Psalm 107-136
Contemporary English Version
BOOK V
(Psalms 107–150)
The Lord Is Good to His People
1 (A) Shout praises to the Lord!
He is good to us,
and his love never fails.
2 Everyone the Lord has rescued
from trouble
should praise him,
3 everyone he has brought
from the east and the west,
the north and the south.[a]
4 Some of you were lost
in the scorching desert,
far from a town.
5 You were hungry and thirsty
and about to give up.
6 You were in serious trouble,
but you prayed to the Lord,
and he rescued you.
7 At once he brought you
to a town.
8 You should praise the Lord
for his love
and for the wonderful things
he does for all of us.
9 To everyone who is thirsty,
he gives something to drink;
to everyone who is hungry,
he gives good things to eat.
10 Some of you were prisoners
suffering in deepest darkness
and bound by chains,
11 because you had rebelled
against God Most High
and refused his advice.
12 You were worn out
from working like slaves,
and no one came to help.
13 You were in serious trouble,
but you prayed to the Lord,
and he rescued you.
14 He brought you out
of the deepest darkness
and broke your chains.
15 You should praise the Lord
for his love
and for the wonderful things
he does for all of us.
16 He breaks down bronze gates
and shatters iron locks.
17 Some of you had foolishly
committed a lot of sins
and were in terrible pain.
18 The very thought of food
was disgusting to you,
and you were almost dead.
19 You were in serious trouble,
but you prayed to the Lord,
and he rescued you.
20 By the power of his own word,
he healed you and saved you
from destruction.
21 You should praise the Lord
for his love
and for the wonderful things
he does for all of us.
22 You should celebrate
by offering sacrifices
and singing joyful songs
to tell what he has done.
23 Some of you made a living
by sailing the mighty sea,
24 and you saw the miracles
the Lord performed there.
25 At his command a storm arose,
and waves covered the sea.
26 You were tossed to the sky
and to the ocean depths,
until things looked so bad
that you lost your courage.
27 You staggered like drunkards
and gave up all hope.
28 You were in serious trouble,
but you prayed to the Lord,
and he rescued you.
29 He made the storm stop
and the sea be quiet.
30 You were happy because of this,
and he brought you to the port
where you wanted to go.
31 You should praise the Lord
for his love
and for the wonderful things
he does for all of us.
32 Honor the Lord
when you and your leaders
meet to worship.
33 If you start doing wrong,
the Lord will turn rivers
into deserts,
34 (B) flowing streams
into scorched land,
and fruitful fields
into beds of salt.
35 But the Lord can also turn
deserts into lakes
and scorched land
into flowing streams.
36 If you are hungry,
you can settle there
and build a town.
37 You can plant fields
and vineyards that produce
a good harvest.
38 The Lord will bless you
with many children
and with herds of cattle.
39 Sometimes you may be crushed
by troubles and sorrows,
until only a few of you
are left to survive.
40 But the Lord will take revenge
on those who conquer you,
and he will make them wander
across desert sands.
41 When you are suffering
and in need,
he will come to your rescue,
and your families will grow
as fast as a herd of sheep.
42 You will see this because
you obey the Lord,
but everyone who is wicked
will be silenced.
43 Be wise! Remember this
and think about the kindness
of the Lord.
(A song and a psalm by David.)
With God on Our Side
1 Our God, I am faithful to you
with all my heart,
and you can trust me.
I will sing
and play music for you
with all that I am.
2 I will start playing my harps
before the sun rises.
3 I will praise you, Lord,
for everyone to hear;
I will sing hymns to you
in every nation.
4 Your love reaches higher
than the heavens,
and your loyalty extends
beyond the clouds.
5 Our God, may you be honored
above the heavens;
may your glory be seen
everywhere on earth.
6 Answer my prayers
and use your powerful arm
to give us victory.
Then the people you love
will be safe.
7 Our God, from your holy place
you made this promise:
“I will gladly divide up
the city of Shechem
and give away Succoth Valley
piece by piece.
8 The lands of Gilead
and Manasseh are mine.
Ephraim is my war helmet,
and Judah is my symbol
of royal power.
9 Moab is merely my washbasin,
and Edom belongs to me.
I shout with victory
over the Philistines.”
10 Our God, who will bring me
to the fortress
or lead me to Edom?
11 Have you rejected us?
You don't lead our armies.
12 Help us defeat our enemies!
No one else can rescue us.
13 Only you give us victory
and crush our enemies.
(A psalm by David for the music leader.)
A Prayer for the Lord's Help
1 I praise you, God!
Don't keep silent.
2 Destructive and deceitful lies
are told about me,
3 and hateful things are said
for no reason.
4 I had pity and prayed[b]
for my enemies,
but their words to me
were harsh and cruel.
5 For being friendly and kind,
they paid me back
with meanness and hatred.
6 My enemies said,
“Find some worthless fools
to accuse him of a crime.
7 Try him and find him guilty!
Consider his prayers a lie.
8 (C) Cut his life short
and let someone else
have his job.
9 Make orphans of his children
and a widow of his wife;
10 make his children beg for food
and live in the slums.
11 “Let the people he owes
take everything he owns.
Give it all to strangers.
12 Don't let anyone be kind to him
or have pity on the children
he leaves behind.
13 Bring an end to his family,
and from now on let him be
a forgotten man.
14 “Don't let the Lord forgive
the sins of his parents
and his ancestors.
15 Don't let the Lord forget
the sins of his family,
or let anyone remember
his family ever lived.
16 He was so cruel to the poor,
homeless, and discouraged
that they died young.
17 “He cursed others.
Now place a curse on him!
He never wished others well.
Wish only trouble for him!
18 He cursed others more often
than he dressed himself.
Let his curses strike him deep,
just as water and olive oil
soak through to our bones.
19 Let his curses surround him,
just like the belt and clothes
he wears each day.”
20 Those are the cruel things
my enemies wish for me.
Let it all happen to them!
21 Be true to your name, Lord God!
Show your great kindness
and rescue me.
22 I am poor and helpless,
and I have lost all hope.
23 I am fading away
like an evening shadow;
I am tossed aside
like a crawling insect.
24 I have gone without eating,[c]
until my knees are weak,
and my body is bony.
25 (D) When my enemies see me,
they say cruel things
and shake their heads.
26 Please help me, Lord God!
Come and save me
because of your love.
27 Let others know that you alone
have saved me.
28 I don't care if they curse me,
as long as you bless me.
You will make my enemies fail
when they attack,
and you will make me glad
to be your servant.
29 You will cover them with shame,
just as their bodies
are covered with clothes.
30 I will sing your praises
and thank you, Lord,
when your people meet.
31 You help everyone in need,
and you save them from death.
(A psalm by David.)
The Lord Gives Victory
1 (E) The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right side,[d]
until I make your enemies
into a footstool for you.”
2 The Lord will let your power
reach out from Zion,
and you will rule
over your enemies.
3 Your glorious power
will be seen on the day
you begin to rule.
You will wear the sacred robes
and shine like the morning sun
in all of your strength.[e]
4 (F) The Lord has made a promise
that will never be broken:
“You will be a priest forever,
just like Melchizedek.”
5 The Lord is at your right side,
and when he gets angry
he will crush
the other kings.
6 He will judge the nations
and crack their skulls,
leaving piles of dead bodies
all over the earth.
7 He will drink from any stream
that he chooses, while winning
victory after victory.[f]
Praise the Lord for All He Has Done
1 Shout praises to the Lord!
With all my heart
I will thank the Lord
when his people meet.
2 The Lord has done
many wonderful things!
Everyone who is pleased
with God's marvelous deeds
will keep them in mind.
3 Everything the Lord does
is glorious and majestic,
and his power to bring justice
will never end.
4 The Lord God is famous
for his wonderful deeds,
and he is kind and merciful.
5 He gives food to his worshipers
and always keeps his agreement
with them.
6 He has shown his mighty power
to his people
and has given them the lands
of other nations.
7 God is always honest and fair,
and his laws can be trusted.
8 They are true and right
and will stand forever.
9 God rescued his people,
and he will never break
his agreement with them.
He is fearsome and holy.
10 (G) Respect and obey the Lord!
This is the first step
to wisdom and good sense.[g]
God will always be respected.
God Blesses His Worshipers
1 Shout praises to the Lord!
The Lord blesses everyone
who worships him and gladly
obeys his teachings.
2 Their descendants will have
great power in the land,
because the Lord blesses
all who do right.
3 They will get rich and prosper
and will always be remembered
for their fairness.
4 They will be so kind
and merciful and good,
that they will be a light
in the dark for others
who do the right thing.
5 Life will go well for those
who freely lend
and are honest in business.
6 They won't ever be troubled,
and the kind things they do
will never be forgotten.
7 Bad news won't bother them;
they have decided
to trust the Lord.
8 They are dependable
and not afraid,
and they will live to see
their enemies defeated.
9 (H) They will always be remembered
and greatly praised,
because they were kind
and freely gave to the poor.
10 When evil people see this,
they angrily bite their tongues
and disappear.
They will never get
what they really want.
The Lord Helps People in Need
1 Shout praises to the Lord!
Everyone who serves him,
come and praise his name.
2 Let the name of the Lord
be praised now and forever.
3 From dawn until sunset
the name of the Lord
deserves to be praised.
4 The Lord is far above
all of the nations;
he is more glorious
than the heavens.
5 No one can compare
with the Lord our God.
His throne is high above,
6 and he looks down to see
the heavens and the earth.
7 God lifts the poor and needy
from dust and ashes,
8 and he lets them take part
in ruling his people.
9 When a wife has no children,
he blesses her with some,
and she is happy.
Shout praises to the Lord!
The Lord Works Wonders
1 (I) God brought his people
out of Egypt, that land
with a strange language.
2 He made Judah his holy place
and ruled over Israel.
3 (J) When the sea looked at God,
it ran away,
and the Jordan River
flowed upstream.
4 The mountains and the hills
skipped around like goats.
5 Ask the sea why it ran away
or ask the Jordan
why it flowed upstream.
6 Ask the mountains and the hills
why they skipped like goats!
7 Earth, you will tremble,
when the Lord God of Jacob
comes near,
8 (K) because he turns solid rock
into flowing streams
and pools of water.
The Lord Deserves To Be Praised
1 We don't deserve praise!
The Lord alone deserves
all of the praise,
because of his love
and faithfulness.
2 (L) Why should the nations ask,
“Where is your God?”
3 Our God is in the heavens,
doing as he chooses.
4 (M) The idols of the nations
are made of silver and gold.
5 They have a mouth and eyes,
but they can't speak or see.
6 Their ears can't hear,
and their noses can't smell.
7 Their hands have no feeling,
their legs don't move,
and they can't make a sound.
8 Everyone who made the idols
and all who trust them
are just as helpless
as those useless gods.
9 People of Israel,
you must trust the Lord
to help and protect you.
10 Family of Aaron the priest,
you must trust the Lord
to help and protect you.
11 All of you worship the Lord,
so you must trust him
to help and protect you.
12 The Lord will not forget
to give us his blessing;
he will bless all of Israel
and the family of Aaron.
13 (N) All who worship the Lord,
no matter who they are,
will receive his blessing.
14 I pray that the Lord
will let your family
and your descendants
always grow strong.
15 May the Lord who created
the heavens and the earth
give you his blessing.
16 The Lord has kept the heavens
for himself,
but he has given the earth
to us humans.
17 The dead are silent
and cannot praise the Lord,
18 but we will praise him
now and forevermore.
Shout praises to the Lord!
When the Lord Saves You from Death
1 I love you, Lord!
You answered my prayers.
2 You paid attention to me,
and so I will pray to you
as long as I live.
3 Death attacked from all sides,
and I was captured
by its painful chains.
But when I was really hurting,
4 I prayed and said, “Lord,
please don't let me die!”
5 You are kind, Lord,
so good and merciful.
6 You protect ordinary people,
and when I was helpless,
you saved me
7 and treated me so kindly
that I don't need
to worry anymore.
8 You, Lord, have saved
my life from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling.
9 Now I will walk at your side
in this land of the living.
10 (O) I was faithful to you
when I was suffering,
11 though in my confusion I said,
“I can't trust anyone!”
12 What must I give you, Lord,
for being so good to me?
13 I will pour out an offering
of wine to you,
and I will pray in your name
because you
have saved me.
14 I will keep my promise to you
when your people meet.
15 You are deeply concerned
when one of your loyal people
faces death.
16 I worship you, Lord,
just as my mother did,
and you have rescued me
from the chains of death.
17 I will offer you a sacrifice
to show how grateful I am,
and I will pray.
18 I will keep my promise to you
when your people
19 gather at your temple
in Jerusalem.
Shout praises to the Lord!
Come Praise the Lord
1 (P) All of you nations,
come praise the Lord!
Let everyone praise him.
2 God's love for us is wonderful;
his faithfulness never ends.
Shout praises to the Lord!
The Lord Is Always Merciful
1 (Q) Tell the Lord
how thankful you are,
because he is kind
and always merciful.
2 Let Israel shout,
“God is always merciful!”
3 Let the family of Aaron
the priest shout,
“God is always merciful!”
4 Let every true worshiper
of the Lord shout,
“God is always merciful!”
5 When I was really hurting,
I prayed to the Lord.
He answered my prayer,
and took my worries away.
6 (R) The Lord is on my side,
and I am not afraid
of what others can do to me.
7 With the Lord on my side,
I will defeat
my hateful enemies.
8 It is better to trust the Lord
for protection
than to trust anyone else,
9 including strong leaders.
10 Nations surrounded me,
but I got rid of them
by the power of the Lord.
11 They attacked from all sides,
but I got rid of them
by the power of the Lord.
12 They swarmed around like bees,
but by the power of the Lord,
I got rid of them
and their fiery sting.
13 Their attacks were so fierce
that I nearly fell,
but the Lord helped me.
14 (S) My power and my strength
come from the Lord,
and he has saved me.
15 From the tents of God's people
come shouts of victory:
“The Lord is powerful!
16 With his mighty arm
the Lord wins victories!
The Lord is powerful!”
17 And so my life is safe,
and I will live to tell
what the Lord has done.
18 He punished me terribly,
but he did not let death
lay its hands on me.
19 Open the gates of justice!
I will enter and tell the Lord
how thankful I am.
20 Here is the gate of the Lord!
Everyone who does right
may enter this gate.
21 I praise the Lord
for answering my prayers
and saving me.
22 (T)(U) The stone that the builders
tossed aside
has now become
the most important stone.
23 The Lord has done this,
and it is amazing to us.
24 This day belongs to the Lord!
Let's celebrate
and be glad today.
25 (V) We'll ask the Lord to save us!
We'll sincerely ask the Lord
to let us win.
26 (W) God bless the one who comes
in the name of the Lord!
We praise you from here
in the house of the Lord.
27 The Lord is our God,
and he has given us light!
Start the celebration!
March with palm branches
all the way to the altar.[h]
28 The Lord is my God!
I will praise him and tell him
how thankful I am.
29 Tell the Lord
how thankful you are,
because he is kind
and always merciful.
In Praise of the Law of the Lord
1 Our Lord, you bless everyone
who lives right
and obeys your Law.
2 You bless all those
who follow your commands
from deep in their hearts
3 and who never do wrong
or turn from you.
4 You have ordered us always
to obey your teachings;
5 I don't ever want to stray
from your laws.
6 Thinking about your commands
will keep me from doing
some foolish thing.
7 I will do right and praise you
by learning to respect
your perfect laws.
8 I will obey all of them!
Don't turn your back on me.
9 Young people can live
a clean life
by obeying your word.
10 I worship you
with all my heart.
Don't let me walk away
from your commands.
11 I treasure your word
above all else;
it keeps me from sinning
against you.
12 I praise you, Lord!
Teach me your laws.
13 With my own mouth,
I tell others the laws
that you have spoken.
14 Obeying your instructions
brings as much happiness
as being rich.
15 I will study your teachings
and follow your footsteps.
16 I will take pleasure
in your laws
and remember your words.
17 Treat me with kindness, Lord,
so that I may live
and do what you say.
18 Open my mind
and let me discover
the wonders of your Law.
19 I live here as a stranger.
Don't keep me from knowing
your commands.
20 What I want most
and at all times
is to honor your laws.
21 You punish those boastful,
worthless nobodies who turn
from your commands.
22 Don't let them sneer
and insult me
for following you.
23 I keep thinking about
your teachings, Lord,
even if rulers plot
against me.
24 Your laws are my greatest joy!
I follow their advice.
25 I am at the point of death.
Let your teachings
breathe new life into me.
26 When I told you my troubles,
you answered my prayers.
Now teach me your laws.
27 Help me to understand
your teachings,
and I will think about
your marvelous deeds.
28 I am overcome with sorrow.
Encourage me,
as you have promised to do.
29 Keep me from being deceitful,
and be kind enough
to teach me your Law.
30 I am determined to be faithful
and to respect your laws.
31 I follow your rules, Lord.
Don't let me be ashamed.
32 I am eager to learn all
that you want me to do;
help me to understand more.
33 Point out your rules, Lord,
and I won't disobey
even one of them.
34 Help me to understand your Law;
I promise to obey it
with all my heart.
35 Direct me by your commands!
I love to do what you say.
36 Make me want to obey you,
rather than to be rich.
37 Take away my foolish desires,
and let me find life
by walking with you.
38 I am your servant!
Do for me what you promised
to those who worship you.
39 Your wonderful teachings
protect me from the insults
that I hate so much.
40 I long for your teachings.
Be true to yourself
and let me live.
41 Show me your love
and save me, Lord,
as you have promised.
42 Then I will have an answer
for everyone who insults me
for trusting your word.
43 I rely on your laws!
Don't take away my chance
to speak your truth.
44 I will keep obeying your Law
forever and ever.
45 I have gained perfect freedom
by following your teachings,
46 and I trust them so much
that I tell them to kings.
47 I love your commands!
They bring me happiness.
48 I love and respect them
and will keep them in mind.
49 Don't forget your promise
to me, your servant.
I depend on it.
50 When I am hurting,
I find comfort in your promise
that leads to life.
51 Conceited people sneer at me,
but I obey your Law.
52 I find true comfort, Lord,
because your laws have stood
the test of time.
53 I get furious when evil people
turn against your Law.
54 No matter where I am,
your teachings
fill me with songs.
55 Even in the night
I think about you, Lord,
and I obey your Law.
56 You have blessed me
because I have always followed
your teachings.
57 You, Lord, are my choice,
and I will obey you.
58 With all my heart
I beg you to be kind to me,
just as you have promised.
59 I pay careful attention
as you lead me,
and I follow closely.
60 As soon as you command,
I do what you say.
61 Evil people may set a trap,
but I obey your Law.
62 Your laws are so fair
that I wake up and praise you
in the middle of the night.
63 I choose as my friends
everyone who worships you
and follows your teachings.
64 Our Lord, your love is seen
all over the world.
Teach me your laws.
65 I am your servant, Lord,
and you have kept your promise
to treat me with kindness.
66 Give me wisdom and good sense.
I trust your commands.
67 Once you corrected me
for not obeying you,
but now I do obey.
68 You are kindhearted,
and you do good things,
so teach me your laws.
69 My reputation is being ruined
by conceited liars,
but with all my heart
I follow your teachings.
70 Those liars have no sense,
but I find happiness
in your Law.
71 When you corrected me,
it did me good
because it taught me
to study your laws.
72 I would rather obey you
than to have a thousand pieces
of silver and gold.
73 You created me
and put me together.
Make me wise enough to learn
what you have commanded.
74 Your worshipers will see me,
and they will be glad
that I trust your word.
75 Your decisions are correct,
and you were right
to punish me.
76 I serve you, Lord.
Comfort me with your love,
just as you have promised.
77 I love to obey your Law!
Have mercy and let me live.
78 Put down those proud people
who hurt me with their lies,
because I have chosen
to study your teachings.
79 Let your worshipers come to me,
so they will learn
to obey your rules.
80 Let me truly respect your laws,
so I won't be ashamed.
81 I long for you to rescue me!
Your word is my only hope.
82 I am worn out from waiting
for you to keep your word.
When will you have mercy?
83 My life is wasting away
like a dried-up wineskin,[i]
but I have not forgotten
your teachings.
84 I am your servant!
How long must I suffer?
When will you punish
those troublemakers?
85 Those proud people reject
your teachings,
and they dig pits
for me to fall in.
86 Your laws can be trusted!
Protect me from cruel liars.
87 They have almost killed me,
but I have been faithful
to your teachings.
88 Show that you love me
and let me live,
so that I may obey
your commands.
89 Our Lord, you are eternal!
Your word will last as long
as the heavens.[j]
90 You remain faithful
in every generation,
and the earth you created
will keep standing firm.
91 All things are your servants,
and the laws you made
are still in effect today.
92 If I had not found happiness
in obeying your Law,
I would have died in misery.
93 I won't ever forget
your teachings,
because you give me new life
when I follow them.
94 I belong to you,
and I have respected your laws,
so keep me safe.
95 Brutal enemies are waiting
to ambush and destroy me,
but I obey your rules.
96 Nothing is completely perfect,
except your teachings.
97 I deeply love your Law!
I think about it all day.
98 Your laws never leave my mind,
and they make me much wiser
than my enemies.
99 Thinking about your teachings
gives me better understanding
than my teachers,
100 and obeying your laws
makes me wiser than those
who have lived a long time.
101 I obey your word
instead of following a way
that leads to trouble.
102 You have been my teacher,
and I won't reject
your instructions.
103 Your teachings are sweeter
than honey.
104 They give me understanding
and make me hate all lies.
105 Your word is a lamp
that gives light
wherever I walk.
106 Your laws are fair,
and I have given my word
to respect them all.
107 I am in terrible pain!
Save me, Lord,
as you have promised.
108 Accept my offerings of praise
and teach me your laws.
109 I never forget your teachings,
although my life is always
in danger.
110 Some merciless people
are trying to trap me,
but I never turn my back
on your teachings.
111 They will always be
my most prized possession
and my source of joy.
112 I have made up my mind
to obey your laws forever,
no matter what.
113 I hate anyone
whose loyalty is divided,
but I love your Law.
114 You are my place of safety
and my shield.
Your word is my only hope.
115 All you worthless people,
get away from me!
I am determined to obey
the commands of my God.
116 Be true to your word, Lord.
Keep me alive and strong;
don't let me be ashamed
because of my hope.
117 Keep me safe and secure,
so that I will always
respect your laws.
118 You reject all deceitful liars
because they refuse
your teachings.
119 As far as you are concerned,
evil people are[k] garbage,
and so I follow your rules.
120 I tremble all over
when I think of you
and the way you judge.
121 I did what was fair and right!
Don't hand me over to those
who want to mistreat me.
122 Take good care of me,
your servant,
and don't let me be harmed
by those conceited people.
123 My eyes are weary from waiting
to see you keep your promise
to come and save me.
124 Show your love for me,
your servant,
and teach me your laws.
125 I serve you,
so let me understand
your teachings.
126 Do something, Lord!
They have broken your Law.
127 Your laws mean more to me
than the finest gold.
128 I follow all your commands,[l]
but I hate anyone
who leads me astray.
129 Your teachings are wonderful,
and I respect them all.
130 Understanding your word
brings light to the minds
of ordinary people.
131 I honestly want to know
everything you teach.
132 Think about me and be kind,
just as you are to everyone
who loves your name.
133 Keep your promise
and don't let me stumble
or let sin control my life.
134 Protect me from abuse,
so I can obey your laws.
135 Smile on me, your servant,
and teach me your laws.
136 When anyone disobeys you,
my eyes overflow with tears.
137 Our Lord, you always do right,
and your decisions are fair.
138 All your teachings are true
and trustworthy.
139 It upsets me greatly
when my enemies neglect
your teachings.
140 Your word to me, your servant,
is like pure gold;
I treasure what you say.
141 Everyone calls me a nobody,
but I remember your laws.
142 You will always do right,
and your teachings are true.
143 I am in deep distress,
but I love your teachings.
144 Your rules are always fair.
Help me to understand them
and live.
145 I pray to you, Lord!
Please answer me.
I promise to obey your laws.
146 I beg you to save me,
so I can follow your rules.
147 Even before sunrise,
I pray for your help,
and I put my hope
in what you have said.
148 I lie awake at night,
thinking of your promises.
149 Show that you love me, Lord,
and answer my prayer.
Please do the right thing
and save my life.
150 People who disobey your Law
have made evil plans
and want to hurt me,
151 but you are with me,
and all your commands
can be trusted.
152 From studying your laws,
I found out long ago
you made them to last forever.
153 I have not forgotten your Law!
Look at the trouble I am in,
and rescue me.
154 Be my defender and protector!
Remember your promise
and save my life.
155 Evil people won't obey you,
and so they have no hope
of being saved.
156 You are merciful, Lord!
Please do the right thing
and save my life.
157 I have a lot of brutal enemies,
but still I never turn
from your laws.
158 Those unfaithful people
who refuse to obey you
are disgusting to me.
159 Remember how I love your laws,
and show your love for me
by keeping me safe.
160 All you say can be trusted;
your teachings are true
and will last forever.
161 Rulers are cruel to me
for no reason.
But with all my heart
I respect your words,
162 because they bring happiness
like treasures taken in war.
163 I can't stand liars,
but I love your Law.
164 I praise you seven times a day
because your laws are fair.
165 You give peace of mind
to all who love your Law.
Nothing can make them fall.
166 You are my only hope
for being saved, Lord,
and I do all you command.
167 I love and obey your laws
with all my heart.
168 You know everything I do.
You know I respect every law
you have given.
169 Please, Lord, hear my prayer
and give me the understanding
that comes from your word.
170 Listen to my concerns
and keep me safe,
just as you have promised.
171 If you will teach me your laws,
I will praise you 172 and sing
about your promise,
because all your teachings
are what they ought to be.
173 Be ready to protect me
because I have chosen
to obey your laws.
174 I am waiting for you
to save me, Lord.
Your Law makes me happy.
175 Keep me alive,
so I can praise you,
and let me find help
in your teachings.
176 I am your servant,
but I have wandered away
like a lost sheep.
Please come after me,
because I have not forgotten
your teachings.
(A song for worship.)
A Prayer for the Lord's Help
1 When I am in trouble, I pray,
2 “Come and save me, Lord,
from deceitful liars!”
3 What punishment is fitting
for you deceitful liars?
4 Your reward should be
sharp and flaming arrows!
5 But I must live as a foreigner
among the people of Meshech
and in the tents of Kedar.[m]
6 I have spent too much time
living among people
who hate peace.
7 I am in favor of peace,
but when I speak of it,
all they want is war.
(A song for worship.)
The Lord Will Protect His People
1 I look to the hills!
Where will I find help?
2 It will come from the Lord,
who created heaven and earth.
3 The Lord is your protector,
and he won't go to sleep
or let you stumble.
4 The protector of Israel
doesn't doze
or ever get drowsy.
5 The Lord is your protector,
there at your right side
to shade you from the sun.
6 You won't be harmed
by the sun during the day
or by the moon[n] at night.
7 The Lord will protect you
and keep you safe
from all dangers.
8 The Lord will protect you
now and always
wherever you go.
(A song by David for worship.)
A Song of Praise
1 It made me glad when they said,
“Let's go to the house
of the Lord!”
2 Jerusalem, we are standing
inside your gates.
3 Jerusalem, what a strong
and beautiful city you are!
4 Every tribe of the Lord
obeys him and comes to you
to praise his name.
5 David's royal throne is here
where justice rules.
6 Jerusalem, we pray
that you will have peace,
and that all will go well
for those who love you.
7 May there be peace
inside your city walls
and in your palaces.
8 Because of my friends
and my relatives,
I will pray for peace.
9 And because of the house
of the Lord our God,
I will work for your good.
(A song for worship.)
A Prayer for Mercy
1 Our Lord and our God,
I turn my eyes to you,
on your throne in heaven.
2 Servants look to their master,
but we will look to you,
until you have mercy on us.
3 Please have mercy, Lord!
We have been insulted
more than we can stand,
4 and we can't take more abuse
from those proud,
conceited people.
(A song by David for worship.)
Thanking the Lord for Victory
1 The Lord was on our side!
Let everyone in Israel say:
2 “The Lord was on our side!
Otherwise, the enemy attack
3 would have killed us all,
because it was furious.
4 We would have been swept away
in a violent flood
5 of high and roaring waves.”
6 Let's praise the Lord!
He protected us from enemies
who were like wild animals,
7 and we escaped like birds
from a hunter's torn net.
8 The Lord made heaven and earth,
and he is the one
who sends us help.
(A song for worship.)
The Lord's People Are Safe
1 Everyone who trusts the Lord
is like Mount Zion
that cannot be shaken
and will stand forever.
2 Just as Jerusalem is protected
by mountains on every side,
the Lord protects his people
by holding them in his arms
now and forever.
3 He won't let the wicked
rule his people
or lead them to do wrong.
4 Let's ask the Lord to be kind
to everyone who is good
and completely obeys him.
5 When the Lord punishes
the wicked,
he will punish everyone else
who lives an evil life.
Pray for peace in Israel!
(A song for worship.)
Celebrating the Harvest
1 It seemed like a dream
when the Lord brought us back
to the city of Zion.[o]
2 We celebrated with laughter
and joyful songs.
In foreign nations it was said,
“The Lord has worked miracles
for his people.”
3 And so we celebrated
because the Lord had indeed
worked miracles for us.
4 Our Lord, we ask you to bless
our people again,
and let us be like streams
in the Southern Desert.
5 We cried as we went out
to plant our seeds.
Now let us celebrate
as we bring in the crops.
6 We cried on the way
to plant our seeds,
but we will celebrate and shout
as we bring in the crops.
(A song by Solomon for worship.)
Only the Lord Can Bless a Home
1 Without the help of the Lord
it is useless to build a home
or to guard a city.
2 It is useless to get up early
and stay up late
in order to earn a living.
God takes care of his own,
even while they sleep.[p]
3 Children are a blessing
and a gift from the Lord.
4 Having a lot of children
to take care of you
in your old age
is like a warrior
with a lot of arrows.
5 The more you have,
the better off you will be,
because they will protect you
when your enemies
attack you in court.
(A song for worship.)
The Lord Rewards His Faithful People
1 The Lord will bless you
if you respect him
and obey his laws.
2 Your fields will produce,
and you will be happy—
all will go well.
3 Your wife will be as fruitful
as a grapevine,
and just as an olive tree
is rich with olives,
your home will be rich
with healthy children.
4 This is how the Lord will bless
everyone who respects him.
5 I pray that the Lord
will bless you from Zion
and let Jerusalem prosper
as long as you live.
6 May you live long enough
to see your grandchildren.
Let's pray for peace in Israel!
(A song for worship.)
A Prayer for Protection
1 Since the time I was young,
enemies have often attacked!
Let everyone in Israel say:
2 “Since the time I was young,
enemies have often attacked!
But they have not defeated me,
3 though my back is like a field
that has just been plowed.”
4 The Lord always does right,
and he has set me free
from the ropes
of those cruel people.
5 I pray that all who hate
the city of Zion
will be made ashamed
and forced to turn and run.
6 May they be like grass
on the flat roof of a house,
grass that dries up
as soon as it sprouts.
7 Don't let them be like wheat
gathered in bundles.
8 And don't let anyone
who passes by say to them,
“The Lord bless you!
I give you my blessing
in the name of the Lord.”
(A song for worship.)
Trusting the Lord in Times of Trouble
1 From a sea of troubles
I cry out to you, Lord.
2 Won't you please listen
as I beg for mercy?
3 If you kept record of our sins,
no one could last long.
4 But you forgive us,
and so we will worship you.
5 With all my heart,
I am waiting, Lord, for you!
I trust your promises.
6 I wait for you more eagerly
than a soldier on guard duty
waits for the dawn.
Yes, I wait more eagerly
than a soldier on guard duty
waits for the dawn.
7 Israel, trust the Lord!
God is always merciful
and has the power to save you.
8 (X) Israel, the Lord will save you
from all your sins.
(A song by David for worship.)
Trust the Lord!
1 I am not conceited, Lord,
and I don't waste my time
on impossible schemes.
2 But I have learned to feel safe
and satisfied,
like a young child
in its mother's arms.
3 People of Israel,
you must trust the Lord
now and forever.
(A song for worship.)
The Lord Is Always with His People
1 Our Lord, don't forget David
and how he suffered.
2 Mighty God of Jacob,
remember how he promised:
3 “I won't go home
or crawl into bed
4 or close my eyelids,
5 until I find a home for you,
the mighty Lord God of Jacob.”
6 (Y) When we were in Ephrath,
we heard that the sacred chest
was somewhere near Jaar.
7 Then we said, “Let's go
to the throne of the Lord
and worship at his feet.”
8 Come to your new home, Lord,
you and the sacred chest
with all its power.
9 Let victory be like robes
for the priests;
let your faithful people
celebrate and shout.
10 David is your chosen one,
so don't reject him.
11 (Z) You made a solemn promise
to David, when you said,
“I, the Lord, promise
that someone in your family
will always be king.
12 If they keep our agreement
and follow my teachings,
then someone in your family
will rule forever.”
13 You have gladly chosen Zion
as your home, our Lord.
14 You said, “This is my home!
I will live here forever.
15 I will bless Zion with food,
and even the poor will eat
until they are full.
16 Victory will be like robes
for the priests,
and its faithful people
will celebrate and shout.
17 (AA) I will give mighty power
to the kingdom of David.
Each of my chosen kings
will shine like a lamp
18 and wear a sparkling crown.
But I will disgrace
their enemies.”
(A song for worship.)
Living Together in Peace
1 It is truly wonderful
when the people of God
live together in peace.
2 It is as beautiful as olive oil
poured on Aaron's head[q]
and running down his beard
and the collar of his robe.
3 It is like the dew
from Mount Hermon,
falling on Zion's mountains,
where the Lord has promised
to bless his people
with life forevermore.
(A song for worship.)
Praising the Lord at Night
1 Everyone who serves the Lord,
come and offer praises.
Everyone who has gathered
in his temple tonight,
2 lift your hands in prayer
toward his holy place
and praise the Lord.
3 The Lord is the Creator
of heaven and earth,
and I pray that the Lord
will bless you from Zion.
In Praise of the Lord's Kindness
1 Shout praises to the Lord!
You are his servants,
so praise his name.
2 All who serve in the temple
of the Lord our God,
3 come and shout praises.
Praise the name of the Lord!
He is kind and good.
4 He chose the family of Jacob
and the people of Israel
for his very own.
5 The Lord is much greater
than any other god.
6 He does as he chooses
in heaven and on earth
and deep in the sea.
7 The Lord makes the clouds rise
from far across the earth,
and he makes lightning
to go with the rain.
Then from his secret place
he sends out the wind.
8 The Lord killed the first-born
of people and animals
in the land of Egypt.
9 God used miracles and wonders
to fight the king of Egypt
and all of his officials.
10 He destroyed many nations
and killed powerful kings,
11 including King Sihon
of the Amorites
and King Og of Bashan.
He conquered every kingdom
in the land of Canaan
12 and gave their property
to his people Israel.
13 The name of the Lord
will be remembered forever,
and he will be famous
for all time to come.
14 The Lord will bring justice
and show mercy to all
who serve him.
15 (AB) Idols of silver and gold
are made and worshiped
in other nations.
16 They have a mouth and eyes,
but they can't speak or see.
17 They are completely deaf,
and they can't breathe.
18 Everyone who makes idols
and all who trust them
will end up as helpless
as their idols.
19 Everyone in Israel,
come praise the Lord!
All the family of Aaron
20 and all the tribe of Levi,[r]
come praise the Lord!
All of his worshipers,
come praise the Lord.
21 Praise the Lord from Zion!
He lives here in Jerusalem.
Shout praises to the Lord!
God's Love Never Fails
1 (AC) Praise the Lord! He is good.
God's love never fails.
2 Praise the God of all gods.
God's love never fails.
3 Praise the Lord of lords.
God's love never fails.
Footnotes
- 107.3 south: The Hebrew text has “sea,” probably referring to the Mediterranean Sea.
- 109.4 and prayed: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- 109.24 without eating: See the note at 35.13.
- 110.1 right side: See the note at 16.11.
- 110.3 You will … strength: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- 110.7 while … victory: Or “God will give him victory after victory.”
- 111.10 This … sense: Or “This is what wisdom and good sense are all about.”
- 118.27 Start … altar: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- 119.83 a dried-up wineskin: The Hebrew text has “a wineskin in the smoke.” In ancient times bags were made from animal skins to hold wine, but when the bags dried up they cracked and could no longer be used.
- 119.89 Our … heavens: Or “Our Lord your word is eternal. It will last as long as the heavens.”
- 119.119 As far as … are: A few Hebrew manuscripts and ancient translations. Most Hebrew manuscripts have “You get rid of evil people as if they were.”
- 119.128 I … commands: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- 120.5 Meshech … Kedar: Meshech was a country near the Black Sea, and Kedar was a tribe of the Syrian desert.
- 121.6 harmed … sun … moon: In ancient times people saw the harmful effects of the rays of the sun, and they thought that certain illnesses (especially mental disorders) were also caused by the rays of the moon.
- 126.1 brought … Zion: Or “made the city of Zion prosperous again.”
- 127.2 God … sleep: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- 133.2 head: Olive oil was poured on Aaron's head to show that God had chosen him to be the high priest.
- 135.19,20 Aaron … Levi: Aaron was from the tribe of Levi, and all priests were from his family. The temple helpers, singers, and musicians were also from the tribe of Levi.
Psalm 107-119
New International Version
BOOK V
Psalms 107–150
Psalm 107
2 Let the redeemed(C) of the Lord tell their story—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
3 those he gathered(D) from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south.[a]
4 Some wandered in desert(E) wastelands,
finding no way to a city(F) where they could settle.
5 They were hungry(G) and thirsty,(H)
and their lives ebbed away.
6 Then they cried out(I) to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He led them by a straight way(J)
to a city(K) where they could settle.
8 Let them give thanks(L) to the Lord for his unfailing love(M)
and his wonderful deeds(N) for mankind,
9 for he satisfies(O) the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.(P)
10 Some sat in darkness,(Q) in utter darkness,
prisoners suffering(R) in iron chains,(S)
11 because they rebelled(T) against God’s commands
and despised(U) the plans(V) of the Most High.
12 So he subjected them to bitter labor;
they stumbled, and there was no one to help.(W)
13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them(X) from their distress.
14 He brought them out of darkness,(Y) the utter darkness,(Z)
and broke away their chains.(AA)
15 Let them give thanks(AB) to the Lord for his unfailing love(AC)
and his wonderful deeds(AD) for mankind,
16 for he breaks down gates of bronze
and cuts through bars of iron.
17 Some became fools(AE) through their rebellious ways(AF)
and suffered affliction(AG) because of their iniquities.
18 They loathed all food(AH)
and drew near the gates of death.(AI)
19 Then they cried(AJ) to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them(AK) from their distress.
20 He sent out his word(AL) and healed them;(AM)
he rescued(AN) them from the grave.(AO)
21 Let them give thanks(AP) to the Lord for his unfailing love(AQ)
and his wonderful deeds(AR) for mankind.
22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings(AS)
and tell of his works(AT) with songs of joy.(AU)
23 Some went out on the sea(AV) in ships;(AW)
they were merchants on the mighty waters.
24 They saw the works of the Lord,(AX)
his wonderful deeds in the deep.
25 For he spoke(AY) and stirred up a tempest(AZ)
that lifted high the waves.(BA)
26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
in their peril(BB) their courage melted(BC) away.
27 They reeled(BD) and staggered like drunkards;
they were at their wits’ end.
28 Then they cried(BE) out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.(BF)
29 He stilled the storm(BG) to a whisper;
the waves(BH) of the sea[b] were hushed.(BI)
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them(BJ) to their desired haven.
31 Let them give thanks(BK) to the Lord for his unfailing love(BL)
and his wonderful deeds(BM) for mankind.
32 Let them exalt(BN) him in the assembly(BO) of the people
and praise him in the council of the elders.
33 He turned rivers into a desert,(BP)
flowing springs(BQ) into thirsty ground,
34 and fruitful land into a salt waste,(BR)
because of the wickedness of those who lived there.
35 He turned the desert into pools of water(BS)
and the parched ground into flowing springs;(BT)
36 there he brought the hungry to live,
and they founded a city where they could settle.
37 They sowed fields and planted vineyards(BU)
that yielded a fruitful harvest;
38 he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased,(BV)
and he did not let their herds diminish.(BW)
39 Then their numbers decreased,(BX) and they were humbled(BY)
by oppression, calamity and sorrow;
40 he who pours contempt on nobles(BZ)
made them wander in a trackless waste.(CA)
41 But he lifted the needy(CB) out of their affliction
and increased their families like flocks.(CC)
42 The upright see and rejoice,(CD)
but all the wicked shut their mouths.(CE)
Psalm 108[c](CH)(CI)
A song. A psalm of David.
1 My heart, O God, is steadfast;(CJ)
I will sing(CK) and make music with all my soul.
2 Awake, harp and lyre!(CL)
I will awaken the dawn.
3 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
4 For great is your love,(CM) higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness(CN) reaches to the skies.(CO)
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;(CP)
let your glory be over all the earth.(CQ)
6 Save us and help us with your right hand,(CR)
that those you love may be delivered.
7 God has spoken(CS) from his sanctuary:(CT)
“In triumph I will parcel out Shechem(CU)
and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth.(CV)
8 Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine;
Ephraim is my helmet,
Judah(CW) is my scepter.
9 Moab(CX) is my washbasin,
on Edom(CY) I toss my sandal;
over Philistia(CZ) I shout in triumph.”
10 Who will bring me to the fortified city?
Who will lead me to Edom?
11 Is it not you, God, you who have rejected us
and no longer go out with our armies?(DA)
12 Give us aid against the enemy,
for human help is worthless.(DB)
13 With God we will gain the victory,
and he will trample down(DC) our enemies.
Psalm 109
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
1 My God, whom I praise,(DD)
do not remain silent,(DE)
2 for people who are wicked and deceitful(DF)
have opened their mouths against me;
they have spoken against me with lying tongues.(DG)
3 With words of hatred(DH) they surround me;
they attack me without cause.(DI)
4 In return for my friendship they accuse me,
but I am a man of prayer.(DJ)
5 They repay me evil for good,(DK)
and hatred for my friendship.
6 Appoint someone evil to oppose my enemy;
let an accuser(DL) stand at his right hand.
7 When he is tried, let him be found guilty,(DM)
and may his prayers condemn(DN) him.
8 May his days be few;(DO)
may another take his place(DP) of leadership.
9 May his children be fatherless
and his wife a widow.(DQ)
10 May his children be wandering beggars;(DR)
may they be driven[d] from their ruined homes.
11 May a creditor(DS) seize all he has;
may strangers plunder(DT) the fruits of his labor.(DU)
12 May no one extend kindness to him
or take pity(DV) on his fatherless children.
13 May his descendants be cut off,(DW)
their names blotted out(DX) from the next generation.
14 May the iniquity of his fathers(DY) be remembered before the Lord;
may the sin of his mother never be blotted out.
15 May their sins always remain before(DZ) the Lord,
that he may blot out their name(EA) from the earth.
16 For he never thought of doing a kindness,
but hounded to death the poor
and the needy(EB) and the brokenhearted.(EC)
17 He loved to pronounce a curse—
may it come back on him.(ED)
He found no pleasure in blessing—
may it be far from him.
18 He wore cursing(EE) as his garment;
it entered into his body like water,(EF)
into his bones like oil.
19 May it be like a cloak wrapped(EG) about him,
like a belt tied forever around him.
20 May this be the Lord’s payment(EH) to my accusers,
to those who speak evil(EI) of me.
21 But you, Sovereign Lord,
help me for your name’s sake;(EJ)
out of the goodness of your love,(EK) deliver me.(EL)
22 For I am poor and needy,
and my heart is wounded within me.
23 I fade away like an evening shadow;(EM)
I am shaken off like a locust.
24 My knees give(EN) way from fasting;(EO)
my body is thin and gaunt.(EP)
25 I am an object of scorn(EQ) to my accusers;
when they see me, they shake their heads.(ER)
26 Help me,(ES) Lord my God;
save me according to your unfailing love.
27 Let them know(ET) that it is your hand,
that you, Lord, have done it.
28 While they curse,(EU) may you bless;
may those who attack me be put to shame,
but may your servant rejoice.(EV)
29 May my accusers be clothed with disgrace
and wrapped in shame(EW) as in a cloak.
30 With my mouth I will greatly extol the Lord;
in the great throng(EX) of worshipers I will praise him.
31 For he stands at the right hand(EY) of the needy,
to save their lives from those who would condemn them.
Psalm 110
Of David. A psalm.
2 The Lord will extend your mighty scepter(FC) from Zion,(FD) saying,
“Rule(FE) in the midst of your enemies!”
3 Your troops will be willing
on your day of battle.
Arrayed in holy splendor,(FF)
your young men will come to you
like dew from the morning’s womb.[f](FG)
4 The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind:(FH)
“You are a priest forever,(FI)
in the order of Melchizedek.(FJ)”
5 The Lord is at your right hand[g];(FK)
he will crush kings(FL) on the day of his wrath.(FM)
6 He will judge the nations,(FN) heaping up the dead(FO)
and crushing the rulers(FP) of the whole earth.
7 He will drink from a brook along the way,[h]
and so he will lift his head high.(FQ)
Psalm 111[i]
1 Praise the Lord.[j]
I will extol the Lord(FR) with all my heart(FS)
in the council(FT) of the upright and in the assembly.(FU)
2 Great are the works(FV) of the Lord;
they are pondered by all(FW) who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures(FX) forever.
4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and compassionate.(FY)
5 He provides food(FZ) for those who fear him;(GA)
he remembers his covenant(GB) forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,(GC)
giving them the lands of other nations.(GD)
7 The works of his hands(GE) are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.(GF)
8 They are established for ever(GG) and ever,
enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He provided redemption(GH) for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever—
holy and awesome(GI) is his name.
10 The fear of the Lord(GJ) is the beginning of wisdom;(GK)
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.(GL)
To him belongs eternal praise.(GM)
Psalm 112[k]
2 Their children(GR) will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches(GS) are in their houses,
and their righteousness endures(GT) forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns(GU) for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.(GV)
5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,(GW)
who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken;(GX)
they will be remembered(GY) forever.
7 They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast,(GZ) trusting in the Lord.(HA)
8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;(HB)
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.(HC)
9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,(HD)
their righteousness endures(HE) forever;
their horn[m] will be lifted(HF) high in honor.
10 The wicked will see(HG) and be vexed,
they will gnash their teeth(HH) and waste away;(HI)
the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.(HJ)
Psalm 113
Praise the Lord, you his servants;(HL)
praise the name of the Lord.
2 Let the name of the Lord be praised,(HM)
both now and forevermore.(HN)
3 From the rising of the sun(HO) to the place where it sets,
the name of the Lord is to be praised.
4 The Lord is exalted(HP) over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens.(HQ)
5 Who is like the Lord our God,(HR)
the One who sits enthroned(HS) on high,(HT)
6 who stoops down to look(HU)
on the heavens and the earth?
7 He raises the poor(HV) from the dust
and lifts the needy(HW) from the ash heap;
8 he seats them(HX) with princes,
with the princes of his people.
9 He settles the childless(HY) woman in her home
as a happy mother of children.
Praise the Lord.
Psalm 114
1 When Israel came out of Egypt,(HZ)
Jacob from a people of foreign tongue,
2 Judah(IA) became God’s sanctuary,(IB)
Israel his dominion.
3 The sea looked and fled,(IC)
the Jordan turned back;(ID)
4 the mountains leaped(IE) like rams,
the hills like lambs.
5 Why was it, sea, that you fled?(IF)
Why, Jordan, did you turn back?
6 Why, mountains, did you leap like rams,
you hills, like lambs?
7 Tremble, earth,(IG) at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
8 who turned the rock into a pool,
the hard rock into springs of water.(IH)
Psalm 115(II)
1 Not to us, Lord, not to us
but to your name be the glory,(IJ)
because of your love and faithfulness.(IK)
2 Why do the nations say,
“Where is their God?”(IL)
3 Our God is in heaven;(IM)
he does whatever pleases him.(IN)
4 But their idols are silver and gold,(IO)
made by human hands.(IP)
5 They have mouths, but cannot speak,(IQ)
eyes, but cannot see.
6 They have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but cannot smell.
7 They have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but cannot walk,
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
8 Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.
9 All you Israelites, trust(IR) in the Lord—
he is their help and shield.
10 House of Aaron,(IS) trust in the Lord—
he is their help and shield.
11 You who fear him,(IT) trust in the Lord—
he is their help and shield.
12 The Lord remembers(IU) us and will bless us:(IV)
He will bless his people Israel,
he will bless the house of Aaron,
13 he will bless those who fear(IW) the Lord—
small and great alike.
14 May the Lord cause you to flourish,(IX)
both you and your children.
15 May you be blessed by the Lord,
the Maker of heaven(IY) and earth.
16 The highest heavens belong to the Lord,(IZ)
but the earth he has given(JA) to mankind.
17 It is not the dead(JB) who praise the Lord,
those who go down to the place of silence;
18 it is we who extol the Lord,(JC)
both now and forevermore.(JD)
Psalm 116
1 I love the Lord,(JF) for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry(JG) for mercy.(JH)
2 Because he turned his ear(JI) to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death(JJ) entangled me,
the anguish of the grave came over me;
I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name(JK) of the Lord:
“Lord, save me!(JL)”
5 The Lord is gracious and righteous;(JM)
our God is full of compassion.(JN)
6 The Lord protects the unwary;
when I was brought low,(JO) he saved me.(JP)
8 For you, Lord, have delivered me(JS) from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling,
9 that I may walk before the Lord(JT)
in the land of the living.(JU)
10 I trusted(JV) in the Lord when I said,
“I am greatly afflicted”;(JW)
11 in my alarm I said,
“Everyone is a liar.”(JX)
12 What shall I return to the Lord
for all his goodness(JY) to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name(JZ) of the Lord.
14 I will fulfill my vows(KA) to the Lord
in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight(KB) of the Lord
is the death of his faithful servants.(KC)
16 Truly I am your servant, Lord;(KD)
I serve you just as my mother did;(KE)
you have freed me from my chains.(KF)
17 I will sacrifice a thank offering(KG) to you
and call on the name of the Lord.
18 I will fulfill my vows(KH) to the Lord
in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts(KI) of the house of the Lord—
in your midst, Jerusalem.(KJ)
Praise the Lord.[p]
Psalm 117
1 Praise the Lord,(KK) all you nations;(KL)
extol him, all you peoples.
2 For great is his love(KM) toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord(KN) endures forever.
Praise the Lord.[q]
Psalm 118
2 Let Israel say:(KR)
“His love endures forever.”(KS)
3 Let the house of Aaron say:(KT)
“His love endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the Lord(KU) say:
“His love endures forever.”
5 When hard pressed,(KV) I cried to the Lord;
he brought me into a spacious place.(KW)
6 The Lord is with me;(KX) I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?(KY)
7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper.(KZ)
I look in triumph on my enemies.(LA)
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord(LB)
than to trust in humans.(LC)
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.(LD)
10 All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.(LE)
11 They surrounded me(LF) on every side,(LG)
but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.
12 They swarmed around me like bees,(LH)
but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;(LI)
in the name of the Lord I cut them down.(LJ)
13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the Lord helped me.(LK)
14 The Lord is my strength(LL) and my defense[r];
he has become my salvation.(LM)
15 Shouts of joy(LN) and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
“The Lord’s right hand(LO) has done mighty things!(LP)
16 The Lord’s right hand is lifted high;
the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”
17 I will not die(LQ) but live,
and will proclaim(LR) what the Lord has done.
18 The Lord has chastened(LS) me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.(LT)
19 Open for me the gates(LU) of the righteous;
I will enter(LV) and give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the gate of the Lord(LW)
through which the righteous may enter.(LX)
21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me;(LY)
you have become my salvation.(LZ)
22 The stone(MA) the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;(MB)
23 the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous(MC) in our eyes.
24 The Lord has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad.(MD)
25 Lord, save us!(ME)
Lord, grant us success!
26 Blessed is he who comes(MF) in the name of the Lord.
From the house of the Lord we bless you.[s](MG)
27 The Lord is God,(MH)
and he has made his light shine(MI) on us.
With boughs in hand,(MJ) join in the festal procession
up[t] to the horns of the altar.(MK)
29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Psalm 119[u]
א Aleph
1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,(MN)
who walk(MO) according to the law of the Lord.(MP)
2 Blessed(MQ) are those who keep his statutes(MR)
and seek him(MS) with all their heart—(MT)
3 they do no wrong(MU)
but follow his ways.(MV)
4 You have laid down precepts(MW)
that are to be fully obeyed.(MX)
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!(MY)
6 Then I would not be put to shame(MZ)
when I consider all your commands.(NA)
7 I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.(NB)
8 I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.(NC)
ב Beth
9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?(ND)
By living according to your word.(NE)
10 I seek you with all my heart;(NF)
do not let me stray from your commands.(NG)
11 I have hidden your word in my heart(NH)
that I might not sin(NI) against you.
12 Praise be(NJ) to you, Lord;
teach me(NK) your decrees.(NL)
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.(NM)
14 I rejoice in following your statutes(NN)
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts(NO)
and consider your ways.
16 I delight(NP) in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
ג Gimel
17 Be good to your servant(NQ) while I live,
that I may obey your word.(NR)
18 Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth;(NS)
do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed(NT) with longing
for your laws(NU) at all times.
21 You rebuke the arrogant,(NV) who are accursed,(NW)
those who stray(NX) from your commands.
22 Remove from me their scorn(NY) and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.(NZ)
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.
ד Daleth
25 I am laid low in the dust;(OA)
preserve my life(OB) according to your word.(OC)
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.(OD)
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.(OE)
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;(OF)
strengthen me(OG) according to your word.(OH)
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;(OI)
be gracious to me(OJ) and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen(OK) the way of faithfulness;(OL)
I have set my heart(OM) on your laws.
31 I hold fast(ON) to your statutes, Lord;
do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have broadened my understanding.
ה He
33 Teach me,(OO) Lord, the way of your decrees,
that I may follow it to the end.[v]
34 Give me understanding,(OP) so that I may keep your law(OQ)
and obey it with all my heart.(OR)
35 Direct me(OS) in the path of your commands,(OT)
for there I find delight.(OU)
36 Turn my heart(OV) toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.(OW)
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life(OX) according to your word.[w](OY)
38 Fulfill your promise(OZ) to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace(PA) I dread,
for your laws are good.
40 How I long(PB) for your precepts!
In your righteousness preserve my life.(PC)
ו Waw
41 May your unfailing love(PD) come to me, Lord,
your salvation, according to your promise;(PE)
42 then I can answer(PF) anyone who taunts me,(PG)
for I trust in your word.
43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth,(PH)
for I have put my hope(PI) in your laws.
44 I will always obey your law,(PJ)
for ever and ever.
45 I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.(PK)
46 I will speak of your statutes before kings(PL)
and will not be put to shame,(PM)
47 for I delight(PN) in your commands
because I love them.(PO)
48 I reach out for your commands, which I love,
that I may meditate(PP) on your decrees.
ז Zayin
Footnotes
- Psalm 107:3 Hebrew north and the sea
- Psalm 107:29 Dead Sea Scrolls; Masoretic Text / their waves
- Psalm 108:1 In Hebrew texts 108:1-13 is numbered 108:2-14.
- Psalm 109:10 Septuagint; Hebrew sought
- Psalm 110:1 Or Lord
- Psalm 110:3 The meaning of the Hebrew for this sentence is uncertain.
- Psalm 110:5 Or My lord is at your right hand, Lord
- Psalm 110:7 The meaning of the Hebrew for this clause is uncertain.
- Psalm 111:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, the lines of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
- Psalm 111:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah
- Psalm 112:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, the lines of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.
- Psalm 112:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah
- Psalm 112:9 Horn here symbolizes dignity.
- Psalm 113:1 Hebrew Hallelu Yah; also in verse 9
- Psalm 115:18 Hebrew Hallelu Yah
- Psalm 116:19 Hebrew Hallelu Yah
- Psalm 117:2 Hebrew Hallelu Yah
- Psalm 118:14 Or song
- Psalm 118:26 The Hebrew is plural.
- Psalm 118:27 Or Bind the festal sacrifice with ropes / and take it
- Psalm 119:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, the stanzas of which begin with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet; moreover, the verses of each stanza begin with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
- Psalm 119:33 Or follow it for its reward
- Psalm 119:37 Two manuscripts of the Masoretic Text and Dead Sea Scrolls; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text life in your way
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