. In the LORD’s hand is a cup of red, mixed wine, and He pours it out; all the wicked of the earth must drink its dregs. But I will declare forever and sing praises to the God of Jacob. He will cut off all the horns of the wicked, but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted. [pause 1s] In Judah God is known; His name is great in Israel. In Salem is His tabernacle, His dwelling place in Zion. There He broke the arrows, the shield, and the sword. You are more glorious than the mountains of prey. The stouthearted are spoiled; at Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep. You are to be feared; who may stand in Your sight when You are angry? You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared and was still when God arose to save all the meek. Surely the wrath of man will praise You. Vow and pay to the LORD your God; let all around Him bring presents. He will cut off the spirit of princes; He is terrible to the kings of the earth. [pause 2s] Remembering God's Past Works in Present Distress. [pause 1s] I cried to God with my voice, and He gave ear to me. In the day of my trouble, I sought the Lord; my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God and was troubled; I am so troubled I cannot speak. I consider the days of old. Will the Lord cast off forever? Has His mercy ceased and His promise failed? Has God forgotten to be gracious? I said, this is my infirmity, but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the works of the LORD, Your wonders of old. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary. You are the God who does wonders. You have redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. The waters saw You and were afraid; the depths trembled. The clouds poured out water, the skies sent a sound, Your arrows flashed, and the earth trembled and shook. Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, and Your footsteps were not known. You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. [pause 1s] The people are called to listen to God’s law, to parables and dark sayings of old which their fathers have told them, so the next generation might know and set their hope in God and keep His commandments. They should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, like the children of Ephraim who, though armed, turned back in battle because they did not keep God’s covenant. They forgot His marvelous works in Egypt, how He divided the sea, led them with a cloud and fire, and brought water from the rock. Yet they sinned more, tempting God by asking for meat for their lust, questioning if He could provide a table in the wilderness. The LORD heard and was wroth, because they did not believe in His salvation. Though He rained down manna, angels' food, and feathered fowls, and gave them their desire, His wrath came upon them while the food was still in their mouths. For all this, they sinned still. When He slew them, they sought Him and remembered He was their rock, but they flattered Him with their mouths, for their heart was not right with Him. But He, full of compassion, forgave their iniquity many times and remembered they were but flesh. How often they provoked Him in the wilderness and limited the Holy One of Israel, not remembering His hand that delivered them from the enemy. They forgot His signs in Egypt: turning rivers to blood, sending flies and frogs, giving their crops to locusts, destroying their vines with hail, sending pestilence, and striking the firstborn. But He led His own people forth like sheep safely through the sea that overwhelmed their enemies, bringing them to His sanctuary. Yet they tempted the most high God, provoking Him with their high places and graven images. When God heard, He was wroth, forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, and delivered His strength into captivity. Then the Lord awoke as one from sleep and smote His enemies. He refused the tabernacle of Joseph but chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion which He loved, and built His sanctuary. He chose David His servant from the sheepfolds to shepherd Jacob His people, which he did with integrity of heart and skillful hands. [pause 1s] O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance, defiled Your holy temple, and laid Jerusalem in heaps. They have given the dead bodies of Your servants as food for the birds and beasts. Their blood has been shed like water with none to bury them. We have become a reproach to our neighbors. How long, LORD? Will You be angry forever? Pour out Your wrath on the nations that have not known You, for they have devoured Jacob. Remember not our former iniquities; let Your tender mercies come speedily, for we are brought very low. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name, and purge away our sins. Why should the nations ask, quote, "Where is their God?" end quote. Let the sighing of the prisoner come before You and preserve those appointed to die. Render to our neighbors sevenfold for their reproach. So we, Your people, will give You thanks forever. [pause 1s] O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Turn us again, O God, and cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved. O LORD God of hosts, how long will You be angry against the prayer of Your people? You feed us with the bread of tears. We are a strife to our neighbors. You brought a vine out of Egypt, cast out the nations, and planted it. It filled the land, its boughs like cedars, its branches reaching to the sea. Why have You broken down its hedges? The boar from the wood wastes it. Return, O God of hosts, look down from heaven and visit this vine. It is burned with fire. Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand. So we will not go back from You. Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved. [pause 1s] Sing aloud to God our strength. Take a psalm, blow the trumpet on our solemn feast day, for this is a statute for Israel. He ordained it in Joseph as a testimony. He says, quote, "I removed his shoulder from the burden," end quote. You called in trouble, and I delivered you. Hear, O my people, there shall be no strange god among you. Quote, "I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it," end quote. But His people would not listen, so He gave them over to their own hearts' lust. Oh, that they had listened and walked in His ways! He would have subdued their enemies. The haters of the LORD would have submitted, and He would have fed them with the finest wheat and honey from the rock. [pause 1s] God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the "gods" or judges. He asks them, quote, "How long will ye judge unjustly?" end quote. He commands them to defend the poor and fatherless, do justice to the afflicted, and deliver them from the hand of the wicked. They do not know or understand; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. He says, quote, "Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men," end quote. The psalm ends with a plea: quote, "Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations," end quote. [pause 1s] A plea is made for God not to keep silent, for His enemies make a tumult. They have taken crafty counsel against His people. They have said, quote, "Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation," end quote, and are confederate against God: the tabernacles of Edom, the Ishmaelites, Moab, the Hagarenes, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, the Philistines with Tyre, and Assyria. He prays that God will do to them as He did to the Midianites, to Sisera, and to Jabin at the brook Kishon. Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, who said, quote, "Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession," end quote. O my God, make them like whirling dust, like stubble before the wind, persecuted by Your tempest. Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek Your name. Let them be confounded and perish, that men may know that You, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, are the most high over all the earth. [pause 2s] Longing for God's House and the Davidic Covenant. [pause 1s] How lovely are Your tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs and faints for the courts of the LORD. Even the sparrow has found a home near Your altars. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house, who are always praising You. Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, who passes through the valley of Baca, making it a well. They go from strength to strength until each appears before God in Zion. O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer. Behold, O God our shield, the face of Your anointed. For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. The LORD God is a sun and shield; He will give grace and glory and withhold no good thing from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You. [pause 1s] Lord, You have been favorable to Your land, bringing back the captivity of Jacob and forgiving their iniquity. Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause Your anger to cease. Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy. I will hear what God the LORD will speak: peace to His people. Surely His salvation is near those who fear Him. Mercy and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth will spring from the earth, and righteousness will look down from heaven. The LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him. [pause 1s] Bow down Your ear, O LORD, and hear me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul, for I am holy. Be merciful, for I cry to You daily. You, Lord, are good, ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy. In my trouble, I will call upon You, for You will answer. Among the gods, there is none like You. All nations whom You have made will come and worship before You. Teach me Your way, O LORD, and I will walk in Your truth. I will praise You with all my heart. Great is Your mercy toward me; You have delivered my soul from the lowest hell. The proud have risen against me, but You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, gracious, and longsuffering. Turn to me and have mercy; show me a token for good, that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed because You have helped and comforted me. [pause 1s] His foundation is in the holy mountains. The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. He will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to those who know Him; of Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia, it will be said that this one was born there. And of Zion it will be said, quote, "This and that man was born in her," end quote, and the Highest Himself will establish her. The LORD will record, when He registers the peoples, that this one was born there. The singers and players on instruments will be there, saying, quote, "All my springs are in you," end quote. [pause 1s] O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before You. Let my prayer come before You, for my soul is full of troubles and my life draws near to the grave. I am counted with those who go down into the pit, free among the dead whom You remember no more. You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness. Your wrath lies hard upon me. You have put my acquaintances far from me and made me an abomination to them. My eye mourns because of affliction. Will You show wonders to the dead? Shall Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave, or Your wonders in the land of forgetfulness? But to You I have cried, O LORD. Why do You cast off my soul and hide Your face from me? I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth. Your fierce wrath goes over me; Your terrors have cut me off. Lover and friend You have put far from me. [pause 1s] I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; with my mouth I will make known Your faithfulness to all generations. I have said, quote, "Mercy shall be built up for ever," end quote. God has declared His covenant with His chosen, David, swearing to establish his seed forever and build his throne for all generations. The heavens will praise Your wonders, O LORD. Who in heaven can be compared to the LORD? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints. O LORD God of hosts, who is strong like You? You rule the raging of the sea and have scattered Your enemies. The heavens and the earth are Yours. Justice and judgment are the foundation of Your throne. Blessed is the people who know the joyful sound. You are the glory of their strength. You spoke in a vision to Your holy one, saying You have found David My servant and anointed him. The enemy will not oppress him, and Your faithfulness will be with him. He will cry to Me, quote, "You are my Father, my God," end quote, and I will make him My firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. My covenant with him will stand fast, and his throne will endure as the days of heaven. If his children forsake My law, I will visit their transgression with the rod, but My lovingkindness I will not take from him. I have sworn by My holiness that I will not lie to David; his seed will endure forever. But now, You have cast off and been wroth with Your anointed. You have made void the covenant, profaned his crown, and brought his strongholds to ruin. You have set up his adversaries and turned the edge of his sword. You have shortened the days of his youth and covered him with shame. How long, LORD? Will you hide yourself forever? Remember how short my time is. Lord, where are Your former lovingkindnesses, which You swore to David in Your truth? Remember the reproach of Your servants, how Your enemies have reproached the footsteps of Your anointed. Blessed be the LORD forevermore. Amen, and Amen. [pause 2s] Book Four. God's Eternal Kingdom. [pause 1s] The Eternity of God and the Mortality of Man. [pause 1s] Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth or You had formed the earth, from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. You turn man to destruction, saying, quote, "Return, ye children of men," end quote. For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday or a watch in the night. You carry them away like a flood; they are like grass that flourishes in the morning and is cut down and withers in the evening. We are consumed by Your anger. You have set our iniquities before You. Our days are threescore and ten, or fourscore years, yet their strength is labor and sorrow, and we fly away. Who knows the power of Your anger? Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Return, O LORD! How long? Satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice all our days. Let Your work appear to Your servants and Your glory to their children. Let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands. [pause 1s] He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, quote, "He is my refuge and my fortress," end quote. Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from perilous pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers; His truth will be your shield. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, the arrow by day, or the destruction at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, but it will not come near you. Only with your eyes will you see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your habitation, no evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your dwelling. He will give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra. God says, quote, "Because he has set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him... I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation," end quote. [pause 1s] It is good to give thanks to the LORD and sing praises to the Most High, to declare His lovingkindness in the morning and His faithfulness every night. For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work. How great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep. A senseless man does not understand that when the wicked spring up like grass, it is so they may be destroyed forever. But You, LORD, are on high forevermore. Your enemies, O LORD, will perish. But my horn You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil. The righteous will flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those planted in the house of the LORD will flourish and still bear fruit in old age, to show that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. [pause 1s] The LORD reigns; He is clothed with majesty and strength. The world is established; it cannot be moved. Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting. The floods have lifted up their voice, but the LORD on high is mightier than the mighty waves of the sea. Your testimonies are very sure; holiness adorns Your house, O LORD, forever. [pause 2s] God's Reign, Judgment, and Faithfulness. [pause 1s] O Lord God to whom vengeance belongs, show Yourself. Render a reward to the proud. LORD, how long will the wicked triumph, speaking hard things and boasting? They break Your people in pieces, slay the widow and the stranger, and say, quote, "The LORD shall not see," end quote. Understand, you senseless people: He that planted the ear, shall He not hear? He that formed the eye, shall He not see? The LORD knows the thoughts of man are vanity. Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O LORD, and teach out of Your law, that You may give him rest from adversity. For the LORD will not cast off His people. Judgment will return to righteousness. Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul would have soon dwelt in silence. When my foot slipped, Your mercy, O LORD, held me up. Your comforts delight my soul. Will the throne of iniquity, which frames mischief by a law, have fellowship with You? They gather against the soul of the righteous, but the LORD is my defense. He will bring upon them their own iniquity and cut them off. [pause 1s] Come, let us sing to the LORD a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation with thanksgiving and psalms. The LORD is a great God and a great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth and the strength of the hills; the sea is His, for He made it. Let us worship and bow down before the LORD our maker. We are the people of His pasture. Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion at Meribah, when your fathers tested Me and saw My work. For forty years I was grieved with that generation and said they are a people who go astray in their hearts. So I swore in My wrath, quote, "They shall not enter into my rest," end quote. [pause 1s] Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Declare His glory among the nations. For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised, feared above all gods, for the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Give to the LORD, O families of the peoples, glory and strength. Bring an offering into His courts. Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Say among the nations, quote, "The LORD reigneth"; end quote. He will judge the peoples righteously. Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad. Let the sea roar. Let the field be joyful. For He is coming to judge the earth with righteousness and truth. [pause 1s] The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice. Clouds and darkness are around Him; righteousness and judgment are the foundation of His throne. A fire goes before Him and burns up His enemies. His lightnings light the world; the earth sees and trembles. The hills melt like wax at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. Confounded be all who serve carved images. Zion heard and was glad. For You, LORD, are high above all the earth. You who love the LORD, hate evil; He preserves the souls of His saints. Light is sown for the righteous. Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness. [pause 1s] Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done marvelous things; His right hand has gained Him the victory. The LORD has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations. He has remembered His mercy and truth toward the house of Israel. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD with the harp, with trumpets and the sound of a horn before the LORD, the King. Let the sea roar, the floods clap their hands, and the hills be joyful together before the LORD, for He is coming to judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity. [pause 1s] The LORD reigns; let the people tremble. He dwells between the cherubim. The LORD is great in Zion. Let them praise Your great and awesome name—it is holy. The King's strength loves justice; You execute judgment in Jacob. Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His footstool—He is holy. Moses and Aaron among His priests, and Samuel among those who called on His name, called upon the LORD, and He answered them from the cloudy pillar. They kept His testimonies. You answered them, O LORD our God; You were to them a God who forgave, though You took vengeance on their deeds. Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy hill, for the LORD our God is holy. [pause 1s] Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all you lands. Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God. It is He who has made us; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. [pause 1s] I will sing of mercy and judgment. I will behave wisely in a perfect way. I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before my eyes. A perverse heart will depart from me. Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, I will cut off. My eyes will be on the faithful of the land. He who walks in a perfect way will serve me. He who works deceit will not dwell in my house. I will destroy all the wicked of the land and cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD. [pause 1s] Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come to You. Do not hide Your face in the day of my trouble. My days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned. My heart is stricken and withered like grass. I am like a pelican of the wilderness, an owl of the desert, a sparrow alone on the housetop. My enemies reproach me all day long. I have eaten ashes like bread and mingled my drink with weeping because of Your indignation. My days are like a shadow that lengthens. But You, O LORD, will endure forever. You will arise and have mercy on Zion, for the set time has come. The nations will fear the name of the LORD when He builds up Zion and appears in His glory. This will be written for the generation to come. For He has looked down from His sanctuary to hear the groaning of the prisoner. He weakened my strength and shortened my days. I said, quote, "O my God, do not take me away in the midst of my days," end quote. Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure. You will change them like a garment. But You are the same, and Your years will have no end. The children of Your servants will continue. [pause 2s] Praise for God's Mercy, Creation, and Covenant History. [pause 1s] Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, heals all your diseases, redeems your life from destruction, and crowns you with lovingkindness. He satisfies your mouth with good things, renewing your youth like the eagle's. The LORD executes righteousness for all who are oppressed. He made His ways known to Moses. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us. He has not dealt with us according to our sins. As the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him, for He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field, but the wind passes over it, and it is gone. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him and keep His covenant. The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, you His angels, you His hosts, you ministers who do His pleasure. Bless the LORD, all His works in all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul. [pause 1s] Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, You are very great, clothed with honor and majesty, covered with light as with a garment. You stretch out the heavens like a curtain, make the clouds Your chariot, and walk on the wings of the wind. You make Your angels spirits, Your ministers a flaming fire. You laid the foundations of the earth that it should not be moved. You covered it with the deep, but at Your rebuke the waters fled to the place You founded for them. You send springs into the valleys to give drink to every beast. You water the hills from Your chambers, causing grass to grow for the cattle and plants for man's service, bringing forth food, wine that makes glad the heart, oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengthens. The trees of the LORD are full of sap, the cedars of Lebanon, where birds make their nests. You appointed the moon for seasons and the sun knows its going down. You make darkness for the beasts of the forest. The sun arises, and man goes out to his work until evening. O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The great and wide sea is full of innumerable creatures, small and great. There go the ships and that Leviathan whom You have made to play. These all wait for You to give them their food in due season. You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die. You send forth Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth. The glory of the LORD will endure forever. I will sing to the LORD as long as I live. Let sinners be consumed from the earth. Bless the LORD, O my soul. Praise the LORD. [pause 1s] Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name, make known His deeds. Sing to Him, talk of His wondrous works. Seek the LORD and His strength. Remember His marvelous works, O seed of Abraham, His servant. He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all the earth. He has remembered His covenant forever, the word He commanded to a thousand generations, which He made with Abraham and swore to Isaac, confirming it to Jacob as an everlasting covenant: to give them the land of Canaan. When they were few and strangers, He allowed no one to do them wrong, reproving kings for their sakes, saying, quote, "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm," end quote. He called for a famine and sent Joseph before them, who was sold as a slave. The king eventually released him and made him ruler over all his substance. Israel also came into Egypt, and God increased His people greatly. He sent Moses and Aaron, who performed His signs in the land of Ham: darkness, waters turned to blood, frogs, flies, lice, hail, and locusts. He struck all the firstborn in their land. He brought them out with silver and gold, spreading a cloud for a covering and fire for light at night. The people asked, and He brought quail and the bread of heaven. He opened the rock, and waters gushed out. For He remembered His holy promise to Abraham and brought forth His people with joy to give them the lands of the nations, that they might observe His statutes. Praise the LORD. [pause 1s] Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His mercy endures forever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Blessed are they who keep justice. Remember me, O LORD, with the favor You have toward Your people. We have sinned with our fathers. Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders but rebelled at the Red Sea. Nevertheless, He saved them for His name's sake. He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up, and He led them through, saving them from the enemy. Then they believed His words and sang His praise. But they soon forgot His works and lusted in the wilderness. He gave them their request but sent leanness into their soul. They envied Moses and Aaron. The earth opened and swallowed Dathan. They made a calf in Horeb and exchanged their Glory for an image of an ox. They forgot God their Savior. Therefore He said He would destroy them, had not Moses stood in the breach. They despised the pleasant land and murmured in their tents. So He swore to overthrow them in the wilderness and scatter their descendants. They joined themselves to Baal of Peor. Then Phinehas stood up and executed judgment, and the plague was stopped. They angered Him also at the waters of Meribah, so that it went ill with Moses. They did not destroy the nations as the LORD commanded, but mingled with them, learned their works, and served their idols, sacrificing their sons and daughters to demons. Therefore the wrath of the LORD was kindled against His people, and He gave them into the hand of the nations. Many times He delivered them, but they provoked Him. Nevertheless, He regarded their affliction when He heard their cry and remembered His covenant for them. Quote, "Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the nations, to give thanks to Your holy name," end quote. Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting. And let all the people say, "Amen." Praise the LORD. [pause 2s] Book Five. Praise, Pilgrimage, and Perseverance. [pause 1s] Thanksgiving for God's Enduring Mercy. [pause 1s] Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed and gathered from the lands. Some wandered in the wilderness, hungry and thirsty; they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them. Let them praise the LORD for His goodness! Some sat in darkness, bound in affliction because they rebelled against God; they cried to the LORD, and He saved them, bringing them out of the shadow of death. Let them praise the LORD for His goodness! Fools, because of their transgression, were afflicted; they cried to the LORD, and He sent His word and healed them. Let them praise the LORD for His goodness and sacrifice with thanksgiving! Those who go down to the sea in ships see the works of the LORD in the deep. He commands the stormy wind, and they are at their wits' end; they cry to the LORD, and He calms the storm. Let them praise the LORD for His goodness! He turns rivers into a wilderness and a fruitful land into barrenness for the wickedness of those who dwell there. He also turns the wilderness into a pool of water, where He makes the hungry dwell. He blesses them, and they multiply. When they are diminished, He pours contempt on princes but sets the poor on high from affliction. The righteous will see it and rejoice. Whoever is wise will observe these things and understand the lovingkindness of the LORD. [pause 1s] My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and give praise. I will praise You, O LORD, among the peoples, for Your mercy is great above the heavens. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. That Your beloved may be delivered, save with Your right hand. God has spoken, promising victory over Shechem, Succoth, Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, Judah, Moab, and Edom. Who will lead me into Edom? Will you not, O God, who cast us off? Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is vain. Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who will tread down our enemies. [pause 2s] Imprecations and Messianic Prophecies. [pause 1s] Do not keep silent, O God of my praise, for the mouths of the wicked and deceitful are opened against me with a lying tongue and words of hatred. For my love, they are my adversaries, rewarding me evil for good. He prays for a wicked man to be set over his enemy, for his prayer to become sin, his days to be few, and his children fatherless. Let his children be vagabonds and beggars, let an extortioner seize all he has, and let his posterity be cut off because he did not show mercy but persecuted the poor. As he loved cursing, let it come to him. Let it be like a garment he is clothed with. But do for me, O GOD the Lord, for Your name's sake. For I am poor and needy, tossed about like a locust. I have become a reproach to them. Help me, O LORD my God, save me according to Your mercy, so they may know it is Your hand. Let them curse, but you bless. I will greatly praise the LORD, for He will stand at the right hand of the poor to save him. [pause 1s] The LORD said to my Lord, quote, "Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool," end quote. The LORD will send the rod of Your strength out of Zion; rule in the midst of Your enemies. Your people will be volunteers in the day of Your power. The LORD has sworn and will not relent, quote, "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek," end quote. The Lord at Your right hand will strike through kings in the day of His wrath. He will judge among the nations and fill the places with the dead. He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore He will lift up the head. [pause 2s] Songs of Praise and the Beauty of God's Law. [pause 1s] Praise the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart. The works of the LORD are great, honorable, and glorious. He has made His wonderful works to be remembered. He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant. He has shown His people the power of His works. The works of His hands are verity and judgment; all His commandments are sure. He has sent redemption to His people and commanded His covenant forever. Holy and awesome is His name. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. [pause 1s] Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD and delights in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty on earth. Wealth and riches will be in his house. To the upright, there arises light in the darkness. A good man shows favor and lends. Surely he will not be moved forever. He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. The wicked will see it and be grieved; the desire of the wicked will perish. [pause 1s] Praise the LORD. Praise, O you servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to its going down, the LORD’s name is to be praised. The LORD is high above all nations. Who is like the LORD our God, who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and on the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap to set them with princes. He makes the barren woman a joyful mother of children. Praise the LORD. [pause 1s] When Israel went out of Egypt, Judah became His sanctuary and Israel His dominion. The sea saw it and fled; the Jordan turned back. The mountains skipped like rams. Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool of water. [pause 1s] Not to us, O LORD, but to Your name give glory, for Your mercy and truth’s sake. Why should the nations say, quote, "Where is now their God?" end quote. Our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths but do not speak, eyes but do not see, ears but do not hear, hands but do not handle, and feet but do not walk. Those who make them are like them. O Israel, trust in the LORD; He is their help and shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD. You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD. The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us. He will bless those who fear the LORD, both small and great. The LORD will increase you and your children. You are blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth. The dead do not praise the LORD, but we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD. [pause 1s] I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my supplications. The sorrows of death surrounded me, and I called upon the name of the LORD to deliver my soul. Gracious is the LORD, and righteous. The LORD preserves the simple. Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifulfully with you, delivering your soul from death. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. I believed, therefore I spoke, quote, "All men are liars," end quote. What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits? I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows in the presence of all His people. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. O LORD, truly I am Your servant; You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay my vows in the courts of the LORD’s house, in the midst of Jerusalem. Praise the LORD. [pause 1s] Praise the LORD, all you nations; praise Him, all you peoples. For His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD. [pause 1s] Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His mercy endures forever. Let Israel, the house of Aaron, and those who fear the LORD now say, quote, "His mercy endures forever," end quote. I called on the LORD in distress, and He answered me. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man or in princes. All nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. They surrounded me like bees but are quenched like a fire of thorns. The LORD is my strength and song; He has become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing is in the tents of the righteous. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. Open to me the gates of righteousness. The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing. This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I pray, O LORD; send now prosperity. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. God is the LORD, who has shown us light. You are my God, and I will praise You. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His mercy endures forever. [pause 1s] Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD and seek Him with their whole heart. You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes! I will praise You when I have learned Your righteous judgments. How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies as much as in all riches. Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. My soul breaks with longing for Your judgments at all times. Princes also sit and speak against me, but Your servant meditates on Your statutes. My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your word. Teach me the way of Your precepts. I have chosen the way of truth. Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep it to the end. Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things. Let Your mercies come to me, O LORD, Your salvation according to Your word. I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts. Remember the word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction. Horror has taken hold of me because of the wicked who forsake Your law. I have remembered Your name, O LORD, in the night. The earth, O LORD, is full of Your mercy; teach me Your statutes. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver. Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding. I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right. Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live. My soul faints for Your salvation, but I hope in Your word. Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness is to all generations. Unless Your law had been my delight, I would have perished. I am Yours, save me. Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I am afflicted very much; revive me, O LORD. I hate vain thoughts, but I love Your law. Depart from me, you evildoers, for I will keep the commandments of my God. I have done judgment and justice; do not leave me to my oppressors. It is time for You, LORD, to work, for they have made void Your law. Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold. Your testimonies are wonderful. The entrance of Your words gives light. Order my steps in Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. Rivers of water run down from my eyes, because men do not keep Your law. Righteous are You, O LORD, and upright are Your judgments. My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten Your words. Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me, yet Your commandments are my delights. I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD. I cry to You before the dawning of the morning. You are near, O LORD, and all Your commandments are truth. Consider my affliction and deliver me. Salvation is far from the wicked. Great are Your tender mercies, O LORD. Princes have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your word. I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great spoil. I hate and abhor lying, but I love Your law. Seven times a day I praise You. Great peace have they who love Your law. Let my cry come before You, O LORD; give me understanding. Let my tongue speak of Your word. Let Your hand help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments. [pause 2s] The Songs of Ascents and Final Praises. [pause 1s] In my distress, I cried to the LORD, and He heard me. Deliver my soul from lying lips. What will be given to you, you false tongue? Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. Woe is me that I dwell in Mesech, with one who hates peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war. [pause 1s] I will lift up my eyes to the hills—from where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He who keeps you will not slumber. The LORD is your keeper, your shade at your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will preserve you from all evil and preserve your soul, your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. [pause 1s] I was glad when they said to me, quote, "Let us go into the house of the LORD," end quote. Our feet will stand within your gates, O Jerusalem, a city compactly built. There the tribes go up to give thanks to the name of the LORD. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: quote, "May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls," end quote. For the sake of my brethren and the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good. [pause 1s] Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens. As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until He has mercy on us. Have mercy on us, for we are exceedingly filled with contempt. [pause 1s] If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, Israel may now say, then they would have swallowed us alive. Then the waters would have overwhelmed us. Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. [pause 1s] Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people. For the scepter of wickedness will not rest on the land allotted to the righteous. Do good, O LORD, to those who are good. As for such as turn aside to their crooked ways, the LORD will lead them away with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel. [pause 1s] When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. Our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad. Bring back our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the South. Those who sow in tears will reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, will doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. [pause 1s] Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. [pause 1s] Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways. You will eat the labor of your hands; you will be happy. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine, your children like olive plants around your table. The LORD bless you out of Zion; may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life and see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel. [pause 1s] Quote, "Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth," end quote, let Israel now say, quote, "yet they have not prevailed against me," end quote. The plowers plowed on my back. The LORD is righteous; He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked. Let all who hate Zion be confounded and turned back. Let them be like the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up. [pause 1s] Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD. Lord, hear my voice. If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope, more than those who watch for the morning. Let Israel hope in the LORD, for with the LORD there is mercy and plenteous redemption. And He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities. [pause 1s] Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother. Let Israel hope in the LORD from this time forth and forever. [pause 1s] Lord, remember David and all his afflictions, how he swore to the LORD not to enter his house or go to his bed until he found a place for the LORD, a dwelling place for the Mighty God of Jacob. We will go into His tabernacles; we will worship at His footstool. Arise, O LORD, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength. For Your servant David’s sake, do not turn away the face of Your Anointed. The LORD has sworn in truth to David: quote, "Of the fruit of your body I will set upon your throne. If your children will keep my covenant... their children also shall sit upon your throne forevermore," end quote. For the LORD has chosen Zion; this is His resting place forever. He will bless her provision and satisfy her poor. He will clothe her priests with salvation. There He will make the horn of David to bud. His enemies He will clothe with shame, but upon Himself His crown will flourish. [pause 1s] Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard of Aaron, down to the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion. For there the LORD commanded the blessing—life forevermore. [pause 1s] Behold, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, who by night stand in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. The LORD who made heaven and earth bless you from Zion. [pause 1s] Praise the LORD. Praise the name of the LORD, you who stand in the house of our God. For the LORD is good; sing praises to His name, for it is pleasant. For the LORD has chosen Jacob for Himself. I know that the LORD is great, above all gods. Whatever the LORD pleases He does, in heaven and in earth. He causes the vapors to ascend, makes lightning for the rain, and brings the wind out of His treasuries. He struck the firstborn of Egypt and great nations and mighty kings—Sihon, Og, and all the kingdoms of Canaan—and gave their land as a heritage to Israel. Your name, O LORD, endures forever. The idols of the nations are silver and gold; they have mouths but do not speak and eyes but do not see. Those who make them are like them. Bless the LORD, O house of Israel, house of Aaron, house of Levi, and you who fear the LORD. Blessed be the LORD out of Zion. Praise the LORD. [pause 1s] Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods and the Lord of lords, for His mercy endures forever. To Him who alone does great wonders, who by wisdom made the heavens, who laid out the earth above the waters, who made great lights—the sun to rule by day and the moon and stars to rule by night—for His mercy endures forever. To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn and brought out Israel from among them with a strong hand, who divided the Red Sea and made Israel pass through it but overthrew Pharaoh and his army, for His mercy endures forever. To Him who led His people through the wilderness, who struck great kings and slew famous kings, and gave their land as a heritage to Israel His servant, for His mercy endures forever. Who remembered us in our low estate and redeemed us from our enemies, who gives food to all flesh, for His mercy endures forever. O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His mercy endures forever. [pause 1s] By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion. We hung our harps on the willows. For there our captors required of us a song, saying, quote, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion," end quote. How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land? If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill. If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth. Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem, who said, quote, "Raze it, raze it, to its very foundation!" end quote. O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed, happy the one who repays you as you have served us, who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock. [pause 1s] I will praise You with my whole heart. I will worship toward Your holy temple and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness and truth. In the day when I cried, You answered me. All the kings of the earth will praise You, O LORD. Though the LORD is on high, yet He regards the lowly. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me. The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever. [pause 1s] O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. There is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, even there Your hand will lead me. If I say, quote, "Surely the darkness shall cover me," end quote, even the night will be light about me. For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed, and in Your book they all were written. How precious are Your thoughts to me, O God! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand. Surely You will slay the wicked, O God. Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD? I hate them with perfect hatred. Search me, O God, and know my heart; see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. [pause 1s] Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man who imagines mischief in his heart. They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. The proud have hidden a snare for me. I said to the LORD, quote, "You are my God," end quote. O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, do not grant the desires of the wicked. Let burning coals fall upon them. I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted. Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your name. [pause 1s] Lord, I cry to You; make haste to me. Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth. Incline not my heart to any evil thing. Let the righteous strike me; it will be a kindness. Our bones are scattered at the mouth of the grave. But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord. Keep me from the snares they have laid for me. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I escape. [pause 1s] I cried to the LORD with my voice; I poured out my complaint before Him. When my spirit was overwhelmed, You knew my path. I looked, but there was no one who would know me; refuge failed me. I cried to You, O LORD, quote, "You are my refuge," end quote. Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Your name. [pause 1s] Hear my prayer, O LORD; in Your faithfulness answer me. Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no one living is righteous. The enemy has persecuted my soul; my spirit is overwhelmed. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works. I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a thirsty land. Hear me speedily, O LORD. Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning. Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Revive me, O LORD, for Your name's sake. In Your mercy, cut off my enemies, for I am Your servant. [pause 1s] Blessed be the LORD my strength, who teaches my hands to war. My goodness, my fortress, my high tower, and my deliverer. LORD, what is man that You take knowledge of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow. Bow Your heavens, O LORD, and come down. Cast forth lightning and scatter them. Send Your hand from above; rescue me from the hand of foreigners whose mouth speaks lying words. I will sing a new song to You, O God. It is He who gives salvation to kings, who delivers David His servant from the deadly sword. That our sons may be as plants grown up, our daughters as cornerstones, our garners full, our sheep bringing forth thousands, and our oxen strong to labor. Happy are the people who are in such a state; happy are the people whose God is the LORD. [pause 1s] I will extol You, my God, O King, and I will bless Your name forever. Every day I will bless You. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable. One generation will praise Your works to another. Men will speak of the might of Your awesome acts. The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The LORD is good to all. All Your works will praise You, O LORD, and Your saints will bless You. They will speak of the glory of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. The LORD upholds all who fall. The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all His ways. The LORD is near to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him. The LORD preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD. [pause 1s] Praise the LORD, O my soul. While I live I will praise the LORD. Do not put your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no help. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners, opens the eyes of the blind, raises those who are bowed down, and loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow, but the way of the wicked He turns upside down. The LORD will reign forever. [pause 1s] Praise the LORD, for it is good to sing praises to our God. The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power. The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground. Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving. He covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, and makes grass grow on the mountains. He gives to the beast its food. He does not delight in the strength of the horse. The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy. Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! He has strengthened the bars of your gates and blessed your children. He makes peace in your borders. He sends out His commandment to the earth. He gives snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He sends out His word and melts them. He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes to Israel. He has not dealt thus with any other nation. Praise the LORD. [pause 1s] Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels and all His hosts. Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars of light. Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, for He commanded and they were created. Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps; fire and hail, snow and clouds; mountains and all hills; fruitful trees and all cedars; beasts and all cattle; creeping things and flying fowl; kings of the earth and all peoples; princes and all judges; both young men and maidens, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted. He also has exalted the horn of His people, the praise of all His saints. Praise the LORD. [pause 1s] Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, His praise in the assembly of saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker. Let them praise His name with the dance, with the timbrel and harp. For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples, to bind their kings with chains. This honor have all His saints. Praise the LORD. [pause 1s] Praise the LORD. Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty firmament. Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet, the lute and harp, the timbrel and dance, with stringed instruments and flutes, with loud cymbals and clashing cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. [pause 2s] This concludes the full prose text of the Book of Tehillim. We will end with a final concise summary. [pause 2s] The Book of Psalms is a collection of prayers and hymns that explore the full range of human emotion—from despair and lament to exuberant praise—consistently directing the soul to find its ultimate hope, refuge, and joy in the sovereign power, enduring mercy, and perfect law of God. [pause 2s] This concludes the reading of the Book of Tehillim, Psalms one through one hundred fifty.