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Psalm 1-36
Contemporary English Version

BOOK I

(Psalms 1–41)

The Way to Happiness

1 God blesses those people
    who refuse evil advice
    and won't follow sinners
    or join in sneering at God.
2 Instead, they find happiness
    in the Teaching of the Lord,
and they think about it
    day and night.

3 (A) They are like trees
    growing beside a stream,
trees that produce
fruit in season
    and always have leaves.
Those people succeed
    in everything they do.

4 That isn't true of those
    who are evil—
they are like straw
    blown by the wind.
5 Sinners won't have an excuse
    on the day of judgment,
and they won't have a place
    with the people of God.
6 The Lord protects everyone
    who follows him,
but the wicked follow a road
    that leads to ruin.

The Lord's Chosen King

1 (B) Why do the nations plot,[a]
and why do their people
    make useless plans?[b]
2 The kings of this earth
    have all joined together
to turn against the Lord
    and his chosen king.
3 They say, “Let's cut the ropes
    and set ourselves free!”

4 In heaven the Lord laughs
as he sits on his throne,
    making fun of the nations.
5 The Lord becomes furious
    and threatens them.
His anger terrifies them
    as he says,
6 “I've put my king on Zion,
    my sacred hill.”

7 (C) I will tell the promise
    that the Lord made to me:
“You are my son, because today
    I have become your father.
8 Ask me for the nations,
and every nation on earth
    will belong to you.
9 (D) You will smash them
    with an iron rod
and shatter them
    like dishes of clay.”

10 Be smart, all you rulers,
    and pay close attention.
11 Serve and honor the Lord;
    be glad and tremble.
12 Show respect to his son
    because if you don't,
the Lord might become furious
    and suddenly destroy you.[c]
But he blesses and protects
    everyone who runs to him.

(Written by David when he was running from his son Absalom.)

An Early Morning Prayer

1 (E) I have a lot of enemies, Lord.
Many fight against 2 me and say,
    “God won't rescue you!”

3 But you are my shield,
and you give me victory
    and great honor.
4 I pray to you, and you answer
    from your sacred hill.

5 I sleep and wake up refreshed
because you, Lord,
    protect me.
6 Ten thousand enemies attack
from every side,
    but I am not afraid.

7 Come and save me, Lord God!
Break my enemies' jaws
    and shatter their teeth,
8 because you protect
    and bless your people.

(A psalm by David for the music leader. Use stringed instruments.)

An Evening Prayer

1 You are my God and protector.
    Please answer my prayer.
I was in terrible distress,
    but you set me free.
Now have pity and listen
    as I pray.

2 How long will you people
    refuse to respect me?[d]
You love foolish things,
and you run after
    what is worthless.[e]

3 The Lord has chosen
    everyone who is faithful
to be his very own,[f]
    and he answers my prayers.
4 (F) But each of you
had better tremble
    and turn from your sins.
Silently search your heart
    as you lie in bed.
5 Offer the proper sacrifices
    and trust the Lord.

6 There are some who ask,
    “Who will be good to us?”
Let your kindness, Lord,
    shine brightly on us.
7 You brought me more happiness
than a rich harvest
    of grain and grapes.
8 I can lie down
    and sleep soundly
because you, Lord,
    will keep me safe.

(A psalm by David for the music leader. Use flutes.)

A Prayer for Help

1 Listen, Lord, as I pray!
    Pay attention when I groan.[g]
2 You are my King and my God.
Answer my cry for help
    because I pray to you.
3 Each morning you listen
    to my prayer,
as I bring my requests[h] to you
    and wait for your reply.

4 You are not the kind of God
who is pleased with evil.
    Sinners can't stay with you.
5 No one who boasts can stand
in your presence, Lord,
    and you hate evil people.
6 You destroy every liar,
and you despise violence
    and deceit.

7 Because of your great mercy,
    I come to your house, Lord,
and I am filled with wonder
as I bow down to worship
    at your holy temple.
8 You do what is right,
    and I ask you to guide me.
Make your teaching clear
    because of my enemies.

9 (G) Nothing they say is true!
    They just want to destroy.
Their words are deceitful
    like a hidden pit,
and their tongues are good
    only for telling lies.
10 Punish them, God,
and let their own plans
    bring their downfall.
Get rid of them!
They keep committing crimes
    and turning against you.

11 Let all who run to you
for protection
    always sing joyful songs.
Provide shelter for those
who truly love you
    and let them rejoice.
12 Our Lord, you bless those
    who live right,
and you shield them
    with your kindness.

(A psalm by David for the music leader. Use stringed instruments.[i])

A Prayer in Time of Trouble

1 (H) Don't punish me, Lord,
or even correct me
    when you are angry!
2 Have pity on me and heal
    my feeble body.
My bones tremble with fear,
3 and I am in deep distress.
    How long will it be?

4 Turn and come to my rescue.
Show your wonderful love
    and save me, Lord.
5 If I die, I cannot praise you
    or even remember you.
6 My groaning has worn me out.
At night my bed and pillow
    are soaked with tears.
7 Sorrow has made my eyes dim,
and my sight has failed
    because of my enemies.

8 (I) You, Lord, heard my crying,
and those hateful people
    had better leave me alone.
9 You have answered my prayer
    and my plea for mercy.
10 My enemies will be ashamed
    and terrified,
as they quickly run away
    in complete disgrace.

(Written by David.[j] He sang this to the Lord because of Cush from the tribe of Benjamin.)

The Lord Always Does Right

1 You, Lord God,
    are my protector.
Rescue me and keep me safe
    from all who chase me.
2 Or else they will rip me apart
like lions attacking a victim,
    and no one will save me.

3 I am innocent, Lord God!
4 I have not betrayed a friend
    or had pity on an enemy[k]
    who attacks for no reason.
5 If I have done any of this,
then let my enemies
    chase and capture me.
Let them trample me to death
    and leave me in the dirt.

6 Get angry, Lord God!
    Do something!
Attack my furious enemies.
    See that justice is done.
7 Make the nations come to you,
as you sit on your throne[l]
    above them all.

8 Our Lord, judge the nations!
Judge me and show that I
    am honest and innocent.
9 (J) You know every heart and mind,
    and you always do right.
Now make violent people stop,
but protect all of us
    who obey you.

10 You, God, are my shield,
the protector of everyone
    whose heart is right.
11 You see that justice is done,
and each day
    you take revenge.
12 Whenever your enemies refuse
    to change their ways,
you sharpen your sword
    and string your bow.
13 Your deadly arrows are ready
    with flaming tips.

14 An evil person is like a woman
    about to give birth
to a hateful, deceitful,
    and rebellious child.
15 (K) Such people dig a deep hole,
    then fall in it themselves.
16 The trouble they cause
    comes back on them,
and their heads are crushed
    by their own evil deeds.

17 I will praise you, Lord!
    You always do right.
I will sing about you,
    the Lord Most High.

(A psalm by David for the music leader.[m])

The Wonderful Name of the Lord

1 Our Lord and Ruler,
your name is wonderful
    everywhere on earth!
You let your glory be seen[n]
    in the heavens above.
2 (L) With praises from children
and from tiny infants,
    you have built a fortress.
It makes your enemies silent,
and all who turn against you
    are left speechless.

3 I often think of the heavens
    your hands have made,
and of the moon and stars
    you put in place.
4 (M) Then I ask, “Why do you care
    about us humans?
Why are you concerned
    for us weaklings?”
5 (N) You made us a little lower
    than you yourself,[o]
and you have crowned us
    with glory and honor.

6 (O) You let us rule everything
    your hands have made.
And you put all of it
    under our power—
7 the sheep and the cattle,
    and every wild animal,
8 the birds in the sky,
the fish in the sea,
    and all ocean creatures.

9 Our Lord and Ruler,
your name is wonderful
    everywhere on earth!

(A psalm by David for the music leader. To the tune “The Death of the Son.”)

Sing Praises to the Lord

1 I will praise you, Lord,
    with all my heart
and tell about the wonders
    you have worked.
2 God Most High, I will rejoice;
I will celebrate and sing
    because of you.

3 When my enemies face you,
they run away and stumble
    and are destroyed.
4 You take your seat as judge,
and your fair decisions prove
    that I was in the right.
5 You warn the nations
    and destroy evil people;
you wipe out their names
    forever and ever.
6 Our enemies are destroyed
    completely for all time.
Their cities are torn down,
and they will never
    be remembered again.

7 You rule forever, Lord,
and you are on your throne,
    ready for judgment.
8 You judge the world fairly
and treat all nations
    with justice.
9 The poor can run to you
because you are a fortress
    in times of trouble.
10 Everyone who honors your name
    can trust you,
because you are faithful
    to all who depend on you.

11 You rule from Zion, Lord,
    and we sing about you
to let the nations know
    everything you have done.
12 You did not forget
    to punish the guilty
or listen to the cries
    of those in need.

13 (P) Please have mercy, Lord!
    My enemies mistreat me.
Keep me from the gates
    that lead to death,
14 and I will sing about you
    at the gate to Zion.
I will be happy there
    because you rescued me.

15 (Q) Our Lord, the nations fell
    into their own pits,
and their feet were caught
    in their own traps.
16 You showed what you are like,
and you made certain
    that justice is done,
but evil people are trapped
    by their own evil deeds.
17 The wicked will go down
    to the world of the dead
to be with those nations
    that forgot about you.

18 The poor and the homeless
won't always be forgotten
    and without hope.

19 Do something, Lord!
    Don't let the nations win.
Make them stand trial
    in your court of law.
20 Make the nations afraid
and let them all discover
    just how weak they are.

A Prayer for Help

1 Why are you far away, Lord?
Why do you hide yourself
    when I am in trouble?
2 Proud and brutal people
    hunt down the poor.
But let them get caught
    by their own evil plans!

3 The wicked brag about
    their deepest desires.
Those greedy people hate
    and curse you, Lord.
4 The wicked are too proud
to turn to you
    or even think about you.
5 They are always successful,
though they can't understand
    your teachings,
and they keep sneering
    at their enemies.

6 In their hearts they say,
    “Nothing can hurt us!
We'll always be happy
    and free from trouble.”
7 (R) They curse and tell lies,
and all they talk about
    is how to be cruel
    or how to do wrong.

8 They hide outside villages,
waiting to strike and murder
    some innocent victim.
9 They are hungry lions
    hiding in the bushes,
hoping to catch
    some helpless passerby.
They trap the poor in nets
    and drag them away.
10 They crouch down and wait
    to grab a victim.
11 They say, “God can't see!
    He's got on a blindfold.”

12 Do something, Lord God,
and use your powerful arm
    to help those in need.
13 The wicked don't respect you.
In their hearts they say,
    “God won't punish us!”

14 But you see the trouble
and the distress,
    and you will do something.
The poor can count on you,
    and so can orphans.
15 Now break the power
    of all merciless people.
Punish them for doing wrong
    and make them stop.

16 Our Lord, you will always rule,
but every godless nation
    will vanish from the earth.
17 You listen to the longings
    of those who suffer.
You offer them hope,
and you pay attention
    to their cries for help.
18 You defend orphans
    and everyone else in need,
so that no one on earth
    can terrify others again.

(A psalm by David for the music leader.)

Trusting the Lord

1 The Lord is my fortress!
    Don't say to me,
“Escape like a bird
    to the mountains!”
2 You tell me, “Watch out!
Those evil people have put
    their arrows on their bows,
and they are standing
in the shadows,
    aiming at good people.
3 What can an honest person do
    when everything crumbles?”

4 The Lord is sitting
in his sacred temple
    on his throne in heaven.
He knows everything we do
    because he sees us all.
5 The Lord tests honest people,
but despises those
    who are cruel
    and love violence.
6 He will send fiery coals[p]
and flaming sulfur
    down on the wicked,
and they will drink nothing
    but a scorching wind.

7 The Lord always does right
    and wants justice done.
Everyone who does right
    will see his face.

(A psalm by David for the music leader.[q])

A Prayer for Help

1 Please help me, Lord!
    All who were faithful
and all who were loyal
    have disappeared.
2 Everyone tells lies,
    and no one is sincere.
3 Won't you chop off
all flattering tongues
    that brag so loudly?
4 They say to themselves,
“We are great speakers.
    No one else has a chance.”

5 But you, Lord, tell them,
    “I will do something!
The poor are mistreated
and helpless people moan.
    I'll rescue all who suffer.”

6 Our Lord, you are true
    to your promises,
and your word is like silver
heated seven times
    in a fiery furnace.[r]
7 You will protect us
and always keep us safe
    from those people.
8 But all who are wicked
    will keep on strutting,
while everyone praises
    their shameless deeds.[s]

(A psalm by David for the music leader.)

A Prayer for the Lord's Help

1 How much longer, Lord,
    will you forget about me?
Will it be forever?
    How long will you hide?
2 How long must I be confused
    and miserable all day?
How long will my enemies
    keep beating me down?

3 Please listen, Lord God,
    and answer my prayers.
Make my eyes sparkle again,
or else I will fall
    into the sleep of death.
4 My enemies will say,
    “Now we've won!”
They will be greatly pleased
    when I am defeated.

5 I trust your love,
and I feel like celebrating
    because you rescued me.
6 You have been good to me, Lord,
    and I will sing about you.

(A psalm by David for the music leader.)

No One Can Ignore the Lord

1 (S) Only a fool would say,
    “There is no God!”
People like that are worthless;
they are heartless and cruel
    and never do right.

2 From heaven the Lord
    looks down to see
if anyone is wise enough
    to search for him.
3 But all of them are corrupt;
    no one does right.

4 Won't you evil people learn?
    You refuse to pray,
and you gobble up
    the Lord's people.
5 But you will be frightened,
because God is on the side
    of every good person.
6 You may spoil the plans
of the poor,
    but the Lord protects them.

7 I long for someone from Zion
    to come and save Israel!
Our Lord, when you bless
    your people again,
Jacob's family will be glad,
    and Israel will celebrate.

(A psalm by David.)

Who May Worship the Lord?

1 Who may stay in God's temple
or live on the holy mountain
    of the Lord?

2 Only those who obey God
    and do as they should.
They speak the truth
3     and don't spread gossip;
they treat others fairly
    and don't say cruel things.

4 They hate worthless people,
but show respect for all
    who worship the Lord.
And they keep their promises,
    no matter what the cost.
5 They lend their money
    without charging interest,
and they don't take bribes
    to hurt the innocent.

Those who do these things
    will always stand firm.

(A special psalm by David.)

The Best Choice

1 Protect me, Lord God!
    I run to you for safety,
2 and I have said,
    “Only you are my Lord!
Every good thing I have
    is a gift from you.”

3 Your people are wonderful,
    and they make me happy,[t]
4 but worshipers of other gods
    will have much sorrow.[u]
I refuse to offer sacrifices
of blood to those gods
    or worship in their name.

5 You, Lord, are all I want!
You are my choice,
    and you keep me safe.
6 You make my life pleasant,
    and my future is bright.

7 I praise you, Lord,
    for being my guide.
Even in the darkest night,
    your teachings fill my mind.
8 (T) I will always look to you,
as you stand beside me
    and protect me from fear.
9 With all my heart,
I will celebrate,
    and I can safely rest.

10 (U) I am your chosen one.
You won't leave me in the grave
    or let my body decay.
11 You have shown me
    the path to life,
and you make me glad
    by being near to me.
Sitting at your right side,[v]
    I will always be joyful.

(A prayer by David.)

The Prayer of an Innocent Person

1 I am innocent, Lord!
Won't you listen as I pray
    and beg for help?
I am honest!
    Please hear my prayer.
2 Only you can say
    that I am innocent,
because only your eyes
    can see the truth.

3 You know my heart,
    and even during the night
you have tested me
    and found me innocent.
I have made up my mind
    never to tell a lie.
4 I don't do like others.
I obey your teachings
    and am not cruel.
5 I have followed you,
    without ever stumbling.

6 I pray to you, God,
    because you will help me.
Listen and answer my prayer!
7     Show your wonderful love.
Your mighty arm protects those
who run to you for safety
    from their enemies.
8 Protect me as you would
    your very own eyes;
hide me in the shadow
    of your wings.

9 Don't let my brutal enemies
attack from all sides
    and kill me.
10 They refuse to show mercy,
    and they keep bragging.

11 They have caught up with me!
    My enemies are everywhere,
eagerly hoping to smear me
    in the dirt.
12 They are like hungry lions
    hunting for food,
or like young lions
    hiding in ambush.

13 Do something, Lord!
    Attack and defeat them.
Take your sword and save me
    from those evil people.
14 Use your powerful arm
    and rescue me
from the hands of mere humans
    whose world won't last.[w]

You provide food
    for those you love.
Their children have plenty,
and their grandchildren
    will have more than enough.

15 I am innocent, Lord,
    and I will see your face!
When I awake, all I want
    is to see you as you are.

(For the music leader. A psalm by David, the Lord's servant. David sang this to the Lord after the Lord had rescued him from his enemies, but especially from Saul.)

David's Song of Thanks

1 I love you, Lord God,
    and you make me strong.
2 You are my mighty rock,[x]
    my fortress, my protector,
the rock where I am safe,
my shield, my powerful weapon,[y]
    and my place of shelter.

3 I praise you, Lord!
I prayed, and you rescued me
    from my enemies.
4 Death had wrapped
    its ropes around me,
and I was almost swallowed
    by its flooding waters.

5 Ropes from the world
of the dead
    had coiled around me,
and death had set a trap
    in my path.
6 I was in terrible trouble
    when I called out to you,
but from your temple
you heard me
    and answered my prayer.

7 The earth shook and shivered,
and the mountains trembled
    down to their roots.
You were angry
8     and breathed out smoke.
Scorching heat and fiery flames
    spewed from your mouth.

9 You opened the heavens
    like curtains,
and you came down
with storm clouds
    under your feet.
10 You rode on the backs
    of flying creatures
and swooped down
    with the wind as wings.
11 Darkness was your robe;
thunderclouds filled the sky,
    hiding you from sight.
12 Hailstones and fiery coals
lit up the sky
    in front of you.

13 Lord Most High, your voice
    thundered from the heavens,
as hailstones and fiery coals
    poured down like rain.
14 You scattered your enemies
    with arrows of lightning.
15 You roared at the sea,
and its deepest channels
    could be seen.
You snorted,
and the earth shook
    to its foundations.

16 You reached down from heaven,
and you lifted me
    from deep in the ocean.
17 You rescued me from enemies,
who were hateful
    and too powerful for me.
18 On the day disaster struck,
they came and attacked,
    but you defended me.
19 When I was fenced in,
you freed and rescued me
    because you love me.

20 You are good to me, Lord,
    because I do right,
and you reward me
    because I am innocent.
21 I do what you want
    and never turn to do evil.
22 I keep your laws in mind
and never look away
    from your teachings.
23 I obey you completely
    and guard against sin.
24 You have been good to me
    because I do right;
you have rewarded me
for being innocent
    by your standards.

25 You are always loyal
    to your loyal people,
and you are faithful
    to the faithful.
26 With all who are sincere,
    you are sincere,
but you treat the unfaithful
    as their deeds deserve.
27 You rescue the humble,
but you put down all
    who are proud.

28 You, the Lord God,
keep my lamp burning
    and turn darkness to light.
29 You help me defeat armies
    and capture cities.

30 Your way is perfect, Lord,
    and your word is correct.
You are a shield for those
    who run to you for help.
31 You alone are God!
    Only you are a mighty rock.[z]
32 You give me strength
    and guide me right.
33 (V) You make my feet run as fast
    as those of a deer,
and you help me stand
    on the mountains.

34 You teach my hands to fight
and my arms to use
    a bow of bronze.
35 You alone are my shield.
    Your right hand supports me,
and by coming to help me,
    you have made me famous.
36 You clear the way for me,
    and now I won't stumble.

37 I kept chasing my enemies,
until I caught them
    and destroyed them.
38 I stuck my sword
    through my enemies,
and they were crushed
    under my feet.
39 You helped me win victories,
and you forced my attackers
    to fall victim to me.

40 You made my enemies run,
    and I killed them.
41 They cried out for help,
    but no one saved them;
they called out to you,
    but there was no answer.
42 I ground them to dust
    blown by the wind,
and I poured them out
    like mud in the streets.

43 You rescued me
    from stubborn people,
and you made me the leader
of foreign nations,
    who are now my slaves.
44 They obey and come crawling.
45     They have lost all courage,
and from their fortresses,
    they come trembling.

46 You are the living Lord!
    I will praise you.
You are a mighty rock.[aa]
I will honor you
    for keeping me safe.
47 You took revenge for me,
and you put nations
    in my power.
48 You protected me
    from violent enemies
and made me much greater
    than all of them.

49 (W) I will praise you, Lord,
and I will honor you
    among the nations.
50 You give glorious victories
    to your chosen king.
Your faithful love for David
and for his descendants
    will never end.

(A psalm by David for the music leader.)

The Wonders of God and the Goodness of His Law

1 The heavens keep telling
    the wonders of God,
and the skies declare
    what he has done.
2 Each day informs
    the following day;
each night announces
    to the next.
3 They don't speak a word,
and there is never
    the sound of a voice.
4 (X) Yet their message reaches
    all the earth,
and it travels
    around the world.

In the heavens a tent
    is set up for the sun.
5 It rises like a bridegroom
and gets ready like a hero
    eager to run a race.
6 It travels all the way
across the sky.
    Nothing hides from its heat.

7 (Y) The Law of the Lord is perfect;
    it gives us new life.
His teachings last forever,
and they give wisdom
    to ordinary people.
8 The Lord's instruction is right;
    it makes our hearts glad.
His commands shine brightly,
    and they give us light.

9 Worshiping the Lord is sacred;
    he will always be worshiped.
All his decisions
    are correct and fair.
10 They are worth more
    than the finest gold
and are sweeter than honey
    from a honeycomb.

11 By your teachings, Lord,
    I am warned;
by obeying them,
    I am greatly rewarded.
12 None of us know our faults.
Forgive me when I sin
    without knowing it.
13 Don't let me do wrong
    on purpose, Lord,
or let sin have control
    over my life.
Then I will be innocent,
and not guilty
    of some terrible fault.

14 Let my words and my thoughts
    be pleasing to you, Lord,
because you are my mighty rock[ab]
    and my protector.

(A psalm by David for the music leader.)

A Prayer for Victory

1 I pray that the Lord
will listen when you
    are in trouble,
and that the God of Jacob
    will keep you safe.
2 May the Lord send help
    from his temple
and come to your rescue
    from Mount Zion.
3 May he remember your gifts
and be pleased
    with what you bring.

4 May God do what you want most
    and let all go well for you.
5 Then you will win victories,
    and we will celebrate,
while raising our banners
    in the name of our God.
May the Lord answer
    all your prayers!

6 I am certain, Lord,
that you will help
    your chosen king.
You will answer my prayers
from your holy place
    in heaven,
and you will save me
    with your mighty arm.

7 Some people trust the power
of chariots or horses,
    but we trust you, Lord God.
8 Others will stumble and fall,
but we will be strong
    and stand firm.

9 Give the king victory, Lord,
    and answer our prayers.[ac]

(A psalm by David for the music leader.)

Thanking the Lord for Victory

1 Our Lord, your mighty power
    makes the king glad,
and he celebrates victories
    that you have given him.
2 You did what he wanted most
    and never told him “No.”
3 You truly blessed the king,
and you placed on him
    a crown of finest gold.
4 He asked to live a long time,
and you promised him life
    that never ends.

5 The king is highly honored.
You have let him win victories
    that have made him famous.
6 You have given him blessings
    that will last forever,
and you have made him glad
    by being so near to him.
7 Lord Most High,
    the king trusts you,
and your kindness
    keeps him from defeat.

8 With your mighty arm, Lord,
you will strike down all
    of your hateful enemies.
9 They will be destroyed by fire
    once you are here,
and because of your anger,
    flames will swallow them.
10 You will wipe their families
from the earth,
    and they will disappear.
11 All their plans to harm you
    will come to nothing.
12 You will make them run away
by shooting your arrows
    at their faces.

13 Show your strength, Lord,
so that we may sing
    and praise your power.

(A psalm by David for the music leader. To the tune “A Deer at Dawn.”)

Suffering and Praise

1 (Z) My God, my God, why have you
    deserted me?
Why are you so far away?
Won't you listen to my groans
    and come to my rescue?
2 I cry out day and night,
but you don't answer,
    and I can never rest.

3 Yet you are the holy God,
ruling from your throne
    and praised by Israel.
4 (AA) Our ancestors trusted you,
    and you rescued them.
5 When they cried out for help,
    you saved them,
and you did not let them down
    when they depended on you.

6 But I am merely a worm,
    far less than human,
and I am hated and rejected
    by people everywhere.
7 (AB) Everyone who sees me
    makes fun and sneers.
They shake their heads,
8     (AC) and say, “Trust the Lord!
If you are his favorite,
let him protect you
    and keep you safe.”

9 You, Lord, brought me
    safely through birth,
and you protected me
when I was a baby
    at my mother's breast.
10 From the day I was born,
    I have been in your care,
and from the time of my birth,
    you have been my God.

11 Don't stay far off
when I am in trouble
    with no one to help me.
12 Enemies are all around
    like a herd of wild bulls.
Powerful bulls from Bashan[ad]
    are everywhere.
13 My enemies are like lions
roaring and attacking
    with jaws open wide.

14 I have no more strength
    than a few drops of water.
All my bones are out of joint;
    my heart is like melted wax.
15 My strength has dried up
    like a broken clay pot,
and my tongue sticks
    to the roof of my mouth.
You, God, have left me
    to die in the dirt.

16 Brutal enemies attack me
    like a pack of dogs,
tearing at[ae] my hands
    and my feet.
17 I can count all my bones,
and my enemies just stare
    and sneer at me.
18 (AD) They took my clothes
    and gambled for them.

19 Don't stay far away, Lord!
My strength comes from you,
    so hurry and help.
20 Rescue me from enemy swords
and save me from those dogs.
21     Don't let lions eat me.

You rescued me from the horns
    of wild bulls,
22 (AE) and when your people meet,
    I will praise you, Lord.

23 All who worship the Lord,
    now praise him!
You belong to Jacob's family
and to the people of Israel,
    so fear and honor the Lord!
24 The Lord doesn't hate
or despise the helpless
    in all of their troubles.
When I cried out, he listened
    and did not turn away.

25 When your people meet,
you will fill my heart
    with your praises, Lord,
and everyone will see me
    keep my promises to you.
26 The poor will eat and be full,
and all who worship you
    will be thankful
    and live in hope.

27 Everyone on this earth
    will remember you, Lord.
People all over the world
    will turn and worship you,
28 because you are in control,
    the ruler of all nations.

29 All who are rich
and have more than enough
    will bow down to you, Lord.
Even those who are dying
and almost in the grave
    will come and bow down.
30 In the future, everyone
will worship and learn
    about you, our Lord.
31 People not yet born
will be told,
    “The Lord has saved us!”

(A psalm by David.)

The Good Shepherd

1 You, Lord, are my shepherd.
    I will never be in need.
2 (AF) You let me rest in fields
    of green grass.
You lead me to streams
of peaceful water,
3     and you refresh my life.

You are true to your name,
and you lead me
    along the right paths.
4 I may walk through valleys
as dark as death,
    but I won't be afraid.
You are with me,
and your shepherd's rod[af]
    makes me feel safe.

5 You treat me to a feast,
    while my enemies watch.
You honor me as your guest,
and you fill my cup
    until it overflows.
6 Your kindness and love
will always be with me
    each day of my life,
and I will live forever
    in your house, Lord.

(A psalm by David.)

Who Can Enter the Lord's Temple?

1 (AG) The earth and everything on it,
including its people,
    belong to the Lord.
The world and its people
    belong to him.
2 The Lord placed it all
    on the oceans and rivers.

3 Who may climb the Lord's hill[ag]
    or stand in his holy temple?
4 (AH) Only those who do right
    for the right reasons,
and don't worship idols
    or tell lies under oath.
5 The Lord God, who saves them,
    will bless and reward them,
6 because they worship and serve
    the God of Jacob.[ah]
7 Open the ancient gates,
so that the glorious king
    may come in.

8 Who is this glorious king?
He is our Lord, a strong
    and mighty warrior.

9 Open the ancient gates,
so that the glorious king
    may come in.

10 Who is this glorious king?
He is our Lord,
    the All-Powerful!

(By David.)

A Prayer for Guidance and Help

1 I offer you my heart, Lord God,
2     and I trust you.
Don't make me ashamed
    or let enemies defeat me.
3 Don't disappoint any
    of your worshipers,
but disappoint all
    deceitful liars.
4 Show me your paths
    and teach me to follow;
5 guide me by your truth
    and instruct me.
You keep me safe,
    and I always trust you.

6 Please, Lord, remember,
you have always
    been patient and kind.
7 Forget each wrong I did
    when I was young.
Show how truly kind you are
    and remember me.
8 You are honest and merciful,
and you teach sinners
    how to follow your path.

9 You lead humble people
to do what is right
    and to stay on your path.
10 In everything you do,
    you are kind and faithful
to everyone who keeps
    our agreement with you.

11 Be true to your name, Lord,
by forgiving each one
    of my terrible sins.
12 You will show the right path
    to all who worship you.
13 Then they will have plenty,
and their children
    will receive the land.

14 Our Lord, you are the friend
    of your worshipers,
and you make an agreement
    with all of us.
15 I always look to you,
because you rescue me
    from every trap.
16 I am lonely and troubled.
Show that you care
    and have pity on me.
17 My awful worries keep growing.
    Rescue me from sadness.
18 See my troubles and misery
    and forgive my sins.

19 Look at all my enemies!
    See how much they hate me.
20 I come to you for shelter.
Protect me, keep me safe,
    and don't disappoint me.
21 I obey you with all my heart,
and I trust you, knowing
    that you will save me.

22 Our God, please save Israel
    from all its troubles.

(By David.)

The Prayer of an Innocent Person

1 Show that I am right, Lord!
    I stay true to myself,
and I have trusted you
    without doubting.
2 Test my thoughts and find out
    what I am like.
3 I never forget your kindness,
and I am always faithful
    to you.[ai]
4 I don't spend my time
with worthless liars
5     or go with evil crowds.

6 I wash my hands, Lord,
    to show my innocence,
and I worship at your altar,
7 while gratefully singing
    about your wonders.
8 I love the temple
where you live, and where
    your glory shines.
9 Don't sweep me away,
    as you do sinners.
Don't punish me with death
as you do those people
    who are brutal
10     or full of meanness
    or who bribe others.
11 I stay true to myself.
    Be kind and rescue me.

12 Now I stand on solid ground!
And when your people meet,
    I will praise you, Lord.

(By David.)

A Prayer of Praise

1 You, Lord, are the light
    that keeps me safe.
I am not afraid of anyone.
You protect me,
    and I have no fears.
2 Brutal people may attack
and try to kill me,
    but they will stumble.
Fierce enemies may attack,
    but they will fall.
3 Armies may surround me,
    but I won't be afraid;
war may break out,
    but I will trust you.

4 I ask only one thing, Lord:
Let me live in your house
    every day of my life
to see how wonderful you are
    and to pray in your temple.

5 In times of trouble, Lord,
    you will protect me.
You will hide me in your tent
and keep me safe
    on top of a mighty rock.[aj]
6 You will let me defeat
    all my enemies.
Then I will celebrate,
    as I enter your tent
with animal sacrifices
    and songs of praise.

7 Please listen when I pray!
    Have pity. Answer my prayer.
8 My heart tells me to pray.
I am eager to see your face,
9     so don't hide from me.
I am your servant, Lord,
and you have helped me.
    Don't turn from me in anger.
You alone keep me safe.
    Don't reject or desert me.
10 Even if my father and mother
should desert me,
    you will take care of me.

11 Teach me to follow, Lord,
and lead me on the right path
    because of my enemies.
12 Don't let them do to me
    what they want.
People tell lies about me
    and make violent threats,
13 but I know I will live
    to see how kind you are.

14 Trust the Lord!
Be brave and strong
    and trust the Lord.

(By David.)

A Prayer for Help

1 Only you, Lord,
    are a mighty rock![ak]
Don't refuse to help me
    when I pray.
If you don't answer me,
    I will soon be dead.
2 Please listen to my prayer
    and my cry for help,
as I lift my hands
    toward your holy temple.

3 Don't drag me away, Lord,
    with those cruel people,
who speak kind words,
    while planning trouble.
4 (AI) Treat them as they deserve!
    Punish them for their sins.
5 They don't pay any attention
    to your wonderful deeds.
Now you will destroy them
    and leave them in ruin.

6 I praise you, Lord,
    for answering my prayers.
7 You are my strong shield,
    and I trust you completely.
You have helped me,
and I will celebrate
    and thank you in song.

8 You give strength
    to your people, Lord,
and you save and protect
    your chosen ones.
9 Come save us and bless us.
Be our shepherd and always
    carry us in your arms.

(A psalm by David.)

The Voice of the Lord in a Storm

1 (AJ) All you angels[al] in heaven,
honor the glory and power
    of the Lord!
2 Honor the wonderful name
    of the Lord,
and worship the Lord
    most holy and glorious.[am]

3 The voice of the Lord
    echoes over the oceans.
The glorious Lord God
thunders above the roar
    of the raging sea,
4 and his voice is mighty
    and marvelous.
5 The voice of the Lord
    destroys the cedar trees;
the Lord shatters cedars
    on Mount Lebanon.
6 God makes Mount Lebanon
    skip like a calf
and Mount Hermon
    jump like a wild ox.

7 The voice of the Lord
makes lightning flash
8     and the desert tremble.
And because of the Lord,
the desert near Kadesh
    shivers and shakes.

9 The voice of the Lord
makes deer give birth
    before their time.[an]
Forests are stripped of leaves,
and the temple is filled
    with shouts of praise.

10 The Lord rules on his throne,
    king of the flood[ao] forever.
11 Pray that our Lord
will make us strong
    and give us peace.

(A psalm by David for the dedication of the temple.)

A Prayer of Thanks

1 I will praise you, Lord!
    You saved me from the grave
and kept my enemies
    from celebrating my death.
2 I prayed to you, Lord God,
    and you healed me,
3 saving me from death
    and the grave.

4 Your faithful people, Lord,
will praise you with songs
    and honor your holy name.
5 Your anger lasts a little while,
but your kindness lasts
    for a lifetime.
At night we may cry,
but when morning comes
    we will celebrate.

6 I felt secure and thought,
    “I'll never be shaken!”
7 You, Lord, were my friend,
and you made me strong
    as a mighty mountain.
But when you hid your face,
    I was crushed.

8 I prayed to you, Lord,
    and in my prayer I said,
9 “What good will it do you
    if I am in the grave?
Once I have turned to dust,
    how can I praise you
or tell how loyal you are?
10     Have pity, Lord! Help!”

11 You have turned my sorrow
    into joyful dancing.
No longer am I sad
    and wearing sackcloth.[ap]
12 I thank you from my heart,
    and I will never stop
singing your praises,
    my Lord and my God.

(A psalm by David for the music leader.)

A Prayer for Protection

1 I come to you, Lord,
for protection.
    Don't let me be ashamed.
Do as you have promised
    and rescue me.
2 Listen to my prayer
    and hurry to save me.
Be my mighty rock[aq]
and the fortress
    where I am safe.

3 You, Lord God,
are my mighty rock
    and my fortress.
Lead me and guide me,
so that your name
    will be honored.
4 Protect me from hidden traps
    and keep me safe.
5 (AK) You are faithful,
and I trust you
    because you rescued me.

6 I hate the worshipers
of worthless idols,
    but I trust you, Lord.
7 I celebrate and shout
    because you are kind.
You saw all my suffering,
    and you cared for me.
8 You kept me from the hands
of my enemies,
    and you set me free.

9 Have pity, Lord!
I am hurting and almost blind.
    My whole body aches.
10 I have known only sorrow
all my life long, and I suffer
    year after year.
I am weak from sin,
    and my bones are limp.

11 My enemies insult me.
Neighbors are even worse,
    and I disgust my friends.
People meet me on the street,
    and they turn and run.
12 I am completely forgotten
like someone dead.
    I am merely a broken dish.
13 I hear the crowds whisper,
    “Everyone is afraid!”
They are plotting and scheming
    to murder me.

14 But I trust you, Lord,
    and I claim you as my God.
15 My life is in your hands.
Save me from enemies
    who hunt me down.
16 Smile on me, your servant.
    Have pity and rescue me.

17 I pray only to you.
    Don't disappoint me.
Disappoint my cruel enemies
until they lie silent
    in their graves.
18 Silence those proud liars!
Make them stop bragging
    and insulting your people.

19 You are wonderful,
    and while everyone watches,
you store up blessings for all
    who honor and trust you.
20 You are their shelter
    from harmful plots,
and you are their protection
    from vicious gossip.

21 I will praise you, Lord,
    for showing great kindness
when I was like a city
    under attack.
22 I was terrified and thought,
“They've chased me
    far away from you!”
But you answered my prayer
    when I shouted for help.

23 (AL) All who belong to the Lord,
    show how you love him.
The Lord protects the faithful,
but he severely punishes
    everyone who is proud.
24 All who trust the Lord,
    be cheerful and strong.

(A special psalm by David.)

The Joy of Forgiveness

1 (AM) Our Lord, you bless everyone
whose sins you forgive
    and wipe away.
2 You bless them by saying,
    “You told me your sins,
without trying to hide them,
    and now I forgive you.”

3 Before I confessed my sins,
my bones felt limp,
    and I groaned all day long.
4 Night and day your hand
    weighed heavily on me,
and my strength was gone
    as in the summer heat.

5 So I confessed my sins
    and told them all to you.
I said, “I'll tell the Lord
    each one of my sins.”
Then you forgave me
    and took away my guilt.

6 We worship you, Lord,
    and we should always pray
whenever we find out
    that we have sinned.[ar]
Then we won't be swept away
    by a raging flood.
7 You are my hiding place!
    You protect me from trouble,
and you put songs in my heart
    because you have saved me.

8 You said to me,
“I will point out the road
    that you should follow.
I will be your teacher
    and watch over you.
9 Don't be stupid
    like horses and mules
that must be led with ropes
    to make them obey.”

10 All kinds of troubles
    will strike the wicked,
but your kindness shields those
    who trust you, Lord.
11 And so your good people
    should celebrate and shout.

Sing Praises to the Lord

1 You are the Lord's people.
Obey him and celebrate!
    He deserves your praise.
2 Praise the Lord with harps!
Use harps with ten strings
    to make music for him.
3 Sing a new song. Shout!
    Play beautiful music.

4 The Lord is truthful;
    he can be trusted.
5 He loves justice and fairness,
and he is kind to everyone
    everywhere on earth.

6 The Lord made the heavens
and everything in them
    by his word.
7 He scooped up the ocean
    and stored the water.
8 Everyone in this world
should worship and honor
    the Lord!
9 As soon as he spoke
    the world was created;
at his command,
    the earth was formed.

10 The Lord destroys the plans
and spoils the schemes
    of the nations.
11 But what the Lord has planned
will stand forever.
    His thoughts never change.
12 The Lord blesses each nation
that worships only him.
    He blesses his chosen ones.
13 The Lord looks at the world
14 from his throne in heaven,
    and he watches us all.
15 The Lord gave us each a mind,
and nothing we do
    can be hidden from him.

16 (AN) Mighty armies alone
    cannot win wars for a king;
great strength by itself
    cannot keep a soldier safe.
17 In war the strength of a horse
cannot be trusted
    to take you to safety.
18 But the Lord watches over
all
    who honor him
    and trust his kindness.
19 He protects them from death
    and starvation.

20 We depend on you, Lord,
    to help and protect us.
21 You make our hearts glad
because we trust you,
    the only God.
22 Be kind and bless us!
    We depend on you.

(Written by David when he pretended to be crazy in front of Abimelech, so that Abimelech would send him away, and David could leave.)

Honor the Lord

1 (AO) I will always praise the Lord.
2 With all my heart,
    I will praise the Lord.
Let all who are helpless,
    listen and be glad.
3 Honor the Lord with me!
    Celebrate his great name.

4 I asked the Lord for help,
and he saved me
    from all my fears.
5 Keep your eyes on the Lord!
You will shine like the sun
    and never blush with shame.
6 I was a nobody, but I prayed,
and the Lord saved me
    from all my troubles.

7 If you honor the Lord,
    his angel will protect you.
8 (AP) Discover for yourself
    that the Lord is kind.
Come to him for protection,
    and you will be glad.

9 Honor the Lord!
    You are his special people.
No one who honors the Lord
    will ever be in need.
10 Young lions[as] may go hungry
    or even starve,
but if you trust the Lord,
you will never miss out
    on anything good.

11 Come, my children, listen
as I teach you
    to respect the Lord.
12 (AQ) Do you want to live
    and enjoy a long life?
13 Then don't say cruel things
    and don't tell lies.
14 Do good instead of evil
    and try to live at peace.

15 If you obey the Lord,
he will watch over you
    and answer your prayers.
16 But God despises evil people,
    and he will wipe them all
from the earth,
    till they are forgotten.
17 When his people pray for help,
he listens and rescues them
    from their troubles.
18 The Lord is there to rescue
all
    who are discouraged
    and have given up hope.

19 The Lord's people
    may suffer a lot,
but he will always
    bring them safely through.
20 (AR) Not one of their bones
    will ever be broken.

21 Wicked people are killed
    by their own evil deeds,
and if you hate God's people
    you will be punished.
22 The Lord saves the lives
    of his servants.
Run to him for protection,
    and you won't be punished.

(A psalm by David.)

A Prayer for Protection from Enemies

1 Fight my enemies, Lord!
Attack my attackers!
2     Shield me and help me.
3 Aim your spear at everyone
who hunts me down,
    but promise to save me.

4 Let all who want to kill me
be disgraced
    and put to shame.
Chase away and confuse
    all who plan to harm me.
5 Send your angel after them
and let them be like straw
    in the wind.
6 Make them run in the dark
on a slippery road,
    as your angel chases them.
7 I did them no harm,
but they hid a net
    to trap me,
and they dug a deep pit
    to catch and kill me.
8 (AS) Surprise them with disaster!
    Trap them in their own nets
and let them fall and rot
    in the pits they have dug.

9 I will celebrate and be joyful
because you, Lord,
    have saved me.
10 Every bone in my body
    will shout:
“No one is like the Lord!”
You protect the helpless
    from those in power;
you save the poor and needy
    from those who hurt them.

11 Liars accuse me of crimes
    I know nothing about.
12 They repay evil for good,
    and I feel all alone.
13 When they were sick,
I wore sackcloth[at]
    and went without food.[au]
I truly prayed for them,[av]
14 as I would for a friend
    or a relative.
I was in sorrow and mourned,
    as I would for my mother.

15 I have stumbled,
    and worthless liars
I don't even know
    surround me and sneer.
16 Worthless people make fun[aw]
    and never stop laughing.
17 But all you do is watch!
    When will you do something?
Save me from the attack
    of those vicious lions.
18 And when your people meet,
    I will praise you
and thank you, Lord,
    in front of them all.

19 (AT) Don't let my brutal enemies
    be glad because of me.
They hate me for no reason.
Don't let them wink
    behind my back.
20 They say hurtful things,
and they lie to people
    who want to live in peace.
21 They are quick to accuse me.
They say, “You did it!
    We saw you ourselves.”

22 You see everything, Lord!
Please don't keep silent
    or stay so far away.
23 Fight to defend me, Lord God,
24 and prove that I am right
    by your standards.
Don't let them laugh at me
25     or say to each other,
“Now we've got what we want!
    We'll gobble him up!”

26 Disappoint and confuse
all who are glad
    to see me in trouble;
disgrace and embarrass
my proud enemies who say to me,
    “You are nothing!”

27 Let all who want me to win
    be happy and joyful.
From now on let them say,
    “The Lord is wonderful!
God is glad when all goes well
    for his servant.”
28 Then I will shout all day,
“Praise the Lord God!
    He did what was right.”

(For the music leader by David, the Lord's servant.)

Human Sin and God's Goodness

1 (AU) Sinners don't respect God;
    sin is all they think about.

Footnotes

  1. 2.1 Why … plot: Or “Why are the nations restless?”
  2. 2.1 make useless plans: Or “grumble uselessly.”
  3. 2.11,12 Serve … you: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verses 11,12.
  4. 4.2 me: Or “my God.”
  5. 4.2 foolish … worthless: This may refer to idols and false gods.
  6. 4.3 has chosen … very own: Some Hebrew manuscripts have “work miracles for his faithful people.”
  7. 5.1 when I groan: Or “to my thoughts” or “to my words.”
  8. 5.3 requests: Or “sacrifices.”
  9. Psalm 6 instruments: The Hebrew text adds “according to the sheminith,” which may refer to a musical instrument with eight strings.
  10. Psalm 7 Written by David: The Hebrew text has “a shiggaion by David,” which may refer to a psalm of mourning.
  11. 7.4 had pity on an enemy: Or “failed to have pity on an enemy.”
  12. 7.7 sit … throne: Or “return to your place.”
  13. Psalm 8 leader: The Hebrew text adds “according to the gittith,” which may refer to either a musical instrument or a tune.
  14. 8.1 You … seen: Or “I will worship your glory.”
  15. 8.5 you yourself: Or “the angels” or “the beings in heaven.”
  16. 11.6 fiery coals: Or “trouble, fire.”
  17. Psalm 12 leader: The Hebrew text adds “according to the sheminith,” which may be a musical instrument with eight strings.
  18. 12.6 in a fiery furnace: The Hebrew text has “in a furnace to the ground,” which may describe part of a process for refining silver in Old Testament times.
  19. 12.8 while … deeds: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
  20. 16.3 Your people … happy: Or “I was happy worshiping gods I thought were powerful.”
  21. 16.4 but … sorrow: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
  22. 16.11 right side: The place of power and honor.
  23. 17.14 Use … last: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
  24. 18.2 mighty rock: The Hebrew text has “rock,” which is sometimes used in poetry to compare the Lord to a mountain where his people can run for protection from their enemies.
  25. 18.2 my powerful weapon: The Hebrew text has “the horn,” which refers to the horn of a bull, one of the most powerful animals in ancient Palestine.
  26. 18.31 mighty rock: See the note at 18.2.
  27. 18.46 mighty rock: See the note at 18.2.
  28. 19.14 mighty rock: See the note at 18.2.
  29. 20.9 victory … prayers: Or “victory. He (God or the king) answers us.”
  30. 22.12 Bashan: A land east of the Jordan River, where there were pastures suitable for raising fine cattle.
  31. 22.16 tearing at: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
  32. 23.4 shepherd's rod: The Hebrew text mentions two objects carried by the shepherd: a club to defend against wild animals and a long pole to guide and control the sheep.
  33. 24.3 the Lord's hill: The hill in Jerusalem where the temple was built.
  34. 24.6 worship … Jacob: Two ancient translations; Hebrew “worship God and serve the descendants of Jacob.”
  35. 26.3 I am … to you: Or “I trust your faithfulness.”
  36. 27.5 mighty rock: See the note at 18.2.
  37. 28.1 mighty rock: See the note at 18.2.
  38. 29.1 angels: Or “supernatural beings” or “gods.”
  39. 29.2 most … glorious: Or “in his holy place” or “and wear your glorious clothes.”
  40. 29.9 makes … time: Or “twists the oak trees around.”
  41. 29.10 king of the flood: In ancient times the people of Israel believed that a mighty ocean surrounded all of creation, and that God could release the water to flood the earth.
  42. 30.11 sackcloth: A rough, dark-colored cloth made from goat or camel hair and used to make grain sacks. It was worn in times of trouble or sorrow.
  43. 31.2 mighty rock: See the note at 18.2.
  44. 32.6 whenever … sinned: Hebrew “at a time of finding only.”
  45. 34.10 Young lions: In the Psalms wild animals often stand for God's enemies.
  46. 35.13 sackcloth: See the note at 30.11.
  47. 35.13 went without food: People sometimes went without food (called “fasting”) to show sorrow.
  48. 35.13 I … them: Or “My prayer wasn't answered, but I prayed.”
  49. 35.16 Worthless … fun: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
Listen to Psalm 1-20
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Psalm 1-20
New International Version

BOOK I

Psalms 1–41

Psalm 1

1 Blessed is the one(A)
    who does not walk(B) in step with the wicked(C)
or stand in the way(D) that sinners take(E)
    or sit(F) in the company of mockers,(G)
2 but whose delight(H) is in the law of the Lord,(I)
    and who meditates(J) on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree(K) planted by streams(L) of water,(M)
    which yields its fruit(N) in season
and whose leaf(O) does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.(P)

4 Not so the wicked!
    They are like chaff(Q)
    that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand(R) in the judgment,(S)
    nor sinners in the assembly(T) of the righteous.

6 For the Lord watches over(U) the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.(V)

Psalm 2

1 Why do the nations conspire[a]
    and the peoples plot(W) in vain?
2 The kings(X) of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
    against the Lord and against his anointed,(Y) saying,
3 “Let us break their chains(Z)
    and throw off their shackles.”(AA)

4 The One enthroned(AB) in heaven laughs;(AC)
    the Lord scoffs at them.
5 He rebukes them in his anger(AD)
    and terrifies them in his wrath,(AE) saying,
6 “I have installed my king(AF)
    on Zion,(AG) my holy mountain.(AH)”

7 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son;(AI)
    today I have become your father.(AJ)
8 Ask me,
    and I will make the nations(AK) your inheritance,(AL)
    the ends of the earth(AM) your possession.
9 You will break them with a rod of iron[b];(AN)
    you will dash them to pieces(AO) like pottery.(AP)”

10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;(AQ)
    be warned, you rulers(AR) of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear(AS)
    and celebrate his rule(AT) with trembling.(AU)
12 Kiss his son,(AV) or he will be angry
    and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath(AW) can flare up in a moment.
    Blessed(AX) are all who take refuge(AY) in him.

Psalm 3[c]

A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.(AZ)

1 Lord, how many are my foes!
    How many rise up against me!
2 Many are saying of me,
    “God will not deliver him.(BA)”[d]

3 But you, Lord, are a shield(BB) around me,
    my glory, the One who lifts my head high.(BC)
4 I call out to the Lord,(BD)
    and he answers me from his holy mountain.(BE)

5 I lie down and sleep;(BF)
    I wake again,(BG) because the Lord sustains me.
6 I will not fear(BH) though tens of thousands
    assail me on every side.(BI)

7 Arise,(BJ) Lord!
    Deliver me,(BK) my God!
Strike(BL) all my enemies on the jaw;
    break the teeth(BM) of the wicked.

8 From the Lord comes deliverance.(BN)
    May your blessing(BO) be on your people.

Psalm 4[e]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

1 Answer me(BP) when I call to you,
    my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;(BQ)
    have mercy(BR) on me and hear my prayer.(BS)

2 How long will you people turn my glory(BT) into shame?(BU)
    How long will you love delusions and seek false gods[f]?[g](BV)
3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant(BW) for himself;
    the Lord hears(BX) when I call to him.

4 Tremble and[h] do not sin;(BY)
    when you are on your beds,(BZ)
    search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
    and trust in the Lord.(CA)

6 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
    Let the light of your face shine on us.(CB)
7 Fill my heart(CC) with joy(CD)
    when their grain and new wine(CE) abound.

8 In peace(CF) I will lie down and sleep,(CG)
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety.(CH)

Psalm 5[i]

For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

1 Listen(CI) to my words, Lord,
    consider my lament.(CJ)
2 Hear my cry for help,(CK)
    my King and my God,(CL)
    for to you I pray.

3 In the morning,(CM) Lord, you hear my voice;
    in the morning I lay my requests before you
    and wait expectantly.(CN)
4 For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
    with you, evil people(CO) are not welcome.
5 The arrogant(CP) cannot stand(CQ)
    in your presence.
You hate(CR) all who do wrong;
6     you destroy those who tell lies.(CS)
The bloodthirsty and deceitful
    you, Lord, detest.
7 But I, by your great love,
    can come into your house;
in reverence(CT) I bow down(CU)
    toward your holy temple.(CV)

8 Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness(CW)
    because of my enemies—
    make your way straight(CX) before me.
9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
    their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;(CY)
    with their tongues they tell lies.(CZ)
10 Declare them guilty, O God!
    Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,(DA)
    for they have rebelled(DB) against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
    let them ever sing for joy.(DC)
Spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name(DD) may rejoice in you.(DE)

12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;(DF)
    you surround them(DG) with your favor as with a shield.(DH)

Psalm 6[j]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. According to sheminith.[k] A psalm of David.

1 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger(DI)
    or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Have mercy on me,(DJ) Lord, for I am faint;(DK)
    heal me,(DL) Lord, for my bones are in agony.(DM)
3 My soul is in deep anguish.(DN)
    How long,(DO) Lord, how long?

4 Turn,(DP) Lord, and deliver me;
    save me because of your unfailing love.(DQ)
5 Among the dead no one proclaims your name.
    Who praises you from the grave?(DR)

6 I am worn out(DS) from my groaning.(DT)

All night long I flood my bed with weeping(DU)
    and drench my couch with tears.(DV)
7 My eyes grow weak(DW) with sorrow;
    they fail because of all my foes.

8 Away from me,(DX) all you who do evil,(DY)
    for the Lord has heard my weeping.
9 The Lord has heard my cry for mercy;(DZ)
    the Lord accepts my prayer.
10 All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish;(EA)
    they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.(EB)

Psalm 7[l]

A shiggaion[m](EC) of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjamite.

1 Lord my God, I take refuge(ED) in you;
    save and deliver me(EE) from all who pursue me,(EF)
2 or they will tear me apart like a lion(EG)
    and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue(EH) me.

3 Lord my God, if I have done this
    and there is guilt on my hands(EI)—
4 if I have repaid my ally with evil
    or without cause(EJ) have robbed my foe—
5 then let my enemy pursue and overtake(EK) me;
    let him trample my life to the ground(EL)
    and make me sleep in the dust.[n](EM)

6 Arise,(EN) Lord, in your anger;
    rise up against the rage of my enemies.(EO)
    Awake,(EP) my God; decree justice.
7 Let the assembled peoples gather around you,
    while you sit enthroned over them on high.(EQ)
8     Let the Lord judge(ER) the peoples.
Vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness,(ES)
    according to my integrity,(ET) O Most High.(EU)
9 Bring to an end the violence of the wicked
    and make the righteous secure—(EV)
you, the righteous God(EW)
    who probes minds and hearts.(EX)

10 My shield[o](EY) is God Most High,
    who saves the upright in heart.(EZ)
11 God is a righteous judge,(FA)
    a God who displays his wrath(FB) every day.
12 If he does not relent,(FC)
    he[p] will sharpen his sword;(FD)
    he will bend and string his bow.(FE)
13 He has prepared his deadly weapons;
    he makes ready his flaming arrows.(FF)

14 Whoever is pregnant with evil
    conceives trouble and gives birth(FG) to disillusionment.
15 Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out
    falls into the pit(FH) they have made.(FI)
16 The trouble they cause recoils on them;
    their violence comes down on their own heads.

17 I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness;(FJ)
    I will sing the praises(FK) of the name of the Lord Most High.(FL)

Psalm 8[q]

For the director of music. According to gittith.[r] A psalm of David.

1 Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name(FM) in all the earth!

You have set your glory(FN)
    in the heavens.(FO)
2 Through the praise of children and infants
    you have established a stronghold(FP) against your enemies,
    to silence the foe(FQ) and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,(FR)
    the work of your fingers,(FS)
the moon and the stars,(FT)
    which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?[s](FU)

5 You have made them[t] a little lower than the angels[u](FV)
    and crowned them[v] with glory and honor.(FW)
6 You made them rulers(FX) over the works of your hands;(FY)
    you put everything under their[w] feet:(FZ)
7 all flocks and herds,(GA)
    and the animals of the wild,(GB)
8 the birds in the sky,
    and the fish in the sea,(GC)
    all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!(GD)

Psalm 9[x][y]

For the director of music. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David.

1 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;(GE)
    I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.(GF)
2 I will be glad and rejoice(GG) in you;
    I will sing the praises(GH) of your name,(GI) O Most High.

3 My enemies turn back;
    they stumble and perish before you.
4 For you have upheld my right(GJ) and my cause,(GK)
    sitting enthroned(GL) as the righteous judge.(GM)
5 You have rebuked the nations(GN) and destroyed the wicked;
    you have blotted out their name(GO) for ever and ever.
6 Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies,
    you have uprooted their cities;(GP)
    even the memory of them(GQ) has perished.

7 The Lord reigns forever;(GR)
    he has established his throne(GS) for judgment.
8 He rules the world in righteousness(GT)
    and judges the peoples with equity.(GU)
9 The Lord is a refuge(GV) for the oppressed,(GW)
    a stronghold in times of trouble.(GX)
10 Those who know your name(GY) trust in you,
    for you, Lord, have never forsaken(GZ) those who seek you.(HA)

11 Sing the praises(HB) of the Lord, enthroned in Zion;(HC)
    proclaim among the nations(HD) what he has done.(HE)
12 For he who avenges blood(HF) remembers;
    he does not ignore the cries of the afflicted.(HG)

13 Lord, see how my enemies(HH) persecute me!
    Have mercy(HI) and lift me up from the gates of death,(HJ)
14 that I may declare your praises(HK)
    in the gates of Daughter Zion,(HL)
    and there rejoice in your salvation.(HM)

15 The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug;(HN)
    their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.(HO)
16 The Lord is known by his acts of justice;
    the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.[z](HP)
17 The wicked go down to the realm of the dead,(HQ)
    all the nations that forget God.(HR)
18 But God will never forget the needy;
    the hope(HS) of the afflicted(HT) will never perish.

19 Arise,(HU) Lord, do not let mortals triumph;(HV)
    let the nations be judged(HW) in your presence.
20 Strike them with terror,(HX) Lord;
    let the nations know they are only mortal.(HY)

Psalm 10[aa]

1 Why, Lord, do you stand far off?(HZ)
    Why do you hide yourself(IA) in times of trouble?

2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,(IB)
    who are caught in the schemes he devises.
3 He boasts(IC) about the cravings of his heart;
    he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord.(ID)
4 In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;
    in all his thoughts there is no room for God.(IE)
5 His ways are always prosperous;
    your laws are rejected by[ab] him;
    he sneers at all his enemies.
6 He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.”
    He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.”(IF)

7 His mouth is full(IG) of lies and threats;(IH)
    trouble and evil are under his tongue.(II)
8 He lies in wait(IJ) near the villages;
    from ambush he murders the innocent.(IK)
His eyes watch in secret for his victims;
9     like a lion in cover he lies in wait.
He lies in wait to catch the helpless;(IL)
    he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.(IM)
10 His victims are crushed,(IN) they collapse;
    they fall under his strength.
11 He says to himself, “God will never notice;(IO)
    he covers his face and never sees.”(IP)

12 Arise,(IQ) Lord! Lift up your hand,(IR) O God.
    Do not forget the helpless.(IS)
13 Why does the wicked man revile God?(IT)
    Why does he say to himself,
    “He won’t call me to account”?(IU)
14 But you, God, see the trouble(IV) of the afflicted;
    you consider their grief and take it in hand.
The victims commit themselves to you;(IW)
    you are the helper(IX) of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked man;(IY)
    call the evildoer to account for his wickedness
    that would not otherwise be found out.

16 The Lord is King for ever and ever;(IZ)
    the nations(JA) will perish from his land.
17 You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted;(JB)
    you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,(JC)
18 defending the fatherless(JD) and the oppressed,(JE)
    so that mere earthly mortals
    will never again strike terror.

Psalm 11

For the director of music. Of David.

1 In the Lord I take refuge.(JF)
    How then can you say to me:
    “Flee(JG) like a bird to your mountain.(JH)
2 For look, the wicked bend their bows;(JI)
    they set their arrows(JJ) against the strings
to shoot from the shadows(JK)
    at the upright in heart.(JL)
3 When the foundations(JM) are being destroyed,
    what can the righteous do?”

4 The Lord is in his holy temple;(JN)
    the Lord is on his heavenly throne.(JO)
He observes everyone on earth;(JP)
    his eyes examine(JQ) them.
5 The Lord examines the righteous,(JR)
    but the wicked, those who love violence,
    he hates with a passion.(JS)
6 On the wicked he will rain
    fiery coals and burning sulfur;(JT)
    a scorching wind(JU) will be their lot.

7 For the Lord is righteous,(JV)
    he loves justice;(JW)
    the upright(JX) will see his face.(JY)

Psalm 12[ac]

For the director of music. According to sheminith.[ad] A psalm of David.

1 Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore;(JZ)
    those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.
2 Everyone lies(KA) to their neighbor;
    they flatter with their lips
    but harbor deception in their hearts.(KB)

3 May the Lord silence all flattering lips(KC)
    and every boastful tongue—(KD)
4 those who say,
    “By our tongues we will prevail;(KE)
    our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”

5 “Because the poor are plundered(KF) and the needy groan,(KG)
    I will now arise,(KH)” says the Lord.
    “I will protect them(KI) from those who malign them.”
6 And the words of the Lord are flawless,(KJ)
    like silver purified(KK) in a crucible,(KL)
    like gold[ae] refined seven times.

7 You, Lord, will keep the needy safe(KM)
    and will protect us forever from the wicked,(KN)
8 who freely strut(KO) about
    when what is vile is honored by the human race.

Psalm 13[af]

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 How long,(KP) Lord? Will you forget me(KQ) forever?
    How long will you hide your face(KR) from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts(KS)
    and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
    How long will my enemy triumph over me?(KT)

3 Look on me(KU) and answer,(KV) Lord my God.
    Give light to my eyes,(KW) or I will sleep in death,(KX)
4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,(KY)”
    and my foes will rejoice when I fall.(KZ)

5 But I trust in your unfailing love;(LA)
    my heart rejoices in your salvation.(LB)
6 I will sing(LC) the Lord’s praise,
    for he has been good to me.

Psalm 14(LD)

For the director of music. Of David.

1 The fool[ag] says in his heart,
    “There is no God.”(LE)
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile;
    there is no one who does good.

2 The Lord looks down from heaven(LF)
    on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand,(LG)
    any who seek God.(LH)
3 All have turned away,(LI) all have become corrupt;(LJ)
    there is no one who does good,(LK)
    not even one.(LL)

4 Do all these evildoers know nothing?(LM)

They devour my people(LN) as though eating bread;
    they never call on the Lord.(LO)
5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread,
    for God is present in the company of the righteous.
6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor,
    but the Lord is their refuge.(LP)

7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!(LQ)
    When the Lord restores(LR) his people,
    let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Psalm 15

A psalm of David.

1 Lord, who may dwell(LS) in your sacred tent?(LT)
    Who may live on your holy mountain?(LU)

2 The one whose walk is blameless,(LV)
    who does what is righteous,
    who speaks the truth(LW) from their heart;
3 whose tongue utters no slander,(LX)
    who does no wrong to a neighbor,
    and casts no slur on others;
4 who despises a vile person
    but honors(LY) those who fear the Lord;
who keeps an oath(LZ) even when it hurts,
    and does not change their mind;
5 who lends money to the poor without interest;(MA)
    who does not accept a bribe(MB) against the innocent.

Whoever does these things
    will never be shaken.(MC)

Psalm 16

A miktam[ah] of David.

1 Keep me safe,(MD) my God,
    for in you I take refuge.(ME)

2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;(MF)
    apart from you I have no good thing.”(MG)
3 I say of the holy people(MH) who are in the land,(MI)
    “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
4 Those who run after other gods(MJ) will suffer(MK) more and more.
    I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
    or take up their names(ML) on my lips.

5 Lord, you alone are my portion(MM) and my cup;(MN)
    you make my lot(MO) secure.
6 The boundary lines(MP) have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    surely I have a delightful inheritance.(MQ)
7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;(MR)
    even at night(MS) my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
    With him at my right hand,(MT) I will not be shaken.(MU)

9 Therefore my heart is glad(MV) and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest secure,(MW)
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,(MX)
    nor will you let your faithful[ai] one(MY) see decay.(MZ)
11 You make known to me the path of life;(NA)
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,(NB)
    with eternal pleasures(NC) at your right hand.(ND)

Psalm 17

A prayer of David.

1 Hear me,(NE) Lord, my plea is just;
    listen to my cry.(NF)
Hear(NG) my prayer—
    it does not rise from deceitful lips.(NH)
2 Let my vindication(NI) come from you;
    may your eyes see what is right.(NJ)

3 Though you probe my heart,(NK)
    though you examine me at night and test me,(NL)
you will find that I have planned no evil;(NM)
    my mouth has not transgressed.(NN)
4 Though people tried to bribe me,
    I have kept myself from the ways of the violent
    through what your lips have commanded.
5 My steps have held to your paths;(NO)
    my feet have not stumbled.(NP)

6 I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;(NQ)
    turn your ear to me(NR) and hear my prayer.(NS)
7 Show me the wonders of your great love,(NT)
    you who save by your right hand(NU)
    those who take refuge(NV) in you from their foes.
8 Keep me(NW) as the apple of your eye;(NX)
    hide me(NY) in the shadow of your wings(NZ)
9 from the wicked who are out to destroy me,
    from my mortal enemies who surround me.(OA)

10 They close up their callous hearts,(OB)
    and their mouths speak with arrogance.(OC)
11 They have tracked me down, they now surround me,(OD)
    with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.
12 They are like a lion(OE) hungry for prey,(OF)
    like a fierce lion crouching in cover.

13 Rise up,(OG) Lord, confront them, bring them down;(OH)
    with your sword rescue me from the wicked.
14 By your hand save me from such people, Lord,
    from those of this world(OI) whose reward is in this life.(OJ)
May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies;
    may their children gorge themselves on it,
    and may there be leftovers(OK) for their little ones.

15 As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face;
    when I awake,(OL) I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.(OM)

Psalm 18[aj](ON)

For the director of music. Of David the servant of the Lord. He sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:

1 I love you, Lord, my strength.(OO)

2 The Lord is my rock,(OP) my fortress(OQ) and my deliverer;(OR)
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,(OS)
    my shield[ak](OT) and the horn[al] of my salvation,(OU) my stronghold.

3 I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,(OV)
    and I have been saved from my enemies.(OW)
4 The cords of death(OX) entangled me;
    the torrents(OY) of destruction overwhelmed me.
5 The cords of the grave coiled around me;
    the snares of death(OZ) confronted me.

6 In my distress(PA) I called to the Lord;(PB)
    I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;(PC)
    my cry came(PD) before him, into his ears.
7 The earth trembled(PE) and quaked,(PF)
    and the foundations of the mountains shook;(PG)
    they trembled because he was angry.(PH)
8 Smoke rose from his nostrils;(PI)
    consuming fire(PJ) came from his mouth,
    burning coals(PK) blazed out of it.
9 He parted the heavens and came down;(PL)
    dark clouds(PM) were under his feet.
10 He mounted the cherubim(PN) and flew;
    he soared(PO) on the wings of the wind.(PP)
11 He made darkness his covering,(PQ) his canopy(PR) around him—
    the dark rain clouds of the sky.
12 Out of the brightness of his presence(PS) clouds advanced,
    with hailstones(PT) and bolts of lightning.(PU)
13 The Lord thundered(PV) from heaven;
    the voice of the Most High resounded.[am]
14 He shot his arrows(PW) and scattered the enemy,
    with great bolts of lightning(PX) he routed them.(PY)
15 The valleys of the sea were exposed
    and the foundations(PZ) of the earth laid bare
at your rebuke,(QA) Lord,
    at the blast of breath from your nostrils.(QB)

16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
    he drew me out of deep waters.(QC)
17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,(QD)
    from my foes, who were too strong for me.(QE)
18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,(QF)
    but the Lord was my support.(QG)
19 He brought me out into a spacious place;(QH)
    he rescued me because he delighted in me.(QI)

20 The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness;(QJ)
    according to the cleanness of my hands(QK) he has rewarded me.(QL)
21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord;(QM)
    I am not guilty of turning(QN) from my God.
22 All his laws are before me;(QO)
    I have not turned away from his decrees.
23 I have been blameless(QP) before him
    and have kept myself from sin.
24 The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness,(QQ)
    according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.

25 To the faithful(QR) you show yourself faithful,(QS)
    to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
26 to the pure(QT) you show yourself pure,
    but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.(QU)
27 You save the humble(QV)
    but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.(QW)
28 You, Lord, keep my lamp(QX) burning;
    my God turns my darkness into light.(QY)
29 With your help(QZ) I can advance against a troop[an];
    with my God I can scale a wall.

30 As for God, his way is perfect:(RA)
    The Lord’s word is flawless;(RB)
    he shields(RC) all who take refuge(RD) in him.
31 For who is God besides the Lord?(RE)
    And who is the Rock(RF) except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength(RG)
    and keeps my way secure.(RH)
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;(RI)
    he causes me to stand on the heights.(RJ)
34 He trains my hands for battle;(RK)
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You make your saving help my shield,
    and your right hand sustains(RL) me;
    your help has made me great.
36 You provide a broad path(RM) for my feet,
    so that my ankles do not give way.(RN)

37 I pursued my enemies(RO) and overtook them;
    I did not turn back till they were destroyed.
38 I crushed them(RP) so that they could not rise;(RQ)
    they fell beneath my feet.(RR)
39 You armed me with strength(RS) for battle;
    you humbled my adversaries(RT) before me.
40 You made my enemies turn their backs(RU) in flight,
    and I destroyed(RV) my foes.
41 They cried for help, but there was no one to save them(RW)—
    to the Lord, but he did not answer.(RX)
42 I beat them as fine as windblown dust;(RY)
    I trampled them[ao] like mud in the streets.
43 You have delivered me from the attacks of the people;
    you have made me the head of nations.(RZ)
People I did not know(SA) now serve me,
44     foreigners(SB) cower before me;
    as soon as they hear of me, they obey me.
45 They all lose heart;(SC)
    they come trembling(SD) from their strongholds.(SE)

46 The Lord lives!(SF) Praise be to my Rock!(SG)
    Exalted be God(SH) my Savior!(SI)
47 He is the God who avenges(SJ) me,
    who subdues nations(SK) under me,
48     who saves(SL) me from my enemies.(SM)
You exalted me above my foes;
    from a violent man(SN) you rescued me.
49 Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;(SO)
    I will sing(SP) the praises of your name.(SQ)

50 He gives his king great victories;
    he shows unfailing love to his anointed,(SR)
    to David(SS) and to his descendants forever.(ST)

Psalm 19[ap]

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 The heavens(SU) declare(SV) the glory of God;(SW)
    the skies(SX) proclaim the work of his hands.(SY)
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.(SZ)
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice[aq] goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.(TA)
In the heavens God has pitched a tent(TB) for the sun.(TC)
5     It is like a bridegroom(TD) coming out of his chamber,(TE)
    like a champion(TF) rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens(TG)
    and makes its circuit to the other;(TH)
    nothing is deprived of its warmth.

7 The law of the Lord(TI) is perfect,(TJ)
    refreshing the soul.(TK)
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,(TL)
    making wise the simple.(TM)
8 The precepts of the Lord are right,(TN)
    giving joy(TO) to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
    giving light to the eyes.(TP)
9 The fear of the Lord(TQ) is pure,
    enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
    and all of them are righteous.(TR)

10 They are more precious than gold,(TS)
    than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,(TT)
    than honey from the honeycomb.(TU)
11 By them your servant is warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can discern their own errors?
    Forgive my hidden faults.(TV)
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;(TW)
    may they not rule over me.(TX)
Then I will be blameless,(TY)
    innocent of great transgression.

14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
    be pleasing(TZ) in your sight,
    Lord, my Rock(UA) and my Redeemer.(UB)

Psalm 20[ar]

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;(UC)
    may the name of the God of Jacob(UD) protect you.(UE)
2 May he send you help(UF) from the sanctuary(UG)
    and grant you support(UH) from Zion.(UI)
3 May he remember(UJ) all your sacrifices
    and accept your burnt offerings.[as](UK)
4 May he give you the desire of your heart(UL)
    and make all your plans succeed.(UM)
5 May we shout for joy(UN) over your victory
    and lift up our banners(UO) in the name of our God.

May the Lord grant all your requests.(UP)

6 Now this I know:
    The Lord gives victory to his anointed.(UQ)
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
    with the victorious power of his right hand.(UR)
7 Some trust in chariots(US) and some in horses,(UT)
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.(UU)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 2:1 Hebrew; Septuagint rage
  2. Psalm 2:9 Or will rule them with an iron scepter (see Septuagint and Syriac)
  3. Psalm 3:1 In Hebrew texts 3:1-8 is numbered 3:2-9.
  4. Psalm 3:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 4 and 8.
  5. Psalm 4:1 In Hebrew texts 4:1-8 is numbered 4:2-9.
  6. Psalm 4:2 Or seek lies
  7. Psalm 4:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 4.
  8. Psalm 4:4 Or In your anger (see Septuagint)
  9. Psalm 5:1 In Hebrew texts 5:1-12 is numbered 5:2-13.
  10. Psalm 6:1 In Hebrew texts 6:1-10 is numbered 6:2-11.
  11. Psalm 6:1 Title: Probably a musical term
  12. Psalm 7:1 In Hebrew texts 7:1-17 is numbered 7:2-18.
  13. Psalm 7:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
  14. Psalm 7:5 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.
  15. Psalm 7:10 Or sovereign
  16. Psalm 7:12 Or If anyone does not repent, / God
  17. Psalm 8:1 In Hebrew texts 8:1-9 is numbered 8:2-10.
  18. Psalm 8:1 Title: Probably a musical term
  19. Psalm 8:4 Or what is a human being that you are mindful of him, / a son of man that you care for him?
  20. Psalm 8:5 Or him
  21. Psalm 8:5 Or than God
  22. Psalm 8:5 Or him
  23. Psalm 8:6 Or made him ruler . . . ; / . . . his
  24. Psalm 9:1 Psalms 9 and 10 may originally have been a single acrostic poem in which alternating lines began with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. In the Septuagint they constitute one psalm.
  25. Psalm 9:1 In Hebrew texts 9:1-20 is numbered 9:2-21.
  26. Psalm 9:16 The Hebrew has Higgaion and Selah (words of uncertain meaning) here; Selah occurs also at the end of verse 20.
  27. Psalm 10:1 Psalms 9 and 10 may originally have been a single acrostic poem in which alternating lines began with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. In the Septuagint they constitute one psalm.
  28. Psalm 10:5 See Septuagint; Hebrew / they are haughty, and your laws are far from
  29. Psalm 12:1 In Hebrew texts 12:1-8 is numbered 12:2-9.
  30. Psalm 12:1 Title: Probably a musical term
  31. Psalm 12:6 Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text earth
  32. Psalm 13:1 In Hebrew texts 13:1-6 is numbered 13:2-6.
  33. Psalm 14:1 The Hebrew words rendered fool in Psalms denote one who is morally deficient.
  34. Psalm 16:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
  35. Psalm 16:10 Or holy
  36. Psalm 18:1 In Hebrew texts 18:1-50 is numbered 18:2-51.
  37. Psalm 18:2 Or sovereign
  38. Psalm 18:2 Horn here symbolizes strength.
  39. Psalm 18:13 Some Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint (see also 2 Samuel 22:14); most Hebrew manuscripts resounded, / amid hailstones and bolts of lightning
  40. Psalm 18:29 Or can run through a barricade
  41. Psalm 18:42 Many Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac and Targum (see also 2 Samuel 22:43); Masoretic Text I poured them out
  42. Psalm 19:1 In Hebrew texts 19:1-14 is numbered 19:2-15.
  43. Psalm 19:4 Septuagint, Jerome and Syriac; Hebrew measuring line
  44. Psalm 20:1 In Hebrew texts 20:1-9 is numbered 20:2-10.
  45. Psalm 20:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.
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