¹Blest is the one who ignores the impious And won’t side with the sinners, Or sit among the disgusting. ²For, he wants to do the Will of Jehovah, And consider His Laws day and night.³So he will be like a tree that’s planted near water, And he will bear fruit every season… He will thrive and his leaves won’t drop.⁴But, for the impious, this won’t be so; For they’re like the dust that’s blown ‘cross the earth. ⁵So, they won’t be raised in the Judgment, Nor will sinners see the [blessings] on the righteous.⁶For, Jehovah knows what the righteous have done, And the ways of the irreverent will perish.

A Psalm by David.[Editor note: Superscriptions, such as the one above, are all translated from the original source manuscripts. They’re notes that show things like: who wrote the song, to whom it was written, what tune it should be sung to, what inspired its writing, and when it should be sung.]¹Why do the nations and all of the peoples Think about things that are worthless? ²For, the rulers of their lands and their kings Are against Jehovah and His anointed.³They say:‘We should strip off their bonds, And we should throw off their yokes.’⁴But, the One in the heavens is laughing… At them, Jehovah is laughing.⁵So, in His anger, He will speak, And in His rage, He will disturb them and say:⁶‘I’ve placed My king on Mount Zion To be the ruler over My Holy Place.’⁷Then the Lord spoke to me about His decree. [He said]:‘You are My son, And today, I’ve become your own Father. ⁸So, just ask and I’ll give you the nations All the way to the ends of the earth, As those whom you’ll inherit. ⁹With a rod of iron, you’ll lead them, And break them like pots made of clay.’¹⁰O kings of the earth, pay attention; And those judging the lands should now learn ¹¹To serve Jehovah in fear… Yes, all should tremble and praise Him.¹²Give ear to all these instructions, So you don’t provoke Him to rage. For, if you should kindle His anger, Away from the righteous, you’ll perish, While those yielding to Him will be blest.

A Psalm by David, [written] when he was running from his son AbSalom.¹O Jehovah,Why are so many against me And why are so many attacking? ²Concerning my life, they’re saying:‘He won’t be saved by [his] God!’³But, You are my shield, O Jehovah… You’re my glory who raises my head. ⁴So, with my voice, I’ve called to the Lord, And from His holy mountain, He heard me.⁵Then I went to bed and I slept, And when I awoke, God sent me His aid. ⁶So, I won’t fear tens of thousands Who’ve surrounded me and [planned to] attack.⁷Arise and act, O Jehovah… Deliver me please, O my God! Now, You’ve cut down all those Who had no reason to hate me, And You’ve broken the sinners’ teeth.⁸For from Jehovah, comes salvation, And His people, He blesses.

To the music director:A Psalm by David.¹When I called to my God in difficult times, He felt pity and heard what I prayed.²[So hear me], O sons of men; How long will you stay so hardhearted, And why do you love what’s foolish, Always searching for things that aren’t true?³You must be aware of the wonders That God has performed for His clean one; For, He listened to me when I called out to Him.⁴So be angry with me, but don’t sin… Complain as you pray in your beds. ⁵To Him, offer pure sacrifices, And put all your trust in Jehovah!⁶Many have asked:‘Who’ll show us His good things… Who’ll show us the light from God’s face?’⁷He’s the One who put joy in my heart, And provided me with fruit, grain, and oil.⁸So, I’ll lie down in peace, O my Lord, Since You’ve filled me with hope.

To the music director:A Psalm by David to his heir.¹Lend me Your ears, O my Lord, Please listen to me when I call… ²Hear my voice and the things that I beg As I pray to Jehovah, my King and my God!³Hear my voice in the morning… As I pray, stand by and watch over me. ⁴For, You aren’t the God of lawbreakers, And the wicked may never travel with You.⁵O Lord,You don’t put up with those who break laws, And before Your face, the lawless won’t stand. ⁶For, You’ll destroy all the liars And the men of blood and deceit, whom You hate.⁷Because of Your mercy, I’ll enter Your House, And towards Your Most Holy, I’ll bow… Yes, I’ll always [show that] I fear You.⁸O Jehovah,Lead me in ways that are righteous When my enemies are standing before me. Straighten out all of my paths, And on them, keep a close watch.⁹For, there’s no truth in their mouths, And foolish ways are bound in their hearts. Their throats are like open tombs, And they’ve used their tongues to deceive.¹⁰So, bring Your judgments against them, O God, And cause their council to fail. For their irreverence, drive them away, Since they’re rebelling against You.¹¹All can be glad who’ve put trust in You… May they cry out and loudly shout cheers! For among them, You dwell in Your Tent, And those loving Your Name will boast about You.¹²You’re the One who blesses the righteous, O Lord… With the shield of goodness, You’ve crowned us.

To the music director:A psalm by David for the 8-string lyre.¹O Jehovah,Don’t discipline me in Your rage, And please don’t correct me in anger. ²Show mercy on me, for I’m weak, O my God… My bones are shaking, so heal me, O Lord.³The man I am within is deeply disturbed! So, where have You gone, O my God… How long will You stay far away?⁴Return to me… Please save me [O Lord]; Deliver me please, in Your mercy! ⁵For the dead are unable to bow before You… In the place of the dead, who can praise You?⁶Of groaning, I’ve grown so tired… Each night, I soak my bed with my tears. ⁷For my eyes are very disturbed By all the troubles they see.I’ve grown old because of those who oppose me; ⁸So, please remove all that’s lawless in me And hear the sounds of my weeping, O God.⁹Then Jehovah heard the things that I begged… My God showed me favor and listened! ¹⁰So, may those young lions who hate me, [Forever] be shamed and disturbed… May my enemies all be dishonored.

A Psalm by David that he sang to Jehovah because of the things that were said by Cush [of the tribe] of BenJamin.¹O Jehovah, my God,In You, I’ve put all my trust, So save me from those who pursue me. ²May those lions not snatch up my life… Those from whom I can’t be ransomed or saved!³O Jehovah, my God,If I’ve done many bad things, Or if, in my hands, there’s injustice… ⁴If I’ve repaid bad to those who’ve done good; Before my enemies, may I fall.⁵May those who hate me, chase me and catch me, Then trample my soul to the ground, And may it thereafter camp in the dust.⁶O Jehovah, my God,In Your rage, now arise… Before my enemies, stand tall! Awaken, O Jehovah, my God, And give the order to attack them!⁷For by many, I’ve been surrounded, So now’s the time for You to arise. ⁸Condemn all these people, Jehovah, But, please find me guileless and righteous.⁹O God,Bring an end to the badness of sinners, And straighten the ways of the righteous… Examine their kidneys and hearts. ¹⁰Then, send me aid, O my God, And save all those with straight hearts.¹¹My God is just, forgiving, and strong… He’s not One who is angry each day. ¹²But, if you should try to oppose Him; He will shine up His sword And He will stretch tight His bow… ¹³ Yes, He will prepare His weapons of death, And get ready to shoot flaming arrows.¹⁴See how the wicked are slaves to their sins; For in misery, they’ve been conceived, And to lawless ways, given birth. ¹⁵But, whenever they choose to dig out a pit, They’ll fall into the cesspool they’ve made… Yes, into the same pit they dug.¹⁶May their misery fall upon their own heads, And may they receive their own wicked ways. ¹⁷But, I’ll follow my God’s righteous paths, And I’ll strum to His Most-Holy Name.

To the director.[Set to the tune of the song called] The Wine Vats:A Psalm by David.¹O Jehovah, our Lord,How great is Your Name throughout the earth, For Your majesty has reached to the heavens.²From the mouths of infants and babies, You’ve ordered up praises. And as for those who oppose You; You’ll remove the opponents and avengers.³I see in the skies, the works of Your hands… The moon and the stars that You founded. ⁴So, what is man that You’d think about him, Or a son of man that You’d visit?⁵For, less than Your angels, You’ve made him, Then You crowned him with glory and honor, ⁶And placed him over the works of Your hands… You put it all under his feet.⁷You brought sheep and oxen together, And all the cattle that live in the plains. ⁸[You put] flying things in the sky, And You put fish in the water, That are treading paths through the seas.⁹O Jehovah, our Lord,How wonderful is Your Name on the earth!

To the [music] director:A private Psalm by David to his son.¹O Jehovah,Wholeheartedly, I’ll praise You, And I’ll describe all Your wonders.²O Highest One,In You, I’ll be joyful and glad, And I’ll strum to Your Name.³You’ve turned my enemies and made them retreat… Before Your face, they’re weak and destroyed. ⁴You’ve heard my case and my cause, And from Your throne, You sent righteous decisions.⁵For, You’ve scolded the nations, And wiped the irreverent away… Throughout the age and the age of the ages, You’ve wiped away all their names.⁶My enemy’s swords have all failed, And the memory of them and their cities Has all been wiped [from our land].⁷Jehovah lives throughout the ages, And He’s ready to judge from His throne. ⁸In justice, He will judge this place where we live; And He will judge all the peoples uprightly.⁹Jehovah is a refuge to the needy And a helper to those in distress. ¹⁰All who know You will trust in Your Name, Since You never reject the ones searching for You.¹¹So, strum to Jehovah, you people on Zion… Proclaim His deeds to the gentiles! ¹²For, He remembers whose blood is required, [And He hears] the cries of the needy.¹³Show mercy on me, O Jehovah… From the gates of death, please lift me away, ¹⁴So I can shout in joy about Your salvation And laud You before Zion’s gates.¹⁵In their corruption, the nations are mired, And in their own snares, their feet have been caught. ¹⁶For, Jehovah is known as the One who brings justice, And the One who sets snares for the sinners With the same things their own hands have made.¹⁷Now, bring Your vengeance on the sinners, And send those who hate You away to their graves. ¹⁸Don’t forget those in need, Nor allow the hopes of the poor to be crushed.¹⁹Yes, please arise, O Jehovah… May You not be beaten by men! Stand the nations before You in judgment, ²⁰And appoint [Your servant] to give them their laws… Then, remind them that they’re just mortals.

¹O Jehovah,Why have You stayed far away? Why have You left us? For we need You now!²Because of their pride and their wicked ways, The Godless are chasing the poor. But, may those proud ones fall into a trap Because of their slanderous ways.³The sinners are blessing themselves With all the things that their [hearts] have desired… It’s how the unrighteous are blest.⁴But, those who are sinning provoke God to rage; For, they’ll not search for Jehovah. So, with them, our God never walks, ⁵And He views their ways as disgusting.O please don’t decide on their behalf… Make them rule among people who hate them. ⁶For, they’ve said in their hearts:‘I will never be shaken… Through generations, nothing bad will happen to me.’⁷Bitterness and cursing is what fills their mouths… Toil, misery, and treachery comes from their tongues. ⁸With the rich, they lie waiting in ambush To kill the innocent and poor.⁹They lie and wait in concealment Like lions inside of their lairs. They lie in wait to capture the poor, So they can snatch them away And keep them under their power.¹⁰But this domination of the needy, Is what will lead to their downfall. ¹¹For they say in their hearts:‘God’s forgotten… God’s turned his face and He doesn’t see.’¹²So arise, O Jehovah my God! Raise your hand and remember the poor!¹³The irreverent keep making God angry, Because they’ve said in their hearts:‘There’ll never be an accounting.’¹⁴But, since You can see the misery they bring, In rage, don’t overlook them… Snatch them up with Your hands!For, the poor and the orphans have nothing, And their only helper is You. ¹⁵So, break the arms of those sinners… When we search for them, may they not be found!¹⁶Jehovah is king throughout the ages, And into the age of the ages. May the gentiles be wiped away from His land, ¹⁷And may He hear the cries of the poor.O Jehovah,Your ears have heard what they’ve planned… The things that they’re saying deep in their hearts. ¹⁸So, please bring justice to the orphans and poor, And may such men not find reasons to boast!

For the [music] director:A Psalm by David.¹Since I’ve submitted to Jehovah, Why has He said to my soul:‘Like a sparrow, you must fly to the mountains?’²{Look!} For, sinners are stretching their bows, And preparing arrows for their quivers, To shoot at my heart in the moonlight.³Yes, all that You’ve built, they’ve demolished; And where are the righteous… What have they done?⁴Jehovah is in His Most Holy Place, And His throne is high in the heavens. Yet, His eyes pay attention to the needy, And His eyelids [are open] to see sons of men.⁵About the righteous, Jehovah inquires; But those loving injustice, He hates to the core. ⁶So upon the unrighteous, He will rain fire… They’ll get sulfur and wind in their cup. ⁷For, Jehovah is just and He loves what’s true, And His face sees the good things we do.

To the [music] director:David’s 8th Psalm.¹O Jehovah,Please come down here and save me! For there are no holy ones left, And few among men tell the truth.²Each man, to his neighbor, now speaks foolish things… Deceit and wrong, they speak from their hearts.³O Jehovah,Please destroy the lips of the liars, And the tongues of those who boast of great things… ⁴Those who say:‘We’ll make our tongues great, And ask with our lips, ‘Who’s Jehovah?’’⁵[But Jehovah says:]‘Because of the misery of the poor And the groaning cries of the needy, I’ll arise and offer them safety… To them, I will openly speak.’⁶These wise words of Jehovah are like refined silver… They’re wisdom refined seven times in a fire.Even though you stand tall in the heights, O our Lord, On the sons of men, You still keep an eye. ⁷So, please watch over and keep us From [the bad of] this generation and age. ⁸For the Godless now have us surrounded, And around us, they walk everywhere.

To the [music] director:A Psalm by David.¹How long, O Jehovah, will I be forgotten? How long will You keep Your face turned? Will it be this way ‘til the end?²How long must my life endure grief, And plan for it, day and night, in my heart… How much longer will my enemies be stronger?³Listen to me, O Jehovah!O my God, please look down upon me! Brighten my eyes, so I won’t sleep in death… ⁴May my enemies never say that they’ve won. For, those who oppress me will cheer if I fall.⁵I’ve put faith in Your mercy, And Your salvation brings joy to my heart. ⁶So I’ll sing to Jehovah who’s blest me, And I’ll strum to His Name in the heights.

To the [music] director:A Psalm of David.¹‘There is no God,’ says the fool in his heart, As he does what’s corrupt and disgusting… And none are doing what’s righteous!²But, Jehovah looks down from the heavens To see if men’s sons are searching for God. ³Yet, all are crooked and useless; For, no one does good… No, not any!Their throats are like open tombs, And they use the tongues in their throats to deceive; Under their lips, there’s the poison of asps, And with what’s bitter, their mouths have been filled.Their feet are in a great hurry To shed innocent blood and destroy; There’s misery in all of their ways; The road to peace they’ve not known; And in their eyes, there’s no fear of God.⁴Those who break laws don’t understand, For they swallow down people like bread. But, because they’ve not called to Jehovah, ⁵They’re afraid when there’s nothing to fear!With generations of the righteous, God is nearby; ⁶Yet, most look down on wise words from the poor, And on those putting faith in Jehovah. ⁷So, who’ll stand up for Zion? And to IsraEl, will bring its salvation?But, when Jehovah returns all the captured, Jacob will cry out in joy, And in IsraEl, there’ll be many reasons for glee.

A Psalm by David.¹O Jehovah,Who is allowed to visit Your Tent? And on Your Holy Mountain, can camp?²Just the flawless who pursue righteous ways… Just those who speak truth in their hearts… ³Just those whose tongues don’t speak treachery… Just those who won’t harm their neighbors, Or scorn those who are living nearby… ⁴Just those who won’t join with the wicked.They’re the ones who praise those fearing the Lord, And speak well of those who do as they say. ⁵They don’t lend their money for interest, Nor ask the innocent for bribes… Throughout the ages, such ones won’t be shaken.

An inscription by David.¹Please watch over me, O Jehovah, For in You, I’ve put all my hope. ²I’ve said to Jehovah:‘You are my Lord, And other than You, I have nothing good.’³In His land, the holy are in awe of Jehovah, And they’re all willing to serve Him. ⁴Yet, there are many who give in to weakness And hurriedly search to do what’s bad. I’ll never gather with such men for blood, Or mention their names with my lips.⁵O Jehovah,You’re the share that I've won, And You’re the [good] I’ve received in my cup… For, You’ve given me back what’s mine.⁶My borders have fallen across the best parts, And upon the choicest of portions. ⁷So, I’ll praise the Lord who directs me, And corrects my kidneys at night.⁸I see that Jehovah is always beside me… He’s at my right hand, so I’ll never fall. ⁹For this, my heart will always be glad, And my tongue will speak praises of Him.Upon Him, my flesh camps in hope, ¹⁰For, He won’t abandon my life in the grave, Or, let His holy one see corruption.¹¹The ways of life, He’s shown me, And His face has filled me with joy. Therefore, to my delight, I’ll sit in perfection at His right hand.

A prayer of David.¹Please listen, O Lord, to my cries, And pay attention to the things that I beg. Notice the things about which I pray; For my words are not being spoken With lips that have tried to deceive.²In Your presence, may my judgment be given, And may Your eyes look upon me in fairness. ³For You’ve tried my heart in Your visits at night… You’ve [tried] me by fire and found nothing To prevent me from speaking [to You].⁴Concerning the hard ways of men; Your lips have been my protection. ⁵Into Your ways, You’ve molded my steps, So my feet may never be caught in a snare. ⁶Yes, I called out to You and You heard me, O God… Your ears listened to the things that I begged.⁷O You who [will bring us] salvation; Please show Your wonderful mercies To those who put trust in Your right hand.⁸Guard me like the pupil of Your eye… Take me under Your wings, And there, provide a safe haven for me.⁹From the faces of the Godless, protect me… From those who wish to bring misery. For my enemies have me surrounded, ¹⁰And they speak with mouths filled with pride, As they’re wrapped in their fat.¹¹They’ve driven me out and they have me surrounded… Their eyes have plans to cut me to the ground. ¹²They treat me like a lion prepared for the hunt… As a cub that must now run and hide.¹³So, please arise, O Jehovah! Cut them off and then knock them down! With Your sword, save my life from the godless… ¹⁴Use Your hands to destroy those who hate me. Yes, cut their bodies to pieces, And leave them there on the ground!Please, fill [righteous] bellies with good things, And also provide for their children, Then give what’s left to their babies.¹⁵May Your righteous one be seen once again, And may I be filled with Your glory.

To the [music] director:A Psalm by Jehovah’s servant David, which he sang to the Lord on the day that God rescued him from his enemies and from the hands of Saul.¹O Jehovah,With all my strength, I’ll prove that I love You; ²For to me, You’re real, O my Lord… Yes, You are my refuge and savior.My helper is God, and in Him I’ll trust… He protects me and He’s my defender… He’s the trumpet of my salvation. ³So in praise, I’ll call to Jehovah, And from my enemies, I’ll be saved.⁴By the pangs of death, I was once surrounded… I was attacked by floods of the lawless. ⁵Of the place of the dead, I was in fear, And I was expecting death’s snares.⁶Then, in my distress, I called to my God. I shouted, and He heard me, there in His Home… My cries to Him reached His ears.⁷Then the ground trembled and shook, Which disturbed the foundations of mountains, As the rage of my God rumbled against them.⁸After that, came the smoke of His rage, Along with the fire that He sent, Which ignited the coals all around Him.⁹He leaned and came down from the heavens, As darkness was under His feet. ¹⁰He arrived riding on cherubs, With their wings spread out on the winds.¹¹For concealment, He came in the darkness; For, He was wrapped in a tent of dark fog. ¹²The radiance of His presence was covered by clouds, As well as by hail and by fire.¹³Jehovah thundered from out of the sky, And the Most High spoke with His voice. ¹⁴All around them, He shot His arrows, And with lightning, He then filled the skies.¹⁵Then He opened the sources of water, And the foundations of homes were exposed. O Jehovah, this came from Your scolding… From the blast of the Breath of Your rage.¹⁶Down from the heights, He arrived, Then He grabbed me and took me away from the floods. ¹⁷From the mighty, He came down and saved me… From those mighty ones who detest me.¹⁸They opposed me during bad days, But Jehovah became my support. ¹⁹He then carried me to a [safe] place… Yes, because He chose me, He saved me!²⁰The Lord will provide my reward According to the righteousness of my ways. Yes, for my clean hands, He will repay me, ²¹Since I’ve kept watch on His ways… Unlike the irreverent, I’ve never left God.²²His decisions are now here before me, And from His Laws, I’ve never departed. ²³So flawlessly, I’ll stand here before Him, As I guard against any Law breaking. ²⁴Then Jehovah will repay me for my righteous ways, Since His eyes have seen that I’ve kept my hands clean.²⁵To the holy, we must always be holy, And be blameless to those free from blame. ²⁶Then, among the elect, we’ll be chosen… But, turned away if we’re crooked.²⁷On the humble, Your people must watch, As they humble the eyes of the proud!²⁸Light my lamp, O Jehovah my God… Please, light my way in the darkness. ²⁹From bands of marauders, please save me… Then, by my God, I can scale any wall.³⁰The ways of my God are all flawless, And His words have been proven by fire. He’s the defender of all that believe, ³¹And there’s no other God than Jehovah… Who else can be compared to our God?³²He’s the God who wrapped me in power, And showed me ways that are flawless. ³³He’s made my feet firm like those of a stag, And He’s lifted me into the heights. ³⁴He taught my hands about ways of war, And He turned my arms into bows made of brass.³⁵You’ve prepared a shield to protect me… You’ve taken me in Your right hand And given me all Your instructions; So, with Your guidance, I can stand ‘til the end.³⁶You’ve widened the path underneath me, And You’ve given me strength. ³⁷So I’ll chase my enemies and catch them, And not return ‘til I’ve won. ³⁸I’ll squeeze them until they’re unable to stand, And at my feet, they’ve fallen.³⁹You’ve wrapped me in the power of war… You’ve bound my enemies, both hand and foot. ⁴⁰You’ve shown me my enemy’s backs, And destroyed all those who detest me.⁴¹They shouted, but no one could save them… They called to their Lord, but he didn’t hear. ⁴²So I’ll grind them into powder and throw them away… Like dust in the squares that’s blown by the wind.⁴³You’ll rescue me from their disputes, And place me as the head over nations. Unknown peoples will serve me… ⁴⁴They’ll hear my voice and obey me. And those sons of foreigners who’ve told lies ⁴⁵Will grow old and lame in their unrighteous paths.⁴⁶Jehovah lives, so may [He] be praised… May [the Name] of the God who saves me be raised… ⁴⁷The God who handles my vengeance, And makes all the peoples submit. ⁴⁸From all my enemies, He’s saved me… Yes, from those who’ve attacked and opposed me.You’ve raised me above the unrighteous… You’ve rushed to my aid and You’ve saved me. ⁴⁹So, I’ll praise You before all the nations… O Jehovah, I’ll strum to Your Name. ⁵⁰For You’ve shown the ways that You can save the king… You’ve shown mercy upon Your anointed… To David and his offspring throughout the ages.

For the [music] director:A Psalm by David.¹The heavens describe the glory of God, And the firmament speaks of things that He’s made with His hands. ²Day after day, His words bubble up, And He brings us knowledge night after night.³There is no more speaking nor words, And the sounds of voices can’t be heard. ⁴For, throughout the earth, their [death] knell has gone, And these words have reached to the ends of man’s home… That He’s put up His Tent on the sun!⁵Like a groom that has come from his [wedding], He makes a mighty shout in His journey. ⁶He leaves from one end of the sky, And from the other side of heaven, returns. So, no one can hide from His heat.⁷The Law of Jehovah is perfect, And it brings changes to lives! What God says can always be trusted, And from it, even young ones learn wisdom.⁸Jehovah’s rules are all straight, And they bring joy to our hearts. The Commandments of the Lord radiate, Providing light for everyone’s eyes.⁹The fear of Jehovah is pure… It lasts throughout the age and throughout ages of ages. The judgments of the Lord are all true, For they bring equal justice to all.¹⁰More precious than gold or gems are [His Laws], And they’re sweeter than honey in its comb. ¹¹For, when His servants obey them, They’ll receive grand rewards.¹²Yet, none of us see all our sins, So from sins that are hidden, please cleanse us.¹³From foreign peoples, protect me; For, if they can’t control me, I’ll remain unblemished and free of all sins. ¹⁴Then, good prophecies will flow from my mouth, And all thoughts in my heart will be of Jehovah; For, He’s always my helper.

To the [music] director:A Psalm by David.¹In bad times, you should turn to Jehovah… Let the Name of Jacob’s God be your shield. ²For, from His Holy Place, He will send help… He will send you assistance from Zion.³May He remember what you’ve sacrificed… Yes, all of your fattened burnt offerings. ⁴May God provide you with what your hearts crave, And fulfill whatever you’ve planned. ⁵Then, all will shout about His salvation, And praise the Name of our God… So, may Jehovah grant whatever you ask.⁶I’ve now [seen] Jehovah’s salvation; For, from His holy place in the heavens He heard the things His anointed had asked, And now it’s all under control.Yes, with His right hand, He saved me ⁷From the attacks of chariots and horsemen. For, when I called on the Name of [my] God, ⁸They fell and were bound hand and foot, While I arose and stood firm.⁹O Jehovah, please save the king, And hear us whenever we call out to You.

A Psalm by David.¹O Jehovah,The king submits to Your power, And for Your salvation, he cries out in joy, ²Since You’ve given him all that his heart could desire, And provided everything that he asked.³And even before he’d asked You, You [poured] great blessings upon him, And placed a gemmed crown on his head.⁴When he asked for life, You gave him long days, Into the ages of ages. ⁵Through Your salvation, You glorified him, And laid splendor and majesty upon him. ⁶Throughout the age, You’ve blessed him, And made him glad with the joy of Your face.⁷The king has put his hope in Jehovah, And he trusts in the mercy that comes from above. ⁸So, may his enemies be found in Your hands; May Your right hand grab all those who hate him, ⁹And in Your Day, throw them into an oven.In Your rage, please send them disturbance, And then, destroy them in fire. ¹⁰Destroy their fruit from the earth, And their offspring from among sons of men.¹¹For, their purpose towards You was just to do bad, And they argued over plans unfulfilled. ¹²So, throw them away with Your garbage, And prepare their faces for this.¹³O Jehovah, may Your might be exalted, And we’ll sing and strum about Your mighty deeds.

To the [music] director:For help in the early morning.A Psalm by David.¹O God, my God, please listen to me! Why have I been abandoned by You? Are the words about all my errors, Keeping me from Your salvation?²For, all day long, I call out to You; However, my God, You don’t listen… So don’t think that I’m thoughtless during the night.³You dwell within Your Most Holy Place As the One who sends IsraEl blessings. ⁴In You, our fathers put faith, And then You brought them salvation. ⁵They called out to You as their only hope, And they were never disgraced.⁶People think of me as a worm, not a man… I’m the scorn and contempt of my people. ⁷Yes, those who see me [are laughing]… They’re shaking their heads and they’re saying:⁸‘Since he’s putting his trust in Jehovah; If God wants him, let Him come down and save him!’⁹It was You who pulled me from [my mother’s] womb, And You were my hope when I nursed at her breasts. ¹⁰By You, I was thrust from the womb… And from the belly of my mother, You’ve been my God. ¹¹So, please don’t leave me when trouble is near, For no one else will come to my aid.¹²I’m surrounded by great herds of ‘cattle,’ And by mighty ‘bulls,’ I’m encircled. ¹³Like lions, against me, they’ve opened their mouths… Like those who roar and drag off [their prey].¹⁴My bones have become just like water, And the heart in my chest has melted like wax. ¹⁵My strength has dried out like a clay pot, And my tongue is stuck to my throat; For, to the dust of death, I’ve been led.¹⁶Many dogs now have me surrounded, And the wicked have gathered against me. They’re cutting into my hands and my feet, ¹⁷And they count all my bones as they watch me and think. ¹⁸They’ve divided my garments among them, And thrown dice for the clothes that I wear.¹⁹O Jehovah,I know that Your help is not far away, For You’ll notice and come to my aid. ²⁰So, please save my life from the broadsword… [Your] one-and-only from the hands of the ‘dogs!’²¹Save me from the mouths of the lions; On rhinoceros horns, May I not be disgraced. ²²Then I’ll speak of Your fame to my brothers, And among the congregation, I’ll praise You.²³All you who fear Him: Give praise to Jehovah! Yes, glorify Him, offspring of Jacob, And offspring of IsraEl, show Him your fear! ²⁴For He’s never looked on you with contempt, And He’s never loathed the prayers of your poor… Nor from me, has He turned His face, For I’ve called out to Him and He listened!²⁵So, before the gathering, I’ll praise Him, And before them all, I’ll confess. I’ll also pay all my vows In the presence of those who respect Him.²⁶Then the stomachs of the poor will be filled once again, And those who are seeking Jehovah Will offer Him praise from their hearts Throughout the age and throughout ages of ages.²⁷So, remember Him… Turn to Jehovah, All you to the ends of the earth. All the ethnic families should bow before Him, ²⁸For the right to rule is just His.Yes, He’s the King of all nations, ²⁹And He’d feed all the mighty on earth, If they’d just bow down before Him, [Instead of] choosing to be buried.So, with my whole soul, I’m living for Him, ³⁰And my offspring will serve Him alone. They’ll proclaim Him to future generations, ³¹And they’ll speak of His justice to those not yet born.

A Psalm by David.¹Because Jehovah has watched over me, There’s nothing that I’ve ever lacked. ³In Him, my life is renewed; And He’s guided me in righteous paths, For the sake of His Name.⁴So, should I travel through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because He is near… In His scepter and staff, I find comfort.⁵Now, before me, He’s set a spread table, Away from those who’ve opposed me. My head, He’s anointed with oil, And with His excellent cup, made me high.⁶Since His mercies have pursued me throughout my whole life; I’ll dwell in the House of Jehovah Throughout the rest of my days.

A Psalm by David [to be sung] on the Sabbath.¹The land and its goodness belongs to Jehovah… The world and all that live in it. ²For, He’s the One who created its rivers, And the One who founded its seas.³Who can ascend the mountain of God, And who can stand in His Holy Place? ⁴Just those with innocent hands And those with hearts that are pure… Those who’ve chosen not to do what’s foolish, Or sworn evil things against neighbors. ⁵Yes, only such ones will be blest by Jehovah, And see the charity of our Savior, God.⁶This generation is seeking Jehovah… They’re seeking the face of Jacob’s God. ⁷So, open the gates of your rulers… Yes, open the gates of the ages, That your glorious King may now enter.⁸Who is this glorious King? He is the Almighty Jehovah… The dynamic Lord with the power of war.⁹Yes, open the gates of your rulers… Open the gates of the ages, So your glorious King may now enter.¹⁰And who’s this glorious King? His Name is Jehovah of Armies!

A Psalm by David.¹O Jehovah,To You, I’ve lifted my soul, ²For You’re the God to whom I submit. So, throughout the age, may I not be disgraced, And my enemies not make fun of me.³Don’t bring disgrace to those clinging to You, But, bring shame to those who rebel without cause.⁴O Jehovah,You have shown me Your ways, And now teach me to walk in Your paths! ⁵In Your ways of truth, please guide me, And teach me that You’re My Savior and God; For I’ve waited on You all my days.⁶Remember Your compassions, O Lord, And the mercy that You’ve shown throughout the ages. ⁷Please overlook the sins of my youth… Forget the ignorant things that I’ve done. Speak to Yourself about mercy for me… Please be kind, O Jehovah!⁸Jehovah is upright and kind, But He enforces His Laws against sinners. ⁹He guides the meek ones towards justice, And He teaches the gentle His ways.¹⁰[God’s] ways are all about mercy, And to those hearing His words, He sends the truth… To those [who live by] His Sacred Agreement.¹¹Because of Your Name, O Jehovah, Please cover over my sins!¹²To those in fear of Jehovah, He gives His laws [and straightens] their paths. ¹³Then their souls will lodge among good things, And their offspring will inherit the land. ¹⁴For, Jehovah’s a fort to all those who fear Him, And to them, He’s given His promise.¹⁵So, my eyes always look to my Lord, For He pulls the snares from under my feet. ¹⁶O look upon me and feel mercy, For I’m a poor only-child ¹⁷Whose pain of heart keeps on growing.Please lead me towards the things I need… ¹⁸Please notice my humiliation; Yes, look at my deeds and forgive all my sins!¹⁹For my enemies have kept on increasing, And the unrighteous all hate and detest me. ²⁰So, guard my life and please save me… May I not be disgraced, for I’m trusting in You.²¹The guileless and upright have stuck close to me, Because I’ve been sticking by You, O [my God]. ²²So, ransom us please, O IsraEl’s God… [Save us] in our time of distress.

A Psalm by David.¹O God,Please provide me with justice! For, the ways that I’ve walked are free from all blame, And I’ve put my trust in Jehovah.²O Lord,I’ll never waver; So, test me and put me on trial… Set my heart and kidneys on fire!³Before my eyes are Your mercies, And I’m pleased with Your truths. ⁴I don’t sit in the high court with fools, Nor hang out with those who break laws.⁵I’ve detested the gatherings of those who are bad, And with the irreverent, I’ve never stayed. ⁶In innocence, I’ve washed my hands, As I’ve walked ‘round Your Altar, O Lord.⁷Hear my voice as I’m singing Your praises, And as I’m lauding Your wonders. ⁸The beauty of Your House, I’ve loved, O Lord… That place where You Tent in glory.⁹So, don’t destroy my soul with the Godless, Nor with men of blood, end my life… ¹⁰Those whose hands are filled with what’s lawless, And those who’s right hands take bribes.¹¹Ransom me, for I’m free from all blame… Please show mercy upon me! ¹²For with my feet, I’ve walked a straight path, And among the congregation, I’ve praised You, O Lord.

A Psalm by David, [composed] before his anointing.¹Jehovah’s my Light and my Savior; So, whom should I have reason to fear? The Lord is my life’s defender; So, before whom, should I ever be shy?²For, those who attacked to bring evil, And those who wished to ‘devour my flesh’ (Those enemies of mine who’ve oppressed me) Have now all weakened and fallen.³Should they set their camps up before me, And should they attack me in war; My hope is that my heart won’t show fear.⁴There’s one thing that I’ve asked of Jehovah (Yes, this is the one thing I’m seeking): To dwell in His House all the days of my life, Where I can see the delights of the Lord, And visit His Most Holy Place.⁵For, whenever evil arrives, He hides me inside His Tent, And during bad days, He’s my shelter. Within His Tent, He conceals me, And He stands me high on a rock.⁶For, look… He’s lifted my head Higher than my enemies! So, around His Tent, I’ll walk and bring gifts… A sacrifice of praise, I’ll offer, And I’ll sing and strum to Jehovah!⁷I’ve said to You in my heart:‘I’ll always search for my God!’⁸Yes, within my heart, I’ve been saying:‘I’ll always search for Jehovah!’My face will always be looking to You, And Your face, I’ll always be seeking. ⁹So, please don’t turn from me, O my God… Don’t turn from Your servant in anger; Rather, keep on being my helper!Don’t ever curse me or send me away… Don’t leave me and don’t overlook me. O God, may I trust that You are my Savior!¹⁰Even though my father and mother have left me, Jehovah’s chosen me as His own. ¹¹So Lord, put Your ways in my heart, And before my enemies, straighten my paths. ¹²Don’t hand me to those who oppress me… Those who’ve witnessed against me and lied, And whose justice has lied to itself.¹³I trust that I’ll get what’s good from the Lord While I’m still in the land of the living. ¹⁴Thus I’ll wait on Jehovah and act like a man… I’ll wait on the Lord who strengthens my heart!

A Psalm by David.¹I’ll call out to You, O Jehovah… My God, I won’t remain silent! So, don’t be silent with me, Or make me like those who enter the pit.²Listen, O Lord, to my voice as I beg And I raise my arms towards Your Temple.³Don’t draw me along with the sinners, Nor destroy me with the unjust. For, although they speak peace to their neighbors, Inside their hearts, there’s evil.⁴O Jehovah,Repay them for the bad things that they do, And for all of their wicked deeds. Return upon them the [bad] things they’ve done… Yes, give them a just compensation!⁵O Lord,Because they don’t notice the things that You do (All the works that You do with Your hands), You should wipe them away, And never rebuild them again.⁶Praise Jehovah, for He’s heard my prayers… ⁷He’s my helper and my defender, So in Him, my heart has put hope. And because He’s helped me, my flesh has done well, So to Him, I’ll always sing praises.⁸Jehovah’s the fort of His people… His anointed’s Defender and Savior. ⁹So upon Your inheritance, pour blessings, And bring salvation to Your people… Throughout the ages, please tend to them and lift them.

A Psalm by David, [composed] for when the Sacred Tent was being transported.¹O sons of God,To Jehovah, you should bring sacrifices… The offspring of rams, you should offer to God. To the Lord, offer glory and honor… ²[Yes, speak] of His Glorious Name, And bow to Him in His courtyard.³His voice is over the waters… The glory of God causes thunder, And it also brings [rain]. ⁴The voice of Jehovah is mighty, And of His majesty, it speaks.⁵The voice of Jehovah breaks [trees]… Even Lebanon’s cedars. ⁶He thins them out like Lebanon’s calves, And as rhinoceros calves.⁷Like [lightning], the voice of Jehovah cuts through… ⁸The voice of the Lord shakes the desert. The Deserts of KaDesh tremble before Him, ⁹For with His voice, He fashioned the hinds.So, He tears down all sacred poles, Since those who wish to glorify Him Should [worship Him at] His [Temple].¹⁰Jehovah brings calmness to storms, And He seats His king throughout the ages. ¹¹Jehovah shows His strength for His people, And our Lord will bless them with peace.

A Psalm for the dedication of David’s palace.¹O Jehovah,I praise You for lifting me high, And for not bringing joy to my enemies. ²I’ve called out to You, O my God, And You have sent healing to me.³O God,You’ve saved my life from the grave… And from those going into the pit. ⁴So You holy ones, play music to Him… Remember and acknowledge His pureness.⁵For, while there’s wrath in His rage, There’s also life in His Will. And even though weeping may come in the evening, In the morning, there’ll be much rejoicing.⁶In prosperous times, I once said:‘Throughout the ages, no way will I [stumble], ⁷For, by Your Will, I received [power].’But thereafter, You just turned away, And I was very disturbed. ⁸So, O Lord, I cried out to You… Before my God, I was begging.⁹What value has my blood if I die And rot away under the ground? Is there knowledge of You in the dust, And will dirt testify to Your trueness?¹⁰Jehovah then heard and showed mercy on me… He was my helper [once more]. ¹¹So my [heart] which once beat in fear, Has now returned to rejoicing.¹²You tore off my sackcloth and wrapped me in joy, So I’ll strum to You in my glory. And, O Jehovah, my God, There’s no way that I’ll ever be angry [with You], And throughout the age, I’ll keep singing Your praises.

To the [music] director:A Psalm by David about his change of state.¹In You, O Jehovah, I’ve put all my hope; So, may I not be disgraced throughout the age. Please rescue me in Your justice, And take me away from this place. ²Incline Your ear and listen to me… Hurry and take me away!Become to me a God of defense, And make Your House a place of salvation… ³A fortified place and safe haven!For the sake of Your [Holy] Name, Please direct me and feed me, ⁴Then, lead me away from their snares… For Jehovah, You are my defender.⁵Into Your hands, I’ve entrusted my breath, And You’ve paid my ransom, O God of truth.⁶You detest all those who waste time Doing things that are foolish; So I’ll put my trust in Jehovah, ⁷And I’ll shout in praise of His mercy.For He’s noticed my humiliation, And He’s witnessed the distress in my life. ⁸Then He saved me from my enemies’ hands, And He set my feet in a safe place.⁹So show mercy on me, O Jehovah, For I’m in great distress. My eyes are disturbed and enraged, As is my belly and soul.¹⁰My life has been wasted in grief, And through most of my years, I’ve had to groan. For my strength has been weakened by poorness, And there has been pain in my bones.¹¹By my enemies, I’ve been scorned, And I’m even scorned by my neighbors. So, those who know me now fear me, And the rest have all run away.¹²I’ve been forgotten like one of the dead, And like a [chamber] pot, my heart has become. ¹³I’ve heard the complaints of those moving about, As they’ve gathered against me.Although they’ve assembled to kill me, ¹⁴I’ve put my trust in Jehovah. I’ve said to Him:¹⁵‘You are my God, And I’ve left my [life] in Your hands. So, please rescue me from my enemy’s hands, And from all those who pursue me. ¹⁶Please show Your face to your servant… In Your great mercy, please save me!’¹⁷O Jehovah, don’t let me meet with disgrace, For I’m calling to You. May all the godless be shamed, And let them be led to their graves.¹⁸May the lips of deceivers be speechless… Those who condemn righteous people In contempt and in proud, lawless ways.¹⁹O Jehovah, Your ways are all kind, But, they’re hidden from those who don’t fear You. Before them, You send aid to the faithful, ²⁰And within Your face, You conceal them From the disturbance of those who are evil. Yes, You shelter them inside Your Tent, Away from all scolding tongues.²¹So, praise Jehovah for His mercy, And for the miraculous things that [He brings] To those cities that are under attack.²²I said, when I saw things had changed:‘He’s thrown me away from His eyes!’But then, You listened to me, And You heard what I said when I called out to You.²³So, love Jehovah, you holy ones; For such trueness is what God requires. But, He will send retribution To those who have too much pride. Therefore, act like men and strengthen your hearts, And put all your faith in Jehovah!

A prayer by David, [asking God] for understanding.¹Blest are those forgiven for breaking the Law And those whose sins He’s covered. ²Blest are those in whom He doesn’t find sin, Or treacherous words in their mouths.³I’ve become more settled as my bones have aged… I no longer cry out all day long. ⁴For, day and night, Your hand pressed against me, And in misery, I writhed, as though run through by thorns.⁵My lawless deeds, I’ve admitted to You, And my sins, I’ve not tried to hide. I’ve openly confessed to the Lord About all of my lawless ways, And You forgave the godless thoughts in my heart.⁶For this, the holy should pray at right times, So the flood will never approach them:⁷‘You’re my refuge from the troubles I face, And You’ve ransomed my soul From those who had me surrounded.’⁸[And in response, God will reply]:‘I’ll send understanding to you… I’ll teach you the ways you should go, And I’ll always watch over you. ⁹So don’t act like horses or mules That have to be bridled and don’t understand, And whose jaws must be squeezed to behave.’¹⁰Sinners will be whipped many times, But, mercy surrounds those who trust in the Lord. ¹¹So, you should find joy in Jehovah; Shout about Him in joy, all you righteous… Wholeheartedly boast about Him!

A Psalm by David.¹You righteous ones – rejoice in Jehovah, Because He blesses the upright. ²Play psalms to Jehovah on harps; Strum to Him on your lutes of 10 strings; ³Then before Him, sing a new song… Yes play, shout loudly, and cheer!⁴The words of Jehovah are righteous; So, trust in the things that He does. ⁵For our God loves charity and fairness, And the earth is filled with His mercy.⁶By the Word of Jehovah, the skies came to be, And the Breath from His mouth formed their powers. ⁷As in a leather bag, He pulled them together, And in treasuries of the deep, He put water.⁸So, fear Jehovah, all dwellers on earth; Before Him, let all stand in awe. ⁹For, He just spoke and it all came to be… When He gave the orders, it started.¹⁰He wipes the plans of nations away, And annuls the devices and plots of their kings. ¹¹But Jehovah’s Will lasts throughout the ages… From generation to generation are the things in His heart.¹²So, Blest is the nation whose God is Jehovah… Those whom He’s chosen to inherit.¹³From the heavens, Jehovah looks down, And He watches the things that sons of men do. ¹⁴From the home that He’s prepared, He watches those dwelling on earth. ¹⁵He’s the One who fashioned their hearts, And He keeps watch on the things that they do.¹⁶So, Kings can’t be saved by large armies, And giants may not be saved by their might. ¹⁷So don’t look to a horse for salvation, For, even with their strength, you can lose.¹⁸{Look!} Jehovah watches all those who fear Him… Those who put faith in His mercy. ¹⁹Only He can keep their lives from destruction, And in times of famine, provide them with food.²⁰So, we must wait on Jehovah, For He’s our defender and helper. ²¹With your whole hearts, find joy in Him, And trust in His Holy Name.²²Please send us Your mercy, Jehovah; For in You, we’ve put all our faith.

A Psalm by David talking about the time that his view of AbiMelech changed and about how it caused him to send him away.¹Throughout the age, I’ll give praise to Jehovah… His praises will stay on my lips, ²And I’ll praise the Lord with my life.So, listen you meek and be glad… ³Glorify Jehovah with me… Let’s praise His great Name together.⁴I searched for the Lord and He heard me… He rescued me during my travels. ⁵So, come to Him… Be enlightened, And your faces will never be shamed.⁶A poor man once called out to God and He heard, Then He rescued him from all his problems. ⁷God’s messengers camped all around him, And He saved this one who showed fear of His Name.⁸Taste and see that our God is good, For those trusting in Him will always be blest! ⁹Yes, fear Jehovah, you holy; For those fearing Him will lack nothing. ¹⁰And although the rich may become hungry and poor, Those seeking the Lord won’t lack anything good.¹¹Come to me, children, then listen, As I teach you the fear of Jehovah! ¹²Who is the man who doesn’t want life, And to see better days?¹³Remove all that’s evil from your lips… Take treachery away from your tongues… ¹⁴Turn from what’s bad and do what’s good… Search for peace and pursue it!¹⁵For, Jehovah keeps His eyes on the righteous, And His ears hear the things that they ask. ¹⁶But the face of Jehovah opposes the bad, And He wipes their memory from the land.¹⁷The righteous call out and God hears them, Then He rescues them from all their problems. ¹⁸God’s near to those who have broken hearts, And He saves the humble in spirit.¹⁹Although the righteous will have many problems; From such things, God will save them. ²⁰For, Jehovah watches over their bones, And not a single one will be broken.²¹In sadness, the sinners will come to their end, And condemned are those hating the righteous. ²²But Jehovah will ransom the lives of His servants, And no way will He harm those who trust Him.

A Psalm by David.¹O Jehovah,Bring judgment on those who are doing me wrong… Wage war with those waging war! ²Take up Your weapons and shield me, my God; Arise and come to my aid!³Swing Your sword at those who pursue me… Say that You’ll deliver my soul! ⁴May those seeking my life feel shame and remorse… May those wishing me bad retreat in disgrace.⁵May they be like dust in the wind… May God’s messengers squeeze them all dry. ⁶May their road become slippery and dark, And may they be chased by God’s angels.⁷Although I’ve done them no wrong; Snares, they’ve hidden before me, And about my inner person, they speak badly. ⁸So, let them be caught in the snares that they’ve set… May the snares that they hunt with, catch them… Into the traps that they’ve set, may they fall.⁹I’ll praise Jehovah with my whole soul… Of His salvation, I’ll shout. ¹⁰With my bones, I’ll say to Jehovah:‘O Lord, there’s no one else like You! For You rescue the poor with a hand that’s greater Than those who tear the needy to shreds.¹¹‘For, they sent lying witnesses against me, And asked questions that I didn’t understand. ¹²They’ve repaid me with bad for the good things I’ve done, And left my soul barren.^[LXX]13‘Because of the troubles they’ve caused me, I’ve had to wear sackcloth and fast. So now, I pray that I might be restored.¹⁴‘As neighbors and brothers, they once were so kind; So in mourning and sadness, I’ve humbled my soul. ¹⁵But they happily gathered against me, And they were not sad when they cut me with whips.¹⁶‘They tried me and then they made fun… Against me, they were grinding their teeth. ¹⁷O Jehovah, how long will You let this go on? Rescue my soul from their evil plans!’¹⁸[Then God replied:]‘O My only begotten, From those lions, I’m coming to save you. Then, before the assembly, I’ll praise you, And before those bad ones, I’ll lift you!’¹⁹So, may those who hate me unjustly Not [be allowed to] rejoice… Those who detest me without any charge… Those who looked away with their eyes.²⁰Even though to me, they once spoke of peace, In anger and treachery, they’ve plotted. ²¹They’ve opened their mouths against me and said:‘Well done… Yes, very well done. For we’ve seen it all happen with our own eyes.’²²O Jehovah, You’ve witnessed it all! So, don’t remain silent or leave me. ²³Awaken, O Lord… Pay attention! Take notice of my cause, O my God.²⁴Judge me, O Lord, and bring justice… My God, don’t let them rejoice! ²⁵Don’t allow them to say of my soul in their hearts:‘Well done… Yes, very well done.’And please don’t allow them to say:We’ve swallowed him down!²⁶May those who’ve rejoiced at my harm feel ashamed, And may those who witnessed against me feel bad, ²⁷As those who seek justice are joyful. Then, may they cry:‘Praise Jehovah, Because He brought peace to His servant!’²⁸Then I’ll use my tongue to sing of Your justice, And I’ll praise You throughout the rest of my days.

To the [music] director:About David, Jehovah’s servant.¹About his sins, the lawbreaker says:‘As I see it, there is no God we should fear.’²So before Him, he acts wickedly… Yet, [God] will expose his lawbreaking.³Their mouths speak of treacherous things, And they talk about breaking [God’s] laws, Since they have no desire to know what’s good. ⁴They dream of crimes as they lie in their beds And do nothing at all that’s worthwhile; For they’ve never learned to hate what’s bad!⁵O Jehovah, who lives in the heavens; Your mercy and truth ascends to the clouds. ⁶Your justice is like the mountain of God, But Your judgments are like an abyss, Which protects both men and their cattle.⁷O God,In many ways, Your mercies are seen. And sons of men put their hope In the protection of Your wings.⁸They feast on the things that come from Your House, And they delight in the water from its streams. ⁹For, the springs of life come from You, And from Your light, we’ve come to see light. ¹⁰So send mercy to all those who know You, And give justice to those with straight hearts.¹¹May I not be kicked by the feet of the proud, Nor may hands of sinners ever shake me. ¹²May all those who work at lawlessness fall, Rejected and unable to stand.

A Psalm by David.¹Never be jealous of the wicked, Nor envy those who break laws. ²For like grass, they’ll quickly be dried, And they’ll wilt away like young shoots. ³Rather, put your hope in Jehovah, And always act in kind ways.Its wealth will serve those who live off the ground, ⁴And they’ll find delight in Jehovah. For He will give you all that your hearts may desire.⁵Open your ways to Jehovah; Yes, trust in Him, and He will act. ⁶He will shine a light on your righteous deeds, And brighten them as though it were noon.⁷Yes, put your trust in Jehovah, And to Him, you must always keep praying. Don’t envy those who prosper from crime, ⁸And never be angry… Abandon your rage!Don’t let jealousy move you to do what’s wicked, ⁹For the wicked will soon be destroyed, As those who wait on Jehovah Will thereafter inherit the land.¹⁰Soon the sinners will no longer be here… You’ll look where he was and not find him. ¹¹But, the meek will inherit the land, And find great delight in the abundance of peace.¹²For, sinners keep their eyes on the righteous And grind their teeth when they see them. ¹³But, at them, Jehovah is laughing, For He sees what He will do to them in His Day.¹⁴Sinners have unsheathed their swords And stretched their bows very tight To attack the needy and poor, And to kill all those with straight hearts. ¹⁵But, may their swords strike their own hearts, And may their bows be broken to bits.¹⁶A little is better to the righteous Than an abundance of wealth is to sinners. ¹⁷For the arms of sinners will be broken, And the Lord will support all the just.¹⁸He knows the ways of the flawless, And their inheritance will last throughout the ages. ¹⁹They won’t be disgraced in hard times, And when famine arrives, they’ll be filled.²⁰But the sinners will all be destroyed. And then, those enemies of God Who think they’re glorious and exalted, Will be blown away just like smoke.²¹The sinners borrow and don’t repay, But the righteous feel mercy and lend. ²²So, those praising them will inherit the land, While those who curse them will be wiped away.²³Jehovah straightens the footsteps of men, And all should [walk in] His ways. ²⁴Then, if you should fall, you won’t break; For the Lord will be holding your hand.²⁵I was once young, and now I’ve grown old; Yet I’ve never seen the righteous abandoned, Or his offspring ever begging for bread. ²⁶Because, each day, he shows mercy and lends; His offspring will always be blest.²⁷So, turn from evil… Do what’s good, And live throughout ages of ages! ²⁸For Jehovah is a lover of justice, And throughout the ages, He won’t abandon the holy… So the righteous will always be guarded, As the lawless are driven away.The offspring of the Godless will perish; ²⁹But the righteous will inherit [the] land, And throughout ages of ages, they’ll camp there.³⁰Mouths of the righteous think first and then speak… They talk of fairness and justice. ³¹And because they have God’s Law in their hearts, They won’t stumble and fall.³²But, when the sinner thinks of the righteous, He searches for ways to destroy them. ³³Yet, [God] won’t abandon them into their hands, Nor in the judgment, will they be condemned.³⁴Wait on Jehovah and follow His ways, And you’ll inherit the land. Then, you’ll see the sinners destroyed, ³⁵While they’ll see you lifted high… As high as Lebanon’s cedars.³⁶Yes, I went to see… And look, he was not! I searched in his place and he’s gone!³⁷So, guard your innocence and honest ways; For those who love peace are the ones who’ll survive, ³⁸While the lawless will all be destroyed, Along with any godless who still might remain.³⁹For Jehovah will save all the righteous And He will be their defender when they’re oppressed. ⁴⁰Yes, the Lord will help them and save them… He will snatch them away from the sinners… He will deliver and save them, Because they’ve put faith in Him.

A Psalm by David, [intended] to be remembered on the Sabbath.¹O Jehovah,Don’t discipline me in Your rage, And in anger, don’t give me correction. ²For Your arrows have already struck me, And Your hand has been heavy upon me.³My flesh has not healed from the rage of Your face, And there’s no peace in my bones because of my sins. ⁴All my bad deeds hang over my head… They oppress me and weigh me down.⁵The stripes of my foolishness fester and smell, ⁶And in misery and sadness, I walk through the day. ⁷My flanks have been covered by mocking, And in my flesh, there’s no healing.⁸I’ve been humbled and afflicted for my wicked ways. So from the groaning in my heart, I’ve roared:⁹‘O Jehovah, my desire is to stand before You, So by You, my groaning will be seen!’¹⁰For my heart is disturbed and my strength is all gone… Even my eyes don’t work. ¹¹My friends and neighbors oppose me… They approach, but they stand at a distance.¹²Those seeking my life and wishing me bad, Speak foolishly as they plan to deceive me. ¹³But I pretend that I don’t hear them, As if I’m someone who’s deaf, And like the mute, I don’t open my mouth.¹⁴I became like a man with no hearing, And with nothing to say in reply. ¹⁵For in You, O Jehovah, I’ve put all my trust… And my God, I’ve hoped that You’d listen.¹⁶May my enemies not rejoice at my fall… May my legs not shake as they’re plotting against me.¹⁷I’m ready for all of their whips… I’m prepared and ready to suffer. ¹⁸I’ll admit to all of my lawless deeds, And I’m anxious because of my sins.¹⁹My enemies have camped all around me… All those who hate me unjustly. ²⁰They’ve repaid my good deeds with bad, And lied when I was on trial.²¹So, don’t leave me, Jehovah! Yes, my God, don’t desert me! ²²Hear my pleas for help, O my God; O Jehovah, please come here and save me!’

To the [music] director:An ode by David to IdiThun.¹I promised to guard all my ways, And not to sin with my tongue. So I always put a lock on my mouth When sinners are standing before Me.²Then, I became humble and mute, And I spoke not even good words, As my pains kept on growing.³Then, within me, my heart became hot, Burning away all my thoughts. So my tongue spoke out and I said:⁴‘Jehovah, please show me my limits, And the number of days I’ll live, So I’ll know what I haven’t accomplished.⁵‘{Look!} The days of a palm, You’ve given to me; Yet, I’m nothing before You. For, foolish are the ways of all men.’⁶When men travel, they may carry an idol… For they trust in things that are foolish. They may also carry their treasures along… Yet they know not why they collect them. ⁷But, I believe that I can endure With just the aid of [My God].⁸So, please save me from my lawless ways, And from the scorn of the foolish.⁹I was mute and I wouldn’t open my mouth, For these trials have come from Jehovah. ¹⁰But, please bring an end to the whippings, For in mighty hands, I’m failing. ¹¹This correction is what You’ve sent me… And along with the lawless, You’ve disciplined me.Like spiders, men’s lives waste away, And this is the folly of humans. ¹²So, hear my prayer, O Jehovah… Listen as I beg in my tears!Please don’t stay silent with me, For, like my fathers, I’ve traveled with You! ¹³Refresh me and spare me before I must leave… Before I no longer exist.

To the [music] director:A Psalm by David.¹I’ve endured and waited on God, Then He noticed and heard what I prayed. ²He led me from the misery of the pit… From the mud and slime, He removed me.Then He stood my feet on a rock, And straightened the paths that I walk. ³He put a new song in my mouth… A sacred hymn to my God.When they’re afraid, many look to the Lord. ⁴And blest are those who trust in His Name… Those who don’t search for what’s foolish, And those who don’t act in rash ways.⁵O Jehovah,You’ve done such wonderful things… Wondrous and great are Your ways, O my God, And there are none who are equal to You! So I’ll speak and tell of Your glorious ways And the unnumbered ways they keep growing.⁶Sacrifices and offerings, You didn’t want, Nor did You seek whole burnt offerings Or sacrifices for [the covering of] sins; Yet, You prepared a body for me.⁷So I said:‘Look, I’ve arrived… In the knob of the scroll this was written about me:⁸‘I’ve come to do Your Will, O my God; ‘For Your Laws lie deep in my [heart].’⁹‘I’ve announced the good news of [Your] righteous ways Among the great congregation… O Lord, I’ve not held back my lips!¹⁰‘I’ve not hidden Your righteous ways in my heart, And I’ve told the truth about Your salvation… I’ve not hidden Your mercy and truth Before the great congregation.¹¹‘So Jehovah, don’t hide Your compassions from me… May Your mercy and truth give me strength.¹²‘Bad things are now all around me, For my lawless deeds overtook me And I’m no longer able to see. They’ve multiplied like the hairs on my head, And by my own heart, I’m abandoned.¹³‘So think well of me and save me, O God… O Jehovah, pay attention and help me! ¹⁴May those who are seeking my life (Those who wish to lift it away) Together, feel shame and disgrace.‘May those who wish to do evil Feel shame and be forced to back off. ¹⁵Let them feel their shame right away… Those who are saying of me:‘Well done, yes very well done.’¹⁶‘May all those who seek You be happy, O Lord, And may they start shouting in joy… May all that love Your salvation Start shouting aloud, ‘Praise Jehovah!’¹⁷I now find myself poor and in need; So, please don’t forget me, my God. Since You’re my defender and helper, Please don’t wait or delay!

To the [music] director:A Psalm by David.¹Blest are those who are paying attention To the needs of the poor. For God will save them when bad days arrive.²May Jehovah bless them and guard them… May He keep them alive on the ground And save them from their enemy’s hands. ³May God give them aid in their beds of grief, And turn their beds when they’re ill.⁴I said:‘O Jehovah, show mercy on me; Heal my soul, for I’ve sinned against You, ⁵And my enemies are saying bad things, Asking about me, ‘When will he die?’’⁶Once foolishness came here to visit, And he spoke to me from his heart. He also brought the lawless along, And they all went outside to talk.⁷To each other, my enemies whispered, And developed a plot [to destroy] me. ⁸They planned to do something illegal… They said:‘He will go to bed, but never arise.’⁹And a man with whom I always had peace (One upon whom I had always relied And who once ate bread at my table), Against me, made plans of deceit.¹⁰But You, O Lord, showed mercy on me. You lifted me up and repaid him. ¹¹By this, I knew that you [loved] me, And my foes will never find joy over me.¹²You helped me because I’m not guilty, And throughout the age, I stood strong before You. ¹³So, Praise Jehovah, IsraEl’s God, Throughout the age and the age of the ages…May it ever be so!

To the [music] director:The contemplation of the sons of KorAh.¹As a stag searches for springs of water, Is how my heart longs for You, O my God… ²Since my soul thirsts for the Almighty God, When may I come and stand before You?³My tears have become my ‘bread’ day and night… Each day, people ask me, ‘So, where is your God?’ ⁴I think of such things and thereafter, [Before You], I pour out my soul.I’ll go to Your wonderful Tent… I’ll go to the House of my God. I’ll go shouting aloud, singing praises of You, As though it were a great holiday.⁵O man within me; why are you so sad… Why do you bother me so? We must put trust in our God… Sing in praise of the ways that He saves!⁶O my God,I’m so bothered within, And it’s about You that I’m concerned. In the land of the JorDan, I think about You, Here on little Mount Herman.⁷Because of the roar of floods in the deep, I cried out to You [in my fear]; For by Your waves and their crests, I’ve been covered.⁸Each day, I beg God for His mercy, And each night, I pray that He will send it… This God [who watches over] my life.⁹Then I say to God:‘Since You’re my shield, Why do You still overlook me… Why must I always look downcast, And have to push past my opposers?¹⁰‘They berate me as they’re breaking my bones, And afflict me each day, as they ask:‘So now, where is your God?’¹¹O man within; why are you dejected, And why do you bother me so? We must put our hope in Jehovah… Give praise to our Savior and God!

A Psalm by David.¹Judge me, O God… Try my case Here in an unholy nation… Save me from the unjust and deceitful!²Since You’re my God and my fortress, Why have you thrust me away… Why must I be so downhearted, And oppressed by my enemies?³From Your Tent and Your Holy Mountain, Send Your light and truth as my guide. ⁴Then I’ll go to the Altar of God… To the God of my youth who once brought me joy.⁵Why have You rejected my soul And allowed me to be so upset? Yet, I still have faith in my God, And I’ll still sing praises to Him… So, rescue my soul, O my God!

To the [music] director:A Contemplation of the sons of KorAh.¹O God,With our ears, we’ve heard about it; For our fathers told us the stories Of the deeds that You did back in their day. ²How, with Your hand, You replanted nations, And of how You also destroyed them… How You oppressed them and drove them away, ³And how they couldn’t inherit this land with their swords; For, all of their arms couldn’t save them… Just by Your right hand and mighty arm, And by the light of Your face, if You liked them.⁴So, You are my King and my God… You’re the One who told us how Jacob was saved. ⁵So [we’ll trust] that our enemies will also be gored, And that in Your Name, those rising against us Will come to know Your contempt.⁶Thus, I won’t trust in my bow, Nor in my broadsword to save me… ⁷Just in the One who’ll save us, And disgrace all those who detest us.⁸Yes, we’ll praise our God every day, And throughout the ages, speak of Your Name.⁹But now, You’ve pushed us away in disgrace And no longer take the lead of our army. ¹⁰From our enemies, You’ve forced us to flee, And given us as plunder to them.¹¹Like sheep, You gave us as food, And scattered us among all the nations… ¹²You treated Your people as worthless, And assigned us as having no value.¹³You’ve made us the scorn of our neighbors, To be taunted and sneered at by those roundabout. ¹⁴You’ve made us a parable to the gentiles… As those at whom they can just shake their heads.¹⁵So, all day long, I’m taunted, And with shame, my face has been covered. ¹⁶The sounds of berating and disrespect Is what I hear from our enemies, Who’ve carried us off.¹⁷Yet, even though all these things have happened to us, We’ve not forgotten our God, Nor have we broken our Agreement with You. ¹⁸We’ve not left our hearts in the rear, Nor have we turned from Your righteous paths.¹⁹In this God-forsaken place, we’ve been humbled, And we’re covered by the shadow of death. ²⁰If we’d forgotten the Name of our God, And chosen the hands of foreign gods, ²¹We should have expected such things. For God knows all the secrets deep in our hearts.²²Because of You, we’re slaughtered all day… We’re thought of as sheep to be butchered. ²³So, wake up… Why are You sleeping, O Lord? Stand up… Don’t push us away ‘til the end.²⁴O why have You turned away, And not noticed our misery and affliction? ²⁵For our souls have been humbled down to the dust, And our bellies have been forced to the ground.²⁶So arise, O Jehovah, and help us! Ransom us for the sake of Your Name!

To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] Regarding the Changes.An ode of contemplation of the loved one by the sons of KorAh.[Editor note: This appears to be a prophecy about the powers of the coming Messiah, with him being represented by the then-ruling king. So we’re not using the capitals normally used when talking about God, because the text is actually calling the human king a ‘god,’ who then prophetically represents Jesus in the future. Please read the commentary by one of our translators for more information.]¹From my heart, I thrust out good words, Then quickly, I wrote my work for the king; For my tongue had become like a reed pen… As one who’s held in the hands of a scribe.²More beautiful than the children of men, Is the favor that pours from your lips. And for this, may our God be praised throughout the age.³So now, strap your sword to your thigh, And in your fineness, stretch tight your bow! ⁴Bless us and rule us in truth… In your gentle ways and in justice, Give us direction with your right hand!⁵Sharpen your arrows, O mighty one. For the peoples beneath you must fall… All the enemies in the heart of the king.⁶Your throne, O god, is throughout ages of ages, And your Kingdom is ruled by your scepter. ⁷For, you’ve loved what’s right, And you’ve hated law breaking.And for this, The God who is also your God Has anointed you with His oil And praised you above all your peers.⁸Your clothes smell of myrrh, balsam, and fruit, Which is found in your palace of ivory. ⁹In your honor, the daughters of kings find delight, While your queen is at your right hand, Wearing finest clothes embroidered with gold.¹⁰So listen, O daughters, and look… Incline your ears and forget your own kin… Those in the house of your father. ¹¹For the king has desired your beauty, And he’s your [sovereign] lord.¹²So, you daughters of Tyre, bow before him, And you rich, bring gifts to curry his favor! ¹³The king’s daughter is glorious within, And she’s wrapped in clothes embroidered with gold.¹⁴Then, all the virgins who follow in her train (Those closest to her) will be carried to you. ¹⁵They’ll be carried there singing praises of joy, And led to the Most Holy Place of the king.¹⁶Then, in place of your fathers, sons will be born, And you’ll appoint them as rulers over the lands.¹⁷From one generation to another, All will remember your name. Yes, all the peoples will praise you, Throughout the age and the age of the ages.

To the [music] director:By the sons of KorAh, about secret things.¹Our God is our refuge and powerful aid Against the many problems we face.²Because of this, we won’t be afraid When the whole earth is upset, And the mountains fall into the seas. ³For, by His force, the waters will roar, And the mountains will all be disturbed.⁴A river brings joy to the city of God… To the Holy High Tent of Jehovah. ⁵Since God is in there, [the city] won’t fall; For, morning-after-morning, God sends it His aid.⁶Kingdoms were tilted and nations had trembled, For the Most High shouted and then shook the earth. ⁷But, Jehovah of Armies is with us; Yes, Jacob’s God is our shield!⁸Come and witness the works of our God… The miracles that He brings to our land! ⁹For He’s driven wars to the ends of the earth… He’s destroyed all their bows, And He’s burned all their weapons and shields in a fire!¹⁰[For He says:]‘Relax and know that I am your God; And among the nations, I’ll be raised high… Throughout the whole earth, I’ll be praised.’¹¹Yes, Jehovah of Armies is with us; The God of Jacob is our shield!

For the [music] director:By the sons of KorAh.¹Clap your hands, all you nations And joyfully call to our God! ²Fear Jehovah, for He’s the Most High; Yes, He’s the King of the earth!³He’s caused the peoples to yield, And He’s put all the nations under our feet. ⁴For, as His inheritance, He chose us; And He loves the beauty of Jacob.⁵With a shout, our God has ascended… From Jehovah, the sound of the trumpet was heard. ⁶So, to our God, play your music… Strum [your harps] to our King. ⁷Since our God is the King of the earth, Before Him, play your instruments well.⁸God rules over the gentiles, And He reigns from His holy throne. ⁹So, under AbraHam’s God, The rulers of the peoples are gathered; For He owns all the kings of the earth, And by them, He’s greatly respected.

A Psalm; an ode by the sons of KorAh for the second Sabbath.¹O how great is Jehovah… May He be praised in the city… Praise our God on His Holy Mountain!²Leap for joy, all you on the earth; For, just to the north of Mount Zion Is the city of the great king. ³In her estates, God is well known, And He’s the One who comes to her aid.⁴{Look!} The kings of the earth have assembled… Yes, they’ve all come to this place, ⁵And when they saw it, they were amazed… It shook them and they were disturbed. ⁶After that, they started to tremble Like a woman with birth pangs.⁷With storms, You’ll wreck boats from TarShish, ⁸And the things that we’ve heard are what we believe… That the city of Jehovah the Almighty (Yes, the city of God) Was established by Him throughout the ages.⁹We’ve received Your mercies, O God, And among Your people, we’re standing. ¹⁰O God, may Your Name always be praised To the ends of the earth; For, from Your right hand comes true justice.¹¹So Mount Zion, you should be joyful… And shout in joy, you daughters of Judah Over the judgments of God.¹²Encircle Zion and grab hold of her… Describe each one of her towers. ¹³Keep her army close to your Hearts, And make her palaces strong, So that future generations can see her.¹⁴For this is our God throughout the ages And into the age of the ages. For, throughout the ages, He’s watched over us.

To the [music] director:By the sons of KorAh.¹Listen to this, all you nations; Give ear, all you who dwell in the land; ²You earth-born ones and sons of men, Both the rich and the poor...³For my mouth will now speak about wisdom, And the thoughts that my heart has come to know. ⁴So, incline your ears and listen to proverbs, For I’ll explain my riddle in this song:⁵‘Why should I fear that wicked day When the lawless are chasing my heels, And when they have me surrounded… ⁶Those who enforce their own power, And brag of their wealth before all?⁷‘A man’s brother can’t serve as his ransom, Since he can’t pay God for even himself! ⁸And if he should try to ransom himself, Throughout the age, he will grow weary by trying. ⁹Thus, may he live ‘till the end, So his body won’t see corruption.¹⁰‘Whenever a wise man comes to his end; Along with the foolish and mindless he leaves, And his wealth is then passed on to strangers.¹¹‘So thereafter, his home is his tomb… It’s his tent through the next generations. And even though they may call the land by his name, ¹²He will see no honor in that, For, he becomes like the cattle; And like them, he thinks nothing at all… ¹³So, this is the snare in his path.‘Although his mouth once found pleasure in the things that he said, ¹⁴Like a sheep, he goes to the the place of the dead, And he’s put in a place where he’s tended by death.‘In the morning, he may have been ruled by the upright, But their help grows old and ends in the grave Where they and their glory are banished.¹⁵‘For, only God can ransom our lives From the hands of the grave, Whenever He chooses to take us.¹⁶‘So, fear not those who make themselves rich, Or those whose houses receive all the glory. ¹⁷For when we die, we take nothing away, And all of our glory is gone.¹⁸‘Yet, while we’re alive, we think our lives blest, When men have given us praise. ¹⁹But, from one generation to another, We all just go down to our fathers, And throughout the ages, we never see light.²⁰‘For an honored man doesn’t realize That he’s like his unthinking cattle, And [his end] is also like theirs.’

A Psalm of Asaph.¹Jehovah is the God of all gods; For He speaks and calls the sun from the east, Where it crosses the earth to where it descends.²It’s from Zion that His beauty is shining, ³And when His coming is seen, He won’t be silent thereafter!For, a fire will go before Him and burn, And a gale will blow all around Him. ⁴He will call to the earth from the heavens above, And then, He will set separate people.⁵He will gather His holy ones to Him (Those who [follow] His Sacred Agreement), ⁶Then, across the skies, He will shout His decisions. For, God is truly our judge.⁷He says:‘Listen, My people, and I’ll tell you… Yes listen, O IsraEl, and I’ll testify! For, I am God… I’m your God!⁸‘I won’t discipline you over your sacrifices, Since your whole burnt-offerings have always been there. ⁹Yet, I never asked you for calves, Or for your winter yearlings or flocks.¹⁰‘For the beasts in the fields are already Mine, As are your cattle and oxen, ¹¹And all the birds in the skies… The beauty of the fields came from Me!¹²‘If I were hungry, I’d never tell you; For, everything in man’s habitation is Mine. ¹³So, why should I eat meat of bulls, Or drink the blood of male goats?¹⁴‘Why not offer Me praise as your sacrifice, And just pay the vows that you’ve made? ¹⁵Then, you could call out to Me, And I’d [be there to] save you… And thereafter, you’d speak of My glory.’¹⁶So, to the sinners, God asks:‘Why do you bother to take up My Laws And speak of My Sacred Agreement, ¹⁷When you really hate My instructions, And disregard everything that I’ve said?¹⁸‘If you saw a thief, you’d run with him, And you’d join with those committing adultery! ¹⁹For your mouths are filled with what’s bad, And your tongues are twisted in lies.²⁰‘Against your own brothers, you sit and speak ill… You set snares for the sons of your mother! ²¹Then, if I don’t speak when you’re breaking My Laws, You think that I’m like you!‘But, I’ll soon discipline you… I’ll stand in your face [and speak of] your sins! ²²So notice, all you who’ve forgotten your God; For the time will come when I’ll snatch you away, And no one will be there to save you.²³‘And even though you may have offered Me glory With your sacrifices and praises… There’s no way that I’ll then spare you!’

To the [music] director:A Psalm by David, [about the time] when the Prophet Nathan came to him over his taking BathSheba (the wife of UriAh).¹Show mercy on me, O my God! In Your abundant compassions, Please erase the ways that I’ve broken Your Laws… ²Wash away all my lawless deeds, And cleanse me from all my sins. ³For I know all the laws that I’ve broken, And my errors are ever before me.⁴Against You alone, have I sinned, And before You, I’ve done wicked things. So, Your decisions are righteous, And in Your judgments, You’ve proven just.⁵{Look!} But in lawlessness, I was conceived… Yes, in the strange food of sin That I’ve craved [since I came from] my mother.⁶However, You love what’s true, And now You’ve revealed the bad things I did From the hidden, private things of Your wisdom.⁷So, may I be sprinkled with branches of hyssop, That I may be clean once again… Wash me with the snow from above, So I can stand whitened before You.⁸Please let me know cheering and gladness again… Let my humbled bones be joyful once more! ⁹Turn Your face away from my sins And erase all of my lawless deeds!¹⁰O God, please give me a heart that’s clean, And with a righteous spirit, renew me within. ¹¹Don’t reel and turn Your face in disgust, Nor take away Your Holy Breath.¹²Return the joy of salvation to me… Support me and [help me] rule [well]. ¹³Then I’ll teach Your ways to the lawless, And I’ll turn the irreverent towards You.¹⁴O my Savior and God,If You’ll save me from the guilt of this blood, ³¹My tongue will shout in praise of Your justice.¹⁵O Jehovah,To You, I’ll open my lips, And with my mouth, I’ll praise You!¹⁶If You wanted sacrifices, I’d give them, But You don’t think well of burnt offerings. ¹⁷What You want is a spirit that’s broken, And You don’t overlook humbled hearts.¹⁸O Jehovah,In Your good will, Do the best thing for Zion… Let JeruSalem’s walls be rebuilt. ¹⁹Think well of our righteous sacrifices, And we’ll bring burnt offerings to Your Altar. [missing from our Septuagint source, probably added later]

To the [music] director:A Psalm of David’s musings about the time when Doeg the Edomite went to Saul to tell him that David had gone to the house of AhiMelek. [1 Samuel 22:9]¹O you who think you’re so mighty; Why do you boast of the evil you’ve done, And of your lawless deeds, all day long?²For, unrighteousness thinks of your tongue Like the treachery of a razor, ³Since you’ve preferred evil to goodness, And lies to telling the truth. ⁴You’ve loved words that cause drowning, As well as tongues of deceit.⁵For this, our God will destroy you… He will pluck you out of your tent, And uproot you from the land of the living.⁶Of the righteous, you’ll come to know fear; For they’ll laugh at you and they’ll say:⁷‘Notice this one who won’t lean on God, But rather, puts trust in his wealth, And feels strong in his own foolish ways.’⁸But, in the House of my God, I’ve been like a tree of ripe olives. For, throughout the age, I’ve trusted His mercy… Throughout the age, I’ve put faith in my God.⁹Therefore, throughout the ages, I’ll praise Him, For He’s finally brought me good results. And I’ll trust in His Name, Because He provides for His holy ones.

To the [music] director:A Psalm for the harp.A contemplation of David.¹‘There is no God,’ say the fools in their hearts; So, they’re corrupt and disgusting. For, they’re breaking [God’s] Laws, And they don’t choose to do what’s right!²God looks upon them from His place in the skies, Since He watches what sons of men do To see if they’re paying attention, And if any are searching for Him. ³But, they’ve all turned aside and are useless; There are none who do good… No, not one!⁴Don’t they know (those acting without law… Those eating [God’s] people like bread), That they should [search for] Jehovah? ⁵And for this, they fear when there’s nothing to fear.For, God will scatter the bones Of those who try to please men. And since they live their lives in disgrace, God treats them all with contempt.⁶Now, who’ll be appointed from Zion To become IsraEl’s savior? For, when God returns all the captives, Jacob will cry out in joy, And IsraEl will once more be happy!

To the [music] director:One of the hymns of contemplation by David, about the time when the Ziphites said to Saul: ‘{Look!} Isn’t David hiding among us?’ [1 Samuel 23:19]¹O God,Please save me for the sake of Your Name, And use Your powers to bring us what’s fair.²O God, please listen to my prayer… Hear the words that come from my mouth. ³For, strangers have risen against me, And the mighty who don’t know You are seeking my life!⁴But look! God came and He helped me… Jehovah has shielded my soul! ⁵To my enemies, He’s sent what’s bad, And He’s used the truth to destroy them.⁶So I’ll offer sacrifices to You, And I’ll give praise to Your Name. ⁷For, from great danger, You’ve saved me, And my eyes have seen my prayers answered.

To the [music] director:One of the hymns of the contemplations of Asaph.¹Give ear, O God, to my prayer… Don’t overlook the things that I beg… ²Please pay attention and listen!I sat alone and was worried; For, by my enemy’s voice, I became very disturbed, ³As well as by the oppression of sinners. For in lawless ways, they’ve all turned against me, And in anger, they’ve shown me their rage.⁴So my heart was pounding within me, And fear of death overcame me… ⁵I was afraid, shaking, and covered by darkness, ⁶So I begged:‘Please give me the wings of a dove, That I may spread them and go find some rest!’⁷{Look!} I was driven far away into exile, And I was forced to live in the desert, ⁸Where I waited for someone to save me From my own fears and the storms.⁹O Jehovah,Please sink them… Make them speak different tongues! For I’ve seen how lawless they are, And I hear of their wars in the cities.¹⁰Lawless ways and misery dwell in their midst… Day and night, they encircle our walls, ¹¹Bringing injustice to our city squares, By treacherously charging interest for loans.¹²Had I been slandered by my enemies, I’d have been happy to endure it. And if someone who hates me had threatened, I’d have just hidden from him.¹³But it’s you, O man, someone like me… A leader of mine and a Seer! ¹⁴It was you who once sweetened my food, And we lived in the same house together!¹⁵But may death now come to them all, And alive, may they fall into their graves. For, wickedness travels among them, And in their midst, it is living.¹⁶Then I cried out to God, and He heard me. ¹⁷So at morning, noon, and during the night, I’ll beg Him for the things that I need, And He will listen to all my requests.¹⁸Because I was peaceful, He will ransom my soul… He will save me from those who were once on my side, But who’ve now come to attack me.¹⁹Yes, our God, who exists throughout the ages, Will listen and then make them humble… He won’t negotiate with them, Because they’ve not learned how to fear Him.²⁰He will stretch out His hand and repay All those who’ve profaned His Sacred Agreement. ²¹With the rage of His face, He will cut them to shreds, And then He will snatch out their hearts. For although His words may sound as soft as olive oil, He can also shoot them like arrows.²²So upon Jehovah, throw your concerns, Then He will nourish and watch over you. For He won’t allow ages to pass, As the righteous are being abused.²³Yes You, O God, will soon lead them (Those men of blood and deception) Into the well of corruption. There’s no way that they’ll live half of their days; And Jehovah, I’m trusting in You.

To the [music] director:For the people.From the holy things of David and for an inscription [about the time] when the Philistines held him at Gath.¹Show mercy on me, O my God; For a man has trampled on me all day long, And he’s oppressed me in war.²All day long, my enemies are winning… From higher ground, they’ve fought me. ³But today, I won’t be afraid, For in You, I’m putting my trust.⁴I’ll praise You with words throughout the whole day; For in my God, I’m putting my hope, So I’ll not be afraid of what flesh can do.⁵Every day, they’ve hated my words, And they think of ways they can hurt me. ⁶They run and hide, then watch for my heel, As they patiently wait for my soul. ⁷Yet, You won’t bring them salvation, But in rage, You’ll thereafter destroy them.⁸O God, to You, I’ve given My life, And as You promised, You’ve noticed my tears. ⁹So, when I must call out to You, Please drive my enemies away.{Look!} I’ve always known that you are my God, ¹⁰So I’ve [paid attention to] Your council, And I’ve spoken in praise of Your words. ¹¹So because I’ve put faith in my God, I’ll not be afraid of what men can do.¹²Within me, O God, are the vows That I made as I was speaking Your praises… ¹³For from death, You ransomed my soul. There are also tears in my eyes, For You didn’t allow them to trip me. Thus, here in the light of the living, I can keep pleasing Jehovah.

To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] Do Not Destroy by David.For an inscription on a monument about the time he ran away from Saul [and hid in] a cave.¹O God, show mercy upon me… Yes, please be merciful to me! For to You, I’ve given my life, And in the shadow of Your wings, I’ve put faith.Until these lawless things pass me by, ²I’ll call out to God, the Most High… The One by whom I’m blest.³From the heavens, He’s sent me protection, And heaped scorn on those who were walking on me. God sent me His mercy and truth, ⁴And from those young lions, He saved me.For, whenever I went to bed, I was bothered when I thought about sons of men Whose teeth are just like their weapons, And whose arrows are like sharpened swords.⁵May You be exalted, my God, Above the highest of the heavens… Above all the lands, may Your glory be raised!⁶Now, they’ve set snares for my feet, And my soul, they’ve dragged to the ground. And even though they dug a cesspool in front of my face, They were the ones who fell in it.⁷So, my heart is now ready, O God, To sing and strum to Your glorious Name. ⁸Therefore, awaken my glory and ready my harp When I arise in the morning.⁹Then among the peoples, I’ll praise You, O Lord, And among all the nations, I’ll strum to [Your Name]. ¹⁰For, above the heavens, Your mercy is raised, And Your Truth is higher than the clouds. ¹¹So, above the skies, may You ever be raised… O God, may Your glory [shine] over the earth.

To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] Do Not Destroy by David.An inscription on a monument.¹Won’t You speak out for righteous ways, And won’t You, in justice, judge sons of men? ²For their hearts have brought lawless ways to our land, And their hands are wrapped in injustice!³Sinners come out of the womb And wander from the belly speaking lies. ⁴Their rage is like that of serpents, And as asps that can’t speak, for their ears have been closed, ⁵So they can’t hear the sounds of [snake] charmers, [And they strike] with the potions of witches. ⁶But now, God has broken the teeth in their mouths… Their molars of lions, He’s shattered.⁷He views them as though they’re just water, And He will stretch tight His bow ‘til they’re conquered… ⁸Like melted beeswax, they’ll be removed; For, He will strike them with fire, And thereafter, they’ll not see the sun anymore. ⁹As white-thorned shrubs, He views their thorn-bushes; And He will swallow them down still alive.¹⁰We’ll all rejoice when we see they’ve been punished, And wash our hands in the blood of those sinners. ¹¹Thereafter, each man will be forced to declare That this is the fruitage of justice, And there’s a God who brings what’s fair to the land.

To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] Do Not Corrupt by David.An inscription on a monument about the time when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him.¹From my enemies, please save me, O God… Ransom me from those attacking. ²Deliver me from those who are breaking the Law… From those men of blood, please save me!³{Look!} For, they hunted for my life… Yes, they’ve sent their mighty against me. But Jehovah; I’ve not broken Your laws, Nor are [they coming] because of my sins!⁴Although I’ve done nothing illegal, From them, I’ve been forced to flee… So awaken to meet me and notice!⁵O God, Jehovah of armies… O God of IsraEl, take notice… Come and visit those nations!Don’t pity those who are lawless… ⁶May they come back starved in the evening, And like dogs, may they roam through the [streets]!⁷They shout with their swords held up to their lips, As they ask:‘Who is paying attention?’⁸But You, O Lord, should be laughing out loud, And treating them all with contempt.⁹For, You’re my strength, O my God… You’re my shield [and protector]. ¹⁰So Your mercy travels before me, And to my enemies, You send whatever I ask.¹¹But don’t kill them, so Your Laws are not overlooked; Rather, scatter them with Your power. O my defender, Jehovah; Have them be led far away!¹²For the sins of their mouths and the words on their lips, Let them be taken as captives… May they be cursed for their pride and their lies.¹³In Your rage, come down and consume them, So that they’ll no longer exist. Then, everyone to the ends of the earth Will know that Jacob’s Lord is the [only true] God.¹⁴When they arrive in the evening; May they be starved upon their return, And like dogs, may they roam through the [streets]. ¹⁵May they be scattered to search for their food, And let them grumble as they’re starving.¹⁶Then I’ll sing of all Your great powers, And I’ll praise Your mercies each morning; For, You’re my refuge and shield In my day of distress.¹⁷Because You’re my helper, I’m strumming to You… I’m playing to You, for You’re my God. O God, You truly are my shield, And You’ve shown mercy upon me.

To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] The Changings.For an inscription on a monument by David, as a lesson about when he burned [the land of] Syrian MesoPotamia and [the nation of] SoBal in Syria, and [also] when JoAb returned and cut down 12,000 men of Edom in the Salt Valley [referencing 1 Chronicles 18:12-15 where 18,000 were killed, but perhaps JoAb was responsible for 12,000 of those deaths].¹O God,You’ve knocked us down and pushed us away, But, along with Your rage, You felt pity. ²For although You shook our land and disturbed it; You’ve healed the cracks that resulted.³You’ve taught Your people hard lessons, And we’ve melted in the wine of Your rage. ⁴But, to those who feared You, You then sent a sign, To flee from the face of the bow. ⁵So, since You’ve saved all those whom You love, Please listen, and with Your hands, save me!⁶Then, from His Holy Place, our God spoke. He said:‘I’ll shout and I’ll divide SheChem… The Valley of Tents, I’ll split.⁷‘GileAd is Mine and ManasSeh is Mine; Ephraim is the fort of My head, And Judah is the place of My king.’⁸Then, over Edom He said:‘MoAb is the kettle of My hope; So, I’ll stretch out My sandal, And make the Philistines submit. ⁹So, who’ll take Me up to their forts, And who can guide Me to Edom?’¹⁰O Lord, Why did You thrust us away? O God, Won’t You be with our army?¹¹Help us in our day of oppression, For, there’s no salvation from men. ¹²Only by God do we have any strength… Only He can show His contempt For those who’ve been our oppressors.

To the [music] director:One of the hymns by David.A Psalm.¹Listen, O God, to the things that I beg… Please pay attention to my prayer!²From the ends of the earth, I called out to You When my heart was discouraged at the Rock [1 Samuel 23:25]; Then You lifted me high and showed me the way.³When my enemies were there in front of my face, You were my only reason for hope… You were my tower and strength.⁴So, I’ll go to Your Tent throughout the ages; In the protection of Your wings, I’ll seek shelter. ⁵For You, O God, have heard what I vowed, And an inheritance is what You’ll give To those who are fearing Your Name.⁶Day after day, add life to the king From one generation to another. ⁷Throughout the ages, may he live there before You And search for Your mercies and truth. ⁸Then, throughout the ages, I’ll sing to Your Name, And I’ll render my vows every day.

To the [music] director:For [the priest] IdiThun [1 Chronicles 16:41].A Psalm by David.¹Shouldn’t my life be devoted to God? In His salvation, shouldn’t I trust? ²For, He’s my God and my Savior… He’s my shield, so I’ll not be afraid When I must fight larger armies.³So, how long will You pile so much upon men? For like walls that lean, we’ve become… Like fences that have many gaps… And then, to each one, You send death.⁴Because they’ve conspired to remove all my honor; From them, I’ve run away. For although, with their mouths, they’ve blest me; Within their hearts, they’ve cursed me.⁵But I’ve given my life to my God And I’ve trusted in Him to survive. ⁶He’s my God and my Savior… He’s my shield, so I’ll never leave Him. ⁷Yes, He’s my salvation and glory… God is my hope, so I’m trusting in Him.⁸In Him, the congregation should also put faith… Since He’s their helper, they should pour out their hearts. ⁹In the sons of men, they shouldn’t put trust, Since they’re the same as false weights That are used to cheat them on scales… To mislead them and do them wrong.¹⁰Nor should they trust in unrighteous ways, Or long for things they can steal. And should they find great treasures before them, They shouldn’t let it enter their hearts. ¹¹For the Lord spoke to me and said this:‘God sends His mercy along with His might, ¹²And He pays each one back for the things that he does.’

A Psalm by David about the time he spent in the desert of Idumea.¹God, O my God, I rise early, Because my inner person is thirsting for You. Yes, my flesh has been longing for You In this land that’s barren, unwalked, and dry.²So, to Your Holy Place, I’ve now come To behold Your power and glory. ³And since Your mercies are better than life, My lips will [sing praises about them].⁴With my whole life, I’ll praise You, And to Your Name, I’ll raise my hands. ⁵So may my life be filled with the fatness of fat, And with joyful lips, may my mouth offer praise.⁶I’m thinking of You as I lie in my bed… I’m meditating at the breaking of dawn. ⁷And because You’re my helper, I’m shouting in joy, As I lie in Your wings of protection.⁸To You, my soul will stick closely, And I’ll grab hold tightly of Your right hand; ⁹For, there are those who are seeking my life.May they be sent to the depths of the ground… ¹⁰May they be handed up to the sword… The reward of foxes, may they receive.¹¹May the king find joy in [his] God, And may he swear oaths here before Him; For, He’s stopped up the mouths Of those who’ve spoken against him.

To the [music] director:A Psalm by David.¹O God, please listen to my voice; For, I’m begging before You. Of my enemies, I’m afraid… So, please come and save my life!²From the conspiracies of the wicked, give me shelter… And from the crowds of the unrighteous. ³For they’ve sharpened their tongues just like broadswords, And in bitterness, stretched tight their bows. ⁴They aim from hiding at the unblemished, Then shoot at me without fear.⁵They’ve decided to do evil things, And they’ve talked about how they’ll hide all their snares… Asking each other, ‘Who will see them?’⁶For lawless ways, they’ve searched, But, all their searching has failed; For, not a single man would step forward, Who had any depth of heart.⁷So, may Jehovah be praised; For, even to their infants, calamity arrived.⁸Although they spoke in contempt with their tongues, And all who viewed them were frightened; ⁹Of the works of my God, they all were in awe, When they realized He was with me.¹⁰So, may the upright find joy in Jehovah, And in Him, may they put all their trust; For He blesses those with straight hearts.

To the [music] director;A Psalm by David.¹From Zion, I’m sending this hymn, O my God; From JeruSalem, I’m sending this vow. ²Please hear this prayer [that I offer]; For, before You, all flesh must approach.³Although we were overwhelmed by our errors, Our irreverent ways, You’ve covered.⁴Blest are those whom You’ve chosen and claimed; For, in Your courtyards, they’ll camp, And there, You’ll fill them with the good things That come from Your House and Your Holy Tent.⁵Of Your righteousness, we all are in awe; So, hear us, our God and our Savior! ⁶You’re the hope of all to the ends of the earth, And of those far away on the seas.You’re the One who made mighty mountains, ⁷And the One who brings disturbance to the seas (The roar of which no one can stand). ⁸But, that’s how the nations will soon be disturbed… It’s how those at our borders will come to know fear.⁹Your signs bless the comings of mornings and evenings, And You’ve made the land drunk with Your visits. With the river of God, You’ve enriched it… You’ve nourished [our land] with the water You sent.¹⁰Yes, You’ve sent [much water to the land] To saturate the rows and make them produce. You’ve sent raindrops to make it all grow, And we’re happy to watch as it springs from the ground.¹¹You graciously bless the crown of the year, When You fill our fields up with fatness. ¹²Then the beautiful mountains will also be fat, Along with all of the deserts. And wrapped [in green], the hills will become, ¹³As the rams and sheep grow much wool. For, in the valleys, You’ve made the grain grow, So of You, we’ll shout and sing praises.

To the [music] director:An ode. A Psalm of awakening.¹Shout to Jehovah, all you on the earth, ²And then play music to His Name! Shout in praise of His Glory!³Tell Him:‘We fear the things that You do; So may Your enemies submit to Your power. ⁴May the whole earth bow down before You, And may they strum to You in the heights.’⁵Come witness the works of our God, For they’re more to be feared than men realize… ⁶He changed the sea to dry ground, And He did the same to the river! For they walked across both on their feet.So in Him, we all should find joy, ⁷For, He’s the master of His domain. And throughout the age, He’s been watching the nations; So, may those who enrage Him not think themselves great.⁸O nations,Give praise to our God… May we hear the sounds of your voices! ⁹For, He’s the One who gave life to my inner person, And let nothing stumble my feet.¹⁰Yes, You’ve tried us, O God, For, You’ve refined us like silver. ¹¹First, You led us into a snare, And upon our backs, laid oppression. ¹²Then, You assigned men to be over our heads… But through fire and water, You led us to rest.¹³So, with my offerings, I’ll go to Your House And render to You all my vows… ¹⁴Those things that my lips have opened to say… The words my mouth spoke in my distress.¹⁵I’ll bring burnt offerings before You, As well as incense and marrow… My rams, winter yearlings, and bulls.¹⁶Come listen to me and I’ll tell you About my fear of my God, And of the things He’s done for my soul.¹⁷To Him, my mouth has cried out, And with my tongue, I then shouted this:¹⁸‘If in my heart, You’ve found injustice; O Jehovah, please overlook me.’¹⁹However, He listened to all that I said… He heard the sounds of my prayers! ²⁰So, may our God forever be praised, Since He didn’t overlook what I said, Nor did He remove His mercy from me.

To the [music] director:A hymn among the Psalms by David.¹O God, feel pity and bless us… Show mercy and shine Your face on us!²Throughout the whole earth, may Your ways be made known, And may all the nations see how You save… ³May everyone come to know You, O God… May they all be aware of Your [powers].⁴You gentiles:Be glad and cry out [in joy], For He judges the peoples in straightness, And He’ll lead every nation on the earth. ⁵So, may all come to know You, O God… May they all be aware of Your [greatness].⁶The earth has provided us all with her fruit… And it was from God (our God) That such a blessing arrived. ⁷So, may our God continue to bless us, And may He be feared to the ends of the earth.

To the [music] director:A Psalm by David.¹May God chase away those who hate Him, And may those who detest Him, flee far from His face. ²Like smoke, may they just blow away, And melt like beeswax in fire. Yes, that’s how the sinners will all be destroyed Before the face of our God.³But the righteous have reasons for joy; So, may they happily shout in His presence… May they all be joyful and may they be blest!⁴So, sing to God… Yes, strum to His Name! Open the way to the One riding west… The One whose Name is Jehovah!May they all shout before Him in joy, And before His face, may they all be concerned. ⁵For, He’s a Father to orphans, And the One who gives justice to widows… He’s the God who dwells within our Most Holy.⁶He settles common people in homes, And releases all those bound in shackles. He [provides] for even the bitter, And for those who dwell among tombs.⁷O God,As You passed by Your people, And as You were crossing the desert, ⁸The land was shaken and the skies dripped with dew, Before the face of our God upon SinAi… Before the face of IsraEl’s God.⁹O God,You sent rain to Your people, And then, You set us apart. ¹⁰You also gave life to the beasts [in the fields], And Your kindness provides for the poor.¹¹So, the Great God Jehovah will speak And announce the good news to our army, ¹²That the king and his armies of loved ones Will divide up the spoils in his palace.¹³Then, if you must sleep among sheep folds; You’ll also sleep amidst doves… The types that have silver wings, With the colors of green and gold on their backs.¹⁴The Heavenly One scatters kings Like snow when it falls on Mount SelMon ¹⁵(The mountain of God and the Hill of BaShan… The fourth great mountain of provision).¹⁶So mountains:Why does God dwell upon you? For Jehovah camps at the extremes, ¹⁷And His chariots number into the millions. Yet, from His Holy Place on Mount SinAi, The Lord still sends His provisions.¹⁸To the highest places, he’s stepped up, And he’s taken captives into captivity; Then, he gave gifts to the people, As he camps among those who resist Him!¹⁹So, praise Jehovah our God… Yes, praise Jehovah each day! For, He is the One who’s blest us… Our God is the One who’s saved us!²⁰Yes, our God is the God of salvation… For, from the brink of death, He’s saved [us]! ²¹So our God will shatter our enemies’ heads… The tops of hairy heads of those walking in sin.²²For Jehovah spoke and said this:‘I’ll bring them back from the depths of the seas… From BaShan, I will return them. ²³Then I’ll dip their feet in their enemy’s blood, And it will stain the tongues of their dogs.’²⁴O God,Your travels are seen from Your Holy Place… The comings and goings of my God the King. ²⁵Rulers have traveled before You, As women played harps and [shook] tambourines.²⁶May God be praised in the gathering All the way to IsraEl’s springs. ²⁷It’s the place where (to our surprise), Young BenJamin was appointed the ruler Of the governors and princes of Judah, And the leaders of ZebuLun and NaphTali.²⁸Give orders, O God, and send us Your power… Give us the strength to accomplish All the things that You want us to do! ²⁹Then the kings [of the earth] will bring gifts To Your Holy Place in JeruSalem.³⁰Scold those ‘wild beasts’ who live in the reeds, And the ‘bulls’ who are mixed among heifers. Lock away those putting trust in their silver, And scatter the nations… All those who want war.³¹Yes, send ambassadors from Egypt, With Ethiopians in front and their hands stretched towards God.³²O you kingdoms throughout the whole earth:Sing before God and play music! ³³Yes, strum to Jehovah who lives in the skies… In the heavens above, towards the east!{Look} Let them shout in a powerful voice ³⁴And give glory to IsraEl’s God, Whose majesty and power [is seen] in the clouds.³⁵God’s wonders are in His Most Holy Place. And from there, IsraEl’s God sends the power That He uses to strengthen His people. So, all should give praise to [Jehovah]!

To the [music] director:[Set to the music of the song called] For the Changes.A Psalm by David.¹Save me, please, O my God, For my soul [is drowning] in water. It’s deep and slimy, and I have no support… ²I’ve gone into the depths of the sea, And by the winds of a gale, I’ve been sunk.³From shouting, I’ve become tired, And my throat is now very sore. But, although my eyes have started to fail, I still have faith in my God.⁴My enemies number more than the hairs on my head… Yes, there are many that hate me. And my foes are now very strong (Those who’ve unjustly driven me out). And for things that I didn’t steal, They tell me that I must repay.⁵O God,You know of my sins, And You know of my foolish ways… For from You, they’ve never been hidden.⁶But, may all those who put trust in You Never feel ashamed over me. Yes, O Jehovah of Armies; May those who are seeking IsraEl’s God Never feel ashamed about me.⁷But, because of You, I’m scorned, And my face has been covered with shame. ⁸I’ve been driven away from my brothers… I’m a stranger to the sons of my mother.⁹Although zeal for Your House has consumed me, The scorn of blasphemers has fallen on me. ¹⁰So my life is now wrapped up in fasting, And this gives them more reasons to laugh. ¹¹For, when I was covered in sackcloth, I became a parable among them.¹²Those sitting at the gates now think about me, And about me, even drunks are singing songs. ¹³But to You, O Jehovah, I’ve cried out in prayer:‘O God, I’ll wait ‘til the time that You’ve set, When in Your mercy, You’ll heed me once more, And show them the truth of how You can save.’¹⁴O save me, for I’m stuck in this ‘mud’… Pull me out of the ‘waters’ of those who detest me! ¹⁵May the ‘gale’ not sink me in water, Nor swallow me down in the mouth of its ‘well.’¹⁶Please listen to me, O Jehovah, For Your mercies are all very tender. Yes, in Your compassion, please look upon me!¹⁷Don’t turn Your face from Your servant… In my time of affliction, please notice! ¹⁸Pay attention and ransom my soul… From my enemies, please come here and save me!¹⁹You know of my shame and remorse, And before You, my enemies scorn me. ²⁰Although I thought they’d grieve over my misery; They didn’t, and they brought me no comfort.²¹As food, they offered me bile, And gave me vinegar instead, to quench my thirst. ²²May [what they offered] become their own snare… May [it keep them] from their reward.²³May their eyes become dark, so they can’t see, And may their backs be bent over double. ²⁴Please pour out Your anger upon them… May they be caught in Your rage.²⁵May the houses they own become empty, And may no one ever live in their tents. ²⁶For they’ve chased this one whom You struck, And added to the pain of my wounds.²⁷For their lawless ways, may they see lawless ways… May they not enter Your justice. ²⁸In the Scroll of Life, may their names not be written… Among the righteous, may their names be erased.²⁹I stand in Your presence, poor and in pain; So God, please take care of me! ³⁰Then I’ll praise Your Name [every day]… With songs, I’ll sing of Your glory.³¹So, God above, I’ll please You… [I’ll offer] hoofed calves that are just sprouting horns. ³²Then, may all the poor people see it, And may they all start rejoicing!Inquire of God who gives life to our souls; ³³For Jehovah pays attention to the needy, And He listens to those bound in shackles… He never looks at them in contempt.³⁴So, praise Him You heavens, you earth, and you sea, And all the things that may crawl there; ³⁵For, Zion will be saved by our God, And the cities of Judah will then be rebuilt, Which the people will inherit thereafter… Yes, that’s where they’ll dwell. ³⁶The offspring of Your servants will own it, And those loving Your Name will all camp there.

To the [music] director:A Psalm by David in remembrance of his being saved by Jehovah.¹O God, please hear me and help me… O Jehovah, please rush to my aid! ²May those seeking my life feel shame and remorse… May those wishing me harm retreat in disgrace. ³May those saying of me, ‘Well done, well done,’ Turn back and then be ashamed.⁴But, may those who seek You be glad and rejoice… May those who love Your salvation Give praise to You, O Jehovah.⁵Help me, O God, for I’m poor and in need… Become my helper and Savior… I [need You now], so don’t delay!

A Psalm by David which was sung by the sons of JonadDab, who were the first to be carried off as captives.¹In You, O Jehovah, I’ve put all my hope; So, may I not be disgraced throughout the age. ²In Your justice, please take me and save me… Incline Your ear and deliver!³Become to me, a God of defense, And carry me to a fortified place. For, You are my trust and my refuge!⁴Then, from the hands of sinners, God saved me… From the lawless and those who were doing me wrong. ⁵O Jehovah; you’re the One who helped me endure… The One whom I’ve trusted since youth.⁶From the womb, I’ve always put faith in You, And from the belly of my mother, You watched over me. So to You, I’ll always sing praises.⁷You’ve been a miracle to many, And You’ve been my fortress and helper. ⁸So, may my mouth sing in praise Of Your glory and majesty, each day.⁹When I grow old, please don’t toss me away; Don’t abandon me when my vigor is gone.¹⁰My enemies met, and against me, they spoke… Together, those seeking my life laid their plans. ¹¹They said:‘God’s left him, so let’s chase him down, Since there’s no one who’ll come to his aid.’¹²So my God, don’t stay far away… My God, pay attention and send me Your aid! ¹³May those slandering my soul become failures… May those wishing me bad feel shame and remorse.¹⁴In You, I’ll always trust, And I’ll continue to praise You. ¹⁵My mouth will speak of Your justice all day, And of Your salvation, I’ll write.¹⁶I’ll walk in the might of Jehovah… My Lord, I’ll speak of Your justice. ¹⁷O God; from my youth, You’ve taught me, And now, I’ll speak of Your wonders.¹⁸My God,Don’t leave me when I’m old and grey, Or until I’ve spoken to the next generation Of [the power of] Your mighty arm.¹⁹O God; I’ll speak of Your justice and might, And of the magnificent things that You’ve done… For my God, to no other, can You be compared.²⁰You once showed me hard times and affliction, Then You turned around and gave back my life. You brought me back from the pit… You led me up out of the ground.²¹In the abundance of Your greatness, You blest me… You returned to offer me comfort. You led me up from the abyss, And lifted me out of the ground.²²So Jehovah, I’ll praise You to all, And I’ll sing songs about Your just ways… About IsraEl’s Most Holy, our God.To You, I’ll also strum on my harp, ²³And while I’m playing before You, I’ll be shouting aloud, Because You’ve ransomed my soul! ²⁴With my tongue, I’ll speak of Your justice, And make those wrongdoers feel shame and remorse.

For Solomon.A Psalm by David.¹O God, show the king Your decisions And teach the king’s son to be just, ²So we can judge Your people uprightly, And always be fair with the poor.³May the mountains send peace to Your people, And may the hills send them justice that’s true. ⁴Help [my son] to be fair with the poor… May he save the sons of the needy And humble all those who’d extort them.⁵As long as the sun, may he live… For generations of generations, like the moon. ⁶May he be like dew upon fleece, And as the rain that falls to the ground.⁷May his days stand for justice and peace Until the moon is no more. ⁸From sea to sea, may he rule… From the river to the ends of man’s home.⁹Before him, may all Ethiopians fall… May his enemies all lick the dust… ¹⁰May the Kings of Tharsis and the islands Come to him bearing all of their best… May the kings of Saba and Arabia bring gifts.¹¹May all the earth’s kings bow before him… May all the nations start serving him. ¹²For he’ll save the poor from the mighty, As well as the needy, who have no one else.¹³May he spare the poor and the needy; May he save the lives of those who have little. ¹⁴From interest and injustice, may he ransom their souls, And may his name be valued among them.¹⁵May he live a very long life, And may he receive Arabian gold. May he be someone who they pray for, And may they praise his name every day.¹⁶Let grain be abundant throughout his land… On the tops of the hills, may it sway. May the grain grow like Lebanon’s trees… May it thrive like grass in the fields.¹⁷May his name be praised throughout the ages… May his name endure [as long as] the sun. May the tribes of the earth praise his name, And may all nations call him the Blest One.¹⁸Praise Jehovah, IsraEl’s God, For, He’s the One who brings wonders! ¹⁹Throughout the ages, praise His Name and His glory, And on throughout the age of the ages… May the earth be filled with His glory… Amen!²⁰This was the last of the hymns of David, son of JesSe [before he died].

A Psalm by Asaph.¹O how good is IsraEl’s God To those who have hearts that are straight!²But my feet had once been unsteady, So I slipped and fell in my tracks, ³Because I was jealous of unrighteous things, As I noticed the peace of the wicked.⁴I noticed that they have no fear of death, And I’ve not seen them whipped [for their badness]. ⁵They don’t work as hard as other men do, And they never seem to be beaten.⁶So because of this, they’re proud to the end… In injustice and irreverence, they’re wrapped! Injustice pours from their fatness, As they follow the ways of their hearts.⁸They think, and then speak wicked things… In their pride, they speak of injustice. ⁹But, since they’ve set heaven against their own mouths, Their tongues will go under the ground, ¹⁰While [from there], Your people will all be returned And then, full days, they’ll know.¹¹Yet they ask:‘Doesn’t God ever notice? Aren’t all these things known up above?’¹²For {look!} the sinners continue to prosper, And throughout the ages, hold onto their wealth!’¹³This is why my heart justified foolish things, And from innocence, I then washed my hands. ¹⁴So, I deserved to be whipped all day long, And to be scolded each morning.¹⁵I said:‘This is how I’ll describe what I’ve done... {Look!} With Your sons, I’ve broken the contract, ¹⁶But now, I’ve stopped and thought it all through, And what I’ve done weighs heavily on me… ¹⁷So I’ll take it before God to see what I’m due.’¹⁸Upon the deceitful, He’s appointed what’s bad, And from their high perches, He will throw them down… ¹⁹Yes, how far they’ll fall to meet with this end… Because they’re lawless, they’ll be suddenly gone.²⁰O Jehovah,When I came to my senses, I awoke and examined Your city, Then I noticed how You treat the bad with contempt. ²¹Then my heart came on fire and my kidneys were changed; ²²For, I was the one deserving Your contempt… An unthinking brute, I’d become!²³But You never left me, despite all I’d done… You held me by my right hand. ²⁴You gave me correction and led me, Then into Your glory, returned me.²⁵Now, what do I have in the heavens… Well, other than You, what else do I need? ²⁶O God; although my heart and flesh have both failed, Throughout the age, You’ve been my portion and strength.²⁷Look! All will perish, who stay far from You… The unfaithful, You will destroy. ²⁸But, please keep me close to You, O my God, For I need to trust in my Lord. At Your gates, may I always sing praises of You Before the daughters of Zion.

A Psalm of contemplation by Asaph.¹O God,You’ve pushed us away to the end… But, what made You angry with the sheep in Your pasture?²Remember the ones whom You purchased first… Your inheritance and those whom You’ve ransomed When You first arrived to camp on Mount Zion.³Please come and look at these ruins… See what they’ve done to Your Most Holy Place. ⁴For, those who hate You now feel that they can boast, And on Your Holy Days, claim success as their sign. ⁵But the thing that they really don’t notice Is that all this came from above.So, they went to the woods and cut down the trees, ⁶Then with axes and chisels, broke down our gates, ⁷And they burned Your [Tent] to the ground.They’ve profaned the Tent that carries Your Name, ⁸And they said in their hearts to their brothers:‘Let’s drive His Holy Days from the land!’⁹Now from You, we haven’t seen signs, Nor have we had a Prophet among us, For we’re no longer known by our God.¹⁰O God,How much longer will [You let them] berate us? Will they oppose Your Name throughout the ages? ¹¹Why have You taken Your right hand away, And drawn it back on Your chest?¹²For our God and King lives throughout the ages, And to our land, He’ll bring back salvation. ¹³He’s the One whose might holds back the seas, And who smashed the head of the dragon… The one who rules over the waters.¹⁴Yes, You fractured the head of the beast And fed him to the peoples of [the wilderness like in] Ethiopia. ¹⁵You tore open his rivers and springs, And dried all the creeks that held water.¹⁶The days are Yours, and so are the nights; For it’s You who created the sun and the moon. ¹⁷You’re the One who set the earth’s borders, And the One who made summer and spring… ¹⁸So, please don’t overlook the things that You’ve made!Our enemies speak badly of [You], And the foolish are provoking Your Name. ¹⁹So, don’t leave the praise of Your Name to wild beasts, And [forever] forget those who need You.²⁰Yes, we’ve overlooked Your Sacred Agreement, And for this, our land has grown dark… It’s covered with the homes of lawbreakers! ²¹But, please don’t turn from the humble And let them be brought to disgrace, For these poor and needy still praise Your Name.²²So stand up, O God, and judge Your great cause… Then notice those fools who are laughing at You! ²³Don’t overlook the voices of Your servants, Or the pride of all those who hate You And oppose You throughout the whole day.

To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] Do Not Destroy.A Psalm by Asaph.¹I will praise You, O God… Of You, I’ll speak, and I’ll call on Your Name. I’ll describe all Your wonders, ²For, at the right time, You’ll send justice.³Now the land has just melted away, As have [the righteous] who live there… In that place where You once set its columns.⁴But I’ve spoken to the unrighteous And warned them to stop breaking laws. Then, to the sinners, I said:‘Stop raising your trumpets [for battle]… ⁵Don’t lift your horns to the heights, Or say unrighteous things about God.⁶‘For, you can’t escape to the valleys, Or into the mountains or deserts. ⁷Since God is our judge, He humbles one, While He’s elevating another.’⁸A cup is now in the hand of the Lord, Which He’s filled with pure wine. And even though He leans it this way and that, His wine and its dregs never spill… And from it, the sinners must drink!⁹Throughout the age, I’ll shout in praise of Jehovah, And to Jacob’s God, I’ll strum. ¹⁰For the trumpets of the sinners, He will shatter, While the horns of the righteous, He will raise.

To the [music] director:One of the Psalms by Asaph.An ode about Assyria.¹In Judah, our God is well known, And in IsraEl, His Name’s become great. ²Since His home is on Zion, this place now knows peace, ³And He’s broken all the bows, shields, and swords, So, there can be no more war.⁴From this mountain of the ages, You have sent us Your light, ⁵While You disturbed those with ignorant hearts. For, all the rich fell asleep, And then, in their hands, they found nothing.⁶The men riding horses slept also, And the God of Jacob was laughing at them. ⁷For, they should fear You, since none can oppose You, And none can [survive] when You’re angry.⁸From the heavens, Your decisions were heard, As the earth stood still in its fear. ⁹But then, You stood up for justice, O God, And You saved the meek of the land. ¹⁰So, the minds of men are [singing] Your praises, And the rest of their thoughts, celebrate You.¹¹What you vow, you should pay to Jehovah… And you who are living nearby Should also bring gifts before Him!¹²Yes, always be in fear of Jehovah, Because He can break the spirit of rulers… And of Him, even kings are in terror!

To the [music] director:A Psalm by Asaph for IdiThun.¹With my voice, I called out to Jehovah… I shouted to God [in hope] that He’d hear. ²In the day of attack, I begged to my God, And my hands were [folded] before Him all night.I could not [find any comfort], And my soul refused to find rest; ³For I thought of my God and was bothered… As I thought, my spirit grew faint.⁴Then, each time that I closed my eyes, All I saw was my enemies… Which disturbed me so much that I couldn’t speak.⁵So I reasoned about days of old, And I thought of the years of the ages. ⁶In my heart, I pondered it greatly… And I remembered the songs that I sung in the night, Then suddenly, my breath became still.⁷Has God pushed me away throughout the age? Will the Lord care about me no more? ⁸Throughout the age, will His mercy be gone? Through generations, will He not reply? ⁹Will God forget to show pity? In His rage, will He forget His tender compassions?¹⁰Then I said:‘I’ll now make a change… And perhaps His right hand will change. ¹¹I’ll recall the works of Jehovah, And think about all of His wonders. ¹²Of the things He’s done, I’ll now meditate, And I’ll contemplate all of His works.’¹³O God,Your ways are all holy, And what God is as great as our God? ¹⁴You’re the One who does wonderful things, And among all mankind, Your powers are known. ¹⁵For, with Your arm, You ransomed Your people… The sons of Jacob and JoSeph.¹⁶O God,The waters beheld You… They looked at You and their depths were in fear. ¹⁷So, rain and thunder came from the clouds, And Your arrows shot both near and far. ¹⁸From the thundering of Your wheels, there came lightning, Which trembled and shook the home of mankind.¹⁹Your ways can be found in the seas, And Your roads are [covered by] rivers, So Your footsteps can never be seen. ²⁰But, You guided Your people like sheep Through the hands of Aaron and Moses.

A contemplation of Asaph.¹My people,Pay attention to my laws… Incline your ears to the words from my mouth! ²For, I’ll now speak illustrations, And I’ll talk in riddles from the start.³We’ve heard about it so many times, For our fathers told us the stories… ⁴From their children, they didn’t hide it… For the Lord and His rule, the next generation also praise, And the wondrous things that He’s done.⁵He provided a witness in Jacob, And to IsraEl, He sent us a Law, Which He ordered the fathers to teach to their sons, ⁶So each generation would know, And the sons being born would pass it along… ⁷That they all must trust in Jehovah, And never forget the things He’s done, Or fail to inquire about His Commandments, ⁸So they won’t become crooks like their fathers, Who were a crooked and a bitter generation That never straightened their hearts And had a spirit that God couldn’t trust.⁹Ephraim’s sons stretched tight their bows, Which they shot and which saved them in the days of their wars. ¹⁰But they failed to keep their Agreement with God, And His Laws, they chose not to follow.¹¹They forgot all the good things He’d done, And all the wonders that He’d shown them… ¹²The wonders that He showed to their fathers in Egypt (In plains of Tanis, where it happened), ¹³When He ripped open the sea, And through its midst, led them through… As He held back the waters as though in a bag.¹⁴Then He led them with a cloud during the day, And by the light of a fire throughout the night. ¹⁵He split open the rock in the desert, And from a pit, gave them something to drink… ¹⁶He brought water out of a stone, And a river, thereafter flowed from it!¹⁷But then they turned and they sinned against Him… They embittered the Most High in that dry place… ¹⁸They put God to the test in their hearts By demanding the type of food that their souls craved. ¹⁹And of God, they spoke ill when they asked:‘Can’t God set a table in the desert?’²⁰Since He struck the rock and from it flowed water (And a stream poured across the whole land); How could they ask if He’d provide bread, Or set a table for His people?²¹So when Jehovah heard all of this, It raised His anger against them. Then He lit a ‘fire’ within Jacob, And He brought His rage upon IsraEl. ²²For they’d failed to put faith in their God And in His power to save them.²³Then He ordered the clouds up above, And the gates of the heavens were opened. ²⁴Manna rained down for them to consume… The bread of heaven, He gave them. ²⁵So the bread of angels was eaten by men, And He sent enough to make them all full.²⁶Thereafter, He sent the winds from the skies… By His power, He brought the winds from the south, ²⁷And meat rained upon them like dust… Feathered creatures, as the sands of the seas. ²⁸They fell in the midst of their camp, As well as all around their tents. ²⁹So they ate and became very full, Since He’d brought them all they desired.³⁰No, they weren’t deprived of the things that they’d asked; But, while the food was still in their mouths, ³¹The rage of Jehovah came upon them, And there amidst plenty, He killed them… IsraEl, His chosen, He then pushed away. ³²For by saying these things, they had sinned, Since they’d failed to believe in His wonders. ³³So in folly, they ended their days, And their years concluded too soon.³⁴Then, after those deaths, they turned back to Him… They again arose early to search for their God. ³⁵They remembered that God was their helper… The Most High God had redeemed them.³⁶But, although with their mouths, they spoke of their love; With their tongues, they also told lies. ³⁷With Him, their hearts had never been straight, Nor did they trust His Agreement with them.³⁸Yet, He felt pity and covered their sins… He didn’t destroy them or show them His rage… Or allow His anger to blaze. ³⁹He remembered that they were just flesh… Like winds that blow by to never return.⁴⁰Then they made Him bitter in the desert, And provoked Him to rage in a waterless land. ⁴¹They turned around and put God to the test… The Holy One of IsraEl, they angered.⁴²They forgot the hand that He used on that day To buy them from their oppressors… ⁴³All the signs that He’d sent upon Egypt, And the miracles that came upon Tanis’ plains… ⁴⁴How He turned their rain and rivers to blood, So they were unable to drink it… ⁴⁵And of how He sent fleas there to bite them, Followed by frogs, bringing ruin… ⁴⁶Or of how He appointed blight on their fruit, And sent them the misery of locusts.⁴⁷Then He killed their grapevines with hail, And He sent killing frost to their sycamore trees. ⁴⁸He also brought hail on their cattle, And burned their possessions in fire.⁴⁹Then He sent them His rage to show His displeasure By commissioning wicked angels against them… ⁵⁰He opened the road of His anger, And He didn’t spare them from death… Even their cattle were chosen to die.⁵¹He struck all the firstborn in Egypt… He sent misery upon the tents of Ham. ⁵²But like sheep, He set His people aside, Then like a flock, He led them into the desert.⁵³They weren’t afraid, so He led them; Then He covered their enemies under the sea. ⁵⁴To His Holy Mountain, He brought them… All of those whom He’d purchased With His mighty right hand.⁵⁵Then before them, He drove away nations, And created a place for them to inherit. He allowed them to set up their camps… The tents of IsraEl’s tribes.⁵⁶But they tested and embittered God the Most High; For His [Laws], they chose not to keep. ⁵⁷They turned and annulled their [Agreement with Him], And became crooked bows like their fathers. ⁵⁸In their hills, they provoked Him to rage, And made Him jealous with things carved by hand.⁵⁹Then, because God heard what they’d done, He turned from IsraEl in contempt. ⁶⁰The Tent in ShiLoh, He then pushed away… The Tent where He’d camped among men.⁶¹Then, into captivity, He handed their strength… Their beauty, to their enemy’s hands. ⁶²He gave His people to broadswords… His inheritance, He then overlooked.⁶³Their young men were burned up in fires, And for their virgins, there weren’t any wedding songs. ⁶⁴Their Priests all fell by the sword, And no one wept for their widows!⁶⁵Then, Jehovah awakened from slumber Like a Mighty One who was dizzy from wine. ⁶⁶He struck their enemies and made them retreat, Appointing them to scorn throughout the ages.⁶⁷But the tent of JoSeph, He rejected, And Ephraim’s tribe, He no longer chose. ⁶⁸It was Judah’s tribe that He wanted, And Mount Zion would be the place that He loved… ⁶⁹It’s where His Most Holy Place would be built. So He laid its foundation out on the ground, [As something that would last] throughout the ages.⁷⁰Then He chose David, His servant, And took him away from his flocks. ⁷¹To tend Jacob, He left [his sheep] giving birth… God’s inheritance… IsraEl, His servant. ⁷²David cared for them with an innocent heart, And with skilled hands, he then led them.

A Psalm by Asaph.¹O God,To Your inheritance, the nations have come, And defiled Your Temple in JeruSalem, Turning it into a storehouse for fruit!²The decaying flesh of Your servants Is now food for the birds in the skies… Yes, Your holy ones have become food For the wild beasts of the earth.³In [the streets of] JeruSalem, Their blood has been poured out like water, And their bodies have been left unburied. ⁴So, we’re now the scorn of those living nearby… We’re sneered at and taunted by neighbors.⁵O Lord,How long will You let this go on… Will You forever be angry with us? How long will Your zeal keep burning like fire?⁶Please pour out Your rage on the nations instead… On those who don’t know You and who don’t bear Your Name. ⁷For, they’ve swallowed down Jacob And turned his place into a ruin.⁸Please forget our past lawless deeds… Send Your compassions, for we [need Your aid]! ⁹Help us, O our Savior, God For the sake of Your glorious Name!Jehovah, for the sake of Your Name, Please save us and cover our sins, ¹⁰So the nations may never have reason to ask:‘What has become of your God?’To the nations before us, make [Your Name] known… Avenge the blood of Your servants! ¹¹Bring an end to the moans of the shackled… By the might of Your arm, protect them from death!¹²Repay our neighbors with seven times worse For scorning and speaking badly of You.¹³O God,We are Your people, And we’re the sheep of Your pasture. Then, throughout the ages, we’ll tell about You… And praise You to coming generations!

To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] For the Changings.A testimony by Asaph. A Psalm about the Assyrians.¹Pay attention, O IsraEl’s Shepherd; May the One who sends cherubs arrive, And to JoSeph’s sheep, serve as our guide! ²Awaken before Ephraim, BenJamin, and ManasSeh, And use Your might for salvation!³O God,Please return to us once again… Show Your face and we’ll be saved! ⁴O Jehovah, [the Great] God of armies; How long will our prayers make You angry?⁵The bread of tears, You’ve fed us… A measure of tears, we’ve been given to drink. ⁶You’ve brought us war with our neighbors, And allowed our enemies to sneer in disgust. ⁷O Jehovah, God of armies; Turn Your face towards us and we’ll be saved!⁸You removed Your grapevine from Egypt, And in front of us, drove away nations, To provide a place for our planting. ⁹Before us, You opened the way, Then You sunk our roots deep into the ground. ¹⁰You gave us mountains to shade us, As well as the branches of cedars.¹¹To the sea, we then spread our limbs, And we stretched our roots east towards the river. ¹²So, why have You now torn down our fences, And given our fruit to all that pass by? ¹³For we’re being destroyed by boars in the woods… You’re allowing pigs to consume us!¹⁴O God of armies, turn back… Look down from the heavens and visit this vine! ¹⁵Tend to those who were planted by Your right hand… For [the sake of Your Name], give strength to these men!¹⁶For, we’ve been dug up and burned… By reproach from Your face, we’re being destroyed. ¹⁷Again, stretch Your hand towards Your people… Towards these sons of men, please stretch out Your hand… To these ones whom You once made mighty.¹⁸Don’t allow this separation from You… Return our lives and we’ll call on Your Name. ¹⁹O Jehovah, God of armies; Turn Your face towards us and we’ll be saved!

To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] The Wine Vats.A Psalm by Asaph.¹Shout in joy to our helper, God; Yes, call out before Jacob’s Lord. ²Sing and beat on your tambourines… Make beautiful music on harps. ³Blow trumpets on all the New Moons… On the holy days, blow your horns!⁴To IsraEl, He once gave these orders (They were the decisions of Jacob’s God); ⁵As a witness, He sent them to JoSeph After he had been taken to Egypt, Where he heard a language that he didn’t understand:⁶‘I removed the heavy loads from your backs, And I freed your hands from serving as slaves Who had to bear [heavy] loads.⁷‘It was there that you first called upon Me, And from their oppression, I saved you… I heard you when you had to hide from their storms, Then I tested you at the Waters of Dispute.⁸‘So, listen to Me, O my people, For, I’ll now testify. Yes, O IsraEl… You should listen and hear Me!⁹‘No new gods may you have, Nor may you bow before others. ¹⁰For, I am Jehovah, your God… The One who led you from Egypt. So now, widen your mouths and I’ll fill them!¹¹‘But My people just wouldn’t listen… IsraEl paid no attention! ¹²So I drove them away for the things that they did, And for the bad they’d conceived in their hearts.¹³‘If only My people had listened… If IsraEl had followed My ways, ¹⁴They wouldn’t have been humbled by their enemies… For, against their oppressors, I’d have stretched out My hand!’¹⁵But although God’s enemies lay before Him, The time will arrive in this age, ¹⁶When you’ll be fed on the fatness of wheat, And out of the rocks, you’ll suck honey!

A Psalm by Asaph.¹God stands in the gathering of gods, And among them, He’s passing judgment. ²So, how long will You judge their injustice And put up with the presence of sinners?³Please defend the orphans and the poor… To the afflicted and oppressed, please bring justice! ⁴Rescue the weak and the needy… From the hands of sinners, please save them!⁵Yet, the [sinners] don’t know, nor do they perceive (Because they travel in darkness), That the earth will be shaken to its foundations.⁶‘I said to them:‘You are gods… You are sons of the Most High! ⁷But, like men, you’ll perish too, And like their rulers, you’ll fall.’⁸‘So arise, O god, and judge the whole earth, For, You’ll inherit the nations!’

An ode. A Psalm by Asaph.¹O God,To whom can You be compared?O God,Don’t remain silent.²For, {Look!} Your enemies have shouted their battle cries, And those who hate You have now raised their heads.³Against Your people, they’ve planned treachery… Yes, against Your holy ones, they’ve gathered. ⁴They’re saying:‘Come, let us destroy them, So they’re no longer a nation… May IsraEl’s name be forgotten!’⁵But it’s against You, that they’ve met and conspired, And now they’ve reached an agreement… ⁶Those tent-dwellers in Edom… Those of Hagar, ⁷AmMon, and Gebal… The Amalekites and Philistines, And all the peoples of Tyre.⁸Even Assyria has joined them, And to the sons of Lot, they sent aid. ⁹So, do to them as You did at the Kishon, To SiSera, MidiAn, and JaBin. ¹⁰For, You destroyed them at EnDor, And made them like manure on the ground.¹¹Make their rulers like Oreb and Zeb, And like ZebeE and SalMona, ¹²Who said, ‘We’ll inherit God’s Most Holy Place.’¹³Make them like whirlwinds, O God… Like stubble that’s blown in the air… ¹⁴Like fire that burns down a forest… Like flames that consume on the mountains!¹⁵Send storms to chase them away… Send Your rage to disturb them! ¹⁶Fill their faces with dishonor, So they’ll have to search for Your Name!¹⁷O Jehovah,Make them ashamed… Disturb them throughout ages of ages. Make them all feel ashamed Just before You destroy them! ¹⁸Let them know that Your Name is Jehovah, And that You alone are God, the Most High!

To the [music] director:[Set to the tune of the song called] The Wine Vats.By the sons of KorAh.¹O Jehovah of armies,I have proven my love for Your Tent, ²And that I’ve longed for Your courtyards… For, about my living God, my flesh shouts in joy, ³Since by Him, even sparrows find homes, And doves find nests for their young!O Jehovah of armies,[How I’ve longed for] Your Altar; For, You are my King and my God! ⁴Blest are those who’ve stayed close to You, And those who’ve praised You throughout the ages.⁵Blest is the man who trusts in Your aid; For, You’ll send joy to his heart. ⁶Then, when he must enter the valley of tears, He’ll be in line for great blessings From the One who gave him His Laws. ⁷For, He will be strong once again Thanks to the God of all gods who is dwelling on Zion.⁸O God, Jehovah of armies,Please hear the things that I’m praying. ⁹Look upon me, my defender and God… Gaze at the face of [the one] You anointed!¹⁰For a day that’s spent in Your courtyard Is better than thousands spent elsewhere. And I’d rather be one who’s rejected In the House of my God, Than to live in tents among sinners.¹¹For Jehovah is a lover of truth, And mercy comes from our Lord! Because God cares, He will send glory… To the blameless, He’ll send what’s good.¹²O Jehovah of armies,Blest are those who put faith in You!

To the [music] director:For the sons of KorAh. ¹O Jehovah,You’ve thought well of Your land, For, You have returned Jacob’s captives… ²You’ve forgiven the lawless deeds of Your sons, And all of their sins, You’ve covered.³You’ve brought rest to Your anger, And turned away from Your rage. ⁴So, become a God of salvation to us… Turn from Your anger and rage!⁵Will You always stay angry with us? Will Your rage last through generations?⁶O God,Return to us and make us alive… Let Your people know joy once again!⁷O Jehovah,Please show us Your mercy, And send Your salvation to us!⁸O Jehovah,I’ll listen to all that You say, For, God will speak to His people in peace… He’ll speak to those who are holy And wish to return with their whole hearts. ⁹For He’s close to all those who fear Him… He saves, so in glory, we’ll camp in His land.¹⁰Now, mercy and truth have been joined, And justice and peace have now kissed. ¹¹Truth has arisen throughout the whole land, And justice peers down from the heavens.¹²Because Jehovah kindly provides, Fruit will [grow] in our land once again. ¹³Then from Him, justice will flow, And in His footsteps, we’ll walk.

A prayer of David.¹O Lord,Turn Your ear and listen to me; For, I’m poor and in need. ²Watch over my life, because I am pure… Please save Your servant who’s trusting in You!³O Jehovah,Show mercy upon me, And all day long, I’ll call out to You. ⁴Bring joy to the life of Your servant, For to You, I’ve lifted my soul.⁵O Lord,You are my provider… You’re merciful and You’re patient With all those who call out to You.⁶So, give ear to my prayer, O Jehovah, And heed my voice as I beg. ⁷In the day of distress, I called out to You, And to me, You paid close attention.⁸O Jehovah,You’re unequaled among other gods… No others can do what You do. ⁹So You’ll make all the nations bow before You, And they’ll glorify Your Name as their Lord. ¹⁰For You’re great and You perform wonders… You are the only [true] God.¹¹Guide me, O Lord, in all of my ways, And I’ll walk in Your truth. Let my heart rejoice, O my God, And I’ll give praise to Your Name.¹²Jehovah, my God, I’ll praise You… With my whole heart, I’ll glorify You. ¹³For Your mercies towards me have been great, And from the place of the dead, You’ve rescued my soul.¹⁴But the lawless have risen against me, O God… They’ve ignored You and gathered to kill me.¹⁵Yet, You’re patient, Jehovah my God… You’ve displayed Your mercy, pity, and truth.¹⁶So now, look upon me… Please show mercy! Show Your might on behalf of Your child… Save the son of your slave girl… ¹⁷Give me a sign that [You’re with] me, And let those who hate me see it in shame… Let them know that it was You who came to my aid, And You’re the One who provided me comfort.

To the sons of KorAh; a Psalm of an ode.¹Because you stand on His Holy Mountain, ²The gates of Zion are more loved [by Him] Than the rest of the tents within Jacob’s land. ³So, glorious things have been said about you, O you holy city of God.⁴To Babylon and RaHab, I’ll speak, As well as to all those who know me. {Look!} To the Philistines I’ll speak also, As well as to the peoples of Tyre, And to the Ethiopians, I’ll say:⁵‘There are men who call Zion their mother, For men have been born on her heights. ⁶This is how it’s described in the writings of men, Which tell of the kings who were born there.’⁷For all of these reasons, you should rejoice… You people who are dwelling upon her!

For the [music] director:An ode. A Psalm by the sons of KorAh to be played on the harp.The contemplation about HeMan, the IsraElite.¹O Jehovah, my Savior and God; During the night, I’m calling to You. ²My prayer is ascending to You; So, hear the things that I’m begging.³With all kinds of trouble, my life has been filled, And my life is approaching the grave. ⁴Among those in the pit, I’ve been numbered… A man with no cure, I’ve become.⁵I’m free, like one of the dead… Like one who’s been killed and thrown into a tomb… I’m someone who You’ve forgotten… From Your hands, they took me and threw me away.⁶They’ve put me into the lowest of pits… In a place that’s dark like the shadow of death. ⁷For upon me, Your anger’s remained, And I’ve received all Your rage.⁸You’ve driven away all my friends, And made me disgusting to them. From them, I’ve been taken away, And no other place, may I go.⁹My eyes are now sore from crying, As I call to You throughout the whole day. To You, I’ve spread out my arms… Towards You, they’re now opened wide.¹⁰Can the dead speak to others of Your wonders? Will the dead arise and give praise to You? ¹¹Will those in tombs tell of Your mercy? And will the destroyed [speak of] Your truth? ¹²Can Your wonders be seen in the darkness? Will Your justice be known in lands that are lost?¹³O Lord,In the morning, I cried out to You, And You knew my prayer before it was said! ¹⁴So why, O Lord, have You pushed me away? When will You turn Your face towards my soul?¹⁵I’ve been poor and troubled since youth… I was humbled and left with nothing at all. ¹⁶For upon me, You’ve poured out Your rage, And sent frightful things to disturb me.¹⁷Like water, they had me encircled all day, And now they have me surrounded. ¹⁸You’ve driven away all my dearest of friends, And because of my miserable condition, They’re [pretending that] they never knew me.

A Psalm of contemplation by Ethan the IsraElite.¹Your mercies, O Lord, last throughout ages. So, throughout generations, I’ll sing about them, And my mouth will report of Your truths. ²For, throughout the ages, Your mercies will grow, And Your truths will be lifted high into the skies.³[God says:]‘With My anointed, I’ve made an agreement… I’ve sworn an oath to David, My servant, ⁴That I’ll watch over his offspring; And from one generation after another, I will establish his throne.’⁵So the heavens will praise all your wonders, O Lord, And among the assembly, we’ll speak of Your truths. ⁶For, who in the clouds can be likened to [him], And which of God’s sons is his equal?⁷So you councils of the holy: Glorify God! For He’s great and He should be feared by us all.⁸O God of armies,There’s no other like You, For You’re the Almighty Jehovah, And You’re surrounded by truth.⁹Of the strength of the seas, You’re the Master; For You can calm the waves when they rise. ¹⁰You humble and kill those who have too much pride, And Your mighty arm drives our enemies away.¹¹Yours is the heavens and Yours is the earth… You founded man’s home and its fullness. ¹²It’s You who created the north and the west, So, Tabor and Herman are shouting Your Name!¹³You dominate all with Your mighty arm; So, strengthen Your hand and raise [Your arm] high. ¹⁴For, justice and fairness come from Your throne, And from Your face, comes mercy and truth.¹⁵Blest are those who are shouting in joy… In the light of Your face, may they travel, O Lord! ¹⁶May they shout in joy of Your Name every day, For Your justice has lifted them higher.¹⁷You’re the power in which they can boast; So may they trumpet in praise of Your goodness! ¹⁸For, Jehovah God is our helper… The Holy One of IsraEl is our King!¹⁹In a vision, You spoke of Your son and You said:‘I’m sending them help through this great one I’ve raised… This one whom I’ve chosen from My people.²⁰‘For, I found David, My servant, And with My holy oil, I anointed his head. ²¹So, with My right hand, I’ll help him, And with My right arm, I’ll make him strong.²²‘His enemies will take nothing from him, And the lawless will do him no harm. ²³Before him, I’ll cut his enemies down, And I’ll chase away all those who hate him. ²⁴My truth and My mercy are with him, And his battle horn will be raised in My Name.²⁵‘I’ll set his [left] hand over the sea And his right hand over the river. ²⁶Then he’ll call out to Me and he’ll say:‘Father, You are my God… Yes, You’re my Savior and shield.’²⁷‘I’ll appoint him to be my firstborn, And put him over the kings of the earth. ²⁸In mercy, I’ll guard him throughout the age, And he can trust in the things that I’ve promised.²⁹‘I’ll establish his offspring throughout the ages, And his throne, as the days of the skies. ³⁰But, if his sons should abandon My Laws And choose not to walk in My ways… ³¹If My rules, they choose to profane, And My Commandments, they no longer keep… ³²For their lawless ways, I’ll send them My switch, And whip them for all of their sins.³³‘But in mercy, I’ll not wipe them away, Nor in any way, will I wrong My truth. ³⁴To My agreements, I’ll always be true, And I won’t annul the things that I’ve said. ³⁵So, after I’ve sworn My oath to him, Could My holiness lie before David?³⁶‘So, his offspring will last throughout the ages… His throne will stand for as long as the sun, ³⁷And it’ll endure like the moon… These things I’ve prepared throughout the ages As My trustworthy witness above in the skies.’³⁸So, why have You thrust him away in contempt, And against Your anointed, lifted [Your hand]? ³⁹Have You wiped away the promise You made, And defiled his safe havens throughout the land?⁴⁰You’ve removed the barriers around him, And turned his forts into places of fear. ⁴¹Those walking the roads have taken what’s his, And he’s become the scorn of his neighbors.⁴²You’ve raised the hands of those who oppress him, And given his enemies joy. ⁴³You’ve turned Your help from his broadsword, And refused to assist him in war.⁴⁴You’ve stopped making him clean, And You’ve ripped his throne to the ground. ⁴⁵You’ve shortened the days of his reign, And upon him, You’ve poured shame.⁴⁶How long, O Jehovah, will You turn away? How long will Your rage keep on burning? ⁴⁷Please notice these problems that I’m facing!In folly, You made sons of men; ⁴⁸For, which living man will never see death? Can he save his own soul from the grave?⁴⁹So, where is Your mercy, O ancient Lord? When You swore to David, were You telling the truth? ⁵⁰Notice the scorn that Your servant’s received… The scorn that the nations have sent to my belly… ⁵¹At Your anointed, Your enemies are laughing!⁵²Amen… Throughout the age, may Jehovah be Praised!

A prayer of Moses, the man of God. ¹O Jehovah, You’ve been our refuge From one generation to another. ²Before the mountains existed, And the earth (the dwelling of man) took its shape… Throughout ages of ages, You’ve been there.³So, please don’t humble Your people. For You said:‘Return to Me, sons of men!’⁴Why, a thousand years in Your eyes, O Jehovah, Are like yesterday, after they’ve passed… They’re like a watch in the night. ⁵But the years [of men] are looked on in scorn, For like sprouting plants, we just pass away… ⁶In the morning, we blossom and sprout, And in the evening, we dry up and fall.⁷Now, we’ve failed in the face of Your anger, And we’ve been disturbed by Your rage. ⁸For the Laws that we’ve broken are all there before You… They stand in the light of Your face.⁹Yes, all of our days have been failures, And we’ve even failed when it comes to Your rage. Our years are as brief as the time that it takes For a spider to think [of catching its prey].¹⁰Our days may last for 70 years, Or if You command, until 80. But they’re mostly spent in misery and toil, ‘Til we mellow and accept [Your] correction.¹¹Who knows the power of Your rage? And because of the fear of Your anger, How can we number our days?¹²So, please expose Your right hand to me, And send Your wisdom into my heart, That I may receive Your correction.¹³How long will it be, O Jehovah, Until You turn back to us? Please send comfort to Your servants!¹⁴For, in the morning, O Lord, We were filled with Your mercy… We shouted in joy and were happy each day. ¹⁵We were grateful for even the days we were humbled, After many years of seeing the bad.¹⁶So please, look on Your servants (Your works), And to our sons, send Your guidance. ¹⁷Send us Your light, O Jehovah our God, And bless all things that we do with our hands… Yes, please bless the works of our hands!

A Psalm of Praise by David. ¹Those who live in the care of the Most High And lodge under the God of heaven’s protection ²Will say:‘You’re my refuge and shield… You’re my God, and You’re the One whom I trust.’³From the snares of hunters, He’ll save you… He’ll rescue you from all your problems. ⁴With the shadow of His back, He will shield you, And under His wings, He will hide you, Where you’ll be surrounded by truth.⁵You won’t be afraid of things in the night; Of arrows that fly during the day; ⁶Of things that happen, which you haven’t planned; Of things that travel in darkness; Or of the demon at noon.⁷A thousand will fall at your right, And ten thousand, you’ll hold in your hand. ⁸You’ll see it all with your eyes and then think:‘This is the outcome for sinners.’⁹O Jehovah, You’re the One whom I trust.If you’ll make the Most High your refuge, ¹⁰Nothing bad will approach you And the whip won’t enter your tent. ¹¹For, to His messengers, He will give orders… He’ll tell them to keep an eye on your ways, ¹²So then, with their hands, they’ll lift you, And no stone will stumble your feet. ¹³You can step on an asp or a cobra, And trample on lions or dragons.¹⁴[And God says:]‘Because he trusts Me, I’ll save him… I’ll be his shelter, for he knows My Name. ¹⁵He will cry out to Me and I’ll listen, And during hard times, I’ll be there.‘I’ll rescue and glorify him… ¹⁶I’ll extend the days of his life, And show him the many ways that I can save.’

A Psalm for the Sabbath Day. ¹It’s good to praise You, O Most High Jehovah, And to strum to Your Name… ²To [sing] of Your mercies each morning And about Your truths every night, ³As [I strum] on my lute of 10-strings… Playing songs of You on my harp.⁴O Jehovah,You bring me much joy With all the things that You do. So I’ll shout in praise of the works of Your hands.⁵How great are Your deeds, O Jehovah, And how deep are the things that You think!⁶A foolish man won’t understand, And such things, the senseless can’t comprehend; ⁷Although sinners keep arising like grass, And the lawless keep on increasing; Throughout ages of ages, they’ll be destroyed.⁸Throughout the ages, You’ve been the Most High! ⁹So, when you notice Your enemies, Lord, {Look!} You’ll scatter them and they’ll perish… All those who work at doing what’s bad.¹⁰Like a great rhinoceros, I’ll raise my horn high, And until I’m old, offer You plenty of oil.¹¹Although my eyes must look on my enemies (Those who are rising against me), And although my ears must still hear of the wicked; ¹²Soon the righteous will blossom like palms, And grow like Lebanon’s cedars… ¹³Those who are planted in the House of the Lord, And those in God’s courtyard, will bloom. ¹⁴There, they’ll grow old and have plenty, And take much pleasure in proclaiming:¹⁵‘Our God, Jehovah, is righteous, And in Him, there’s no injustice.’

For the Sabbath Day, after being resettled in the land. A song of praise by David. ¹Jehovah reigns and brings beauty… He’s wrapped Himself in great power… Man’s home, He’s made steady and firm… ²And your throne, He’s prepared throughout the ages.³O Jehovah,The rivers have risen, And the waters have lifted their voices. ⁴But the rivers will be taken away… By the sounds of many waters, You’ll wear them away.How wonderful are the tides of the sea, As well as all the high places.⁵[And God says:]‘The witness that you’ve given can be trusted; So to your House, will come what’s clean, Throughout the rest of your days.’

A Psalm of David for the 4th Sabbath. ¹Jehovah is a God who seeks vengeance, And this God who seeks vengeance has spoken. ²So arise, O Judge of the earth, And pay the haughty all that they’re due!³O Jehovah,How much longer will the sinners remain? How much longer will the sinners have reason to boast? ⁴For, when they speak, they do so unjustly, And they boast when they’re breaking [Your] Laws!⁵O Jehovah,They’re mistreating Your people… To Your inheritance, they’re doing what’s bad. ⁶They’re killing the orphans and widows, And murder the foreigners who come here.⁷They’ve said:‘Jehovah can’t see… Jacob’s God doesn’t know [what we’re doing].’⁸Look, you fools among [men]… You should think it over, then stop! ⁹Is the [maker] of ears unable to hear… Is the shaper of eyes unable to see?¹⁰Won’t the One who corrects all the nations And teaches knowledge to men, Also bring correction to you? ¹¹Jehovah knows what wise men think, [and their thoughts] are useless.¹²O blest is the man who’s corrected by You… So please, Lord; teach him Your Laws. ¹³Back him away from his evil days, And then, he’ll dig graves for the sinners. ¹⁴For, Jehovah won’t push His people away… His inheritance, He will never abandon.¹⁵How long until righteous judgments return… Until those with straight hearts receive what’s fair? ¹⁶Who will oppose the wicked with me… Who’ll stand and oppose the law breakers? ¹⁷For, if it weren’t for the help of Jehovah, My soul would have gone to the place of the dead.¹⁸Did I ask for my feet to start shaking? O Jehovah, show mercy and help me! ¹⁹Despite all the grief in my heart; To my soul, You’ve brought comfort and love.²⁰Will the thrones of the lawless continue before You… Those turning order into chaos? ²¹Will You let them keep hunting for the souls of the righteous, And keep on shedding innocent blood?²²Jehovah has become a refuge to me… My God is my helper and hope. ²³He will give the lawless what they deserve, And remove them from view for their badness.

A song of praise by David. ¹Come and shout praise to Jehovah… About God, our Savior, we’ll yell! ²We should stand in His presence and praise Him… To Him we should sing sacred hymns! ³For God, Jehovah, is great… He’s the King of the whole earth!⁴In His hands, He holds the ends of the earth As well as the tops of the mountains. ⁵His are the seas, for He made them, And with His hands, He shaped the dry land.⁶So, let us all bow down before Him… Let’s weep before Him, since He made us. ⁷We’re the sheep of His pasture and He is our God… We’re the sheep that He holds in His hands.⁸Therefore, if you should hear His voice on this day, Don’t harden your hearts… Don’t be bitter like they were in that day When they put Him to the test in the desert.⁹[For God says:]‘I was tested and tried by your fathers, Although they’d already seen the things that I’d done. ¹⁰So I came to loathe that generation, And they wandered for the next 40 years.‘In their hearts, they knew not My ways, ¹¹So I swore this oath in My rage:‘They will not enter My rest.’

¹Sing a new song to Jehovah! Sing to the Lord of the earth! ²Yes, you should sing to Jehovah, And shout in praise of His Name!Proclaim the good news every day… The good news about how He saves. ³Speak of His glory to the gentiles… Tell others about all His wonders!⁴Jehovah is great and worthy of praise… He’s more to be feared than all other gods! ⁵For the gods of the nations are demons, But Jehovah created the heavens.⁶Before Him are beauty and praiseworthy things… Clean and majestic is His Holy Place.⁷O you families from all of the nations; You should offer [gifts] to Jehovah… To the Lord, give glory and honor, ⁸And speak in praise about His great Name!Bring offerings to His holy courtyard, And before the Lord, you should bow; ⁹For, in front of His face, the earth trembles!¹⁰Say to the nations:‘Jehovah is King… He’s the One who established man’s home So that it’ll never be shaken, And He will judge the peoples in justice!’¹¹Be glad you heavens, and earth, shout in joy… May the seas and what’s in them be shaken! ¹²Rejoice, O you fields and you crops; And you trees in the forests should cry out in joy ¹³Before the face of Jehovah.For He’s coming to judge the whole earth, And bring justice to man’s habitation… All the people will be judged by His truth!

A Psalm of David for when his [kingdom] was established. ¹Shout in joy, O earth, because the Lord reigns! Let all of the islands be happy! ²For, although He’s surrounded by darkness and clouds, On justice and judgments, He’s founded His throne, ³And flames shoot out from before Him To consume His enemies in fire.⁴The lightning that He sent was seen by [all men]. They saw it, and it shook the whole earth. ⁵Like bee’s wax, the mountains have melted before Him… Before the face of the Lord of the earth.⁶The heavens speak of His justice, And His glory is seen by all peoples. ⁷So those bowing to carvings are shamed, As are those who boast of their idols. For, before Him, the angels bow to their feet!⁸Zion is happy and Judah’s daughters are shouting in joy Over Your judgments, O Lord. ⁹For, You’re the Most High of the whole earth… You’re higher than all other gods!¹⁰All those who are loving Jehovah Must [learn] to hate what’s bad! For Jehovah guards the lives of the holy, And from the hands of sinners, protects them.¹¹Upon the righteous, light is shining, And those with straight hearts will have reasons for joy. ¹²So you righteous: take joy in Jehovah! Remember and praise all His ways!

A Psalm of David. ¹Sing a new song to Jehovah About the wonderful things He’s done. For He brings salvation with His holy right arm.²Jehovah is known to the nations [As a God] who can save and bring justice. ³For, He remembered His mercy to Jacob, And to the house of IsraEl, He sent His truth. Yes, to the ends of the earth, they’ve seen how He saves, And they know that our God can deliver!⁴So, shout to [Jehovah], all you on the earth! Yes, sing… Cry out and strum! ⁵Play to Jehovah with harps, And along with the strumming, sing psalms! ⁶With brass trumpets and the blowing of horns, Shout to Jehovah, our King!⁷Roar, O seas, and all that’s in them… Man’s home and all those who live there! ⁸Clap your hands, O you rivers, And mountains, cry out in joy at His face!⁹For He’s coming to judge the whole earth… In fairness and justice, He will judge Man’s home and all of its peoples.

A Psalm of David. ¹Because Jehovah now reigns, Many people will be very angry. For the One who’s sitting on cherubs Is coming to shake up the earth.²Great is Jehovah on Zion, For, He’s above all the peoples. ³So, may they all give praise to His Name, Because He’s holy and fearsome.⁴Our Mighty King is a lover of justice; So, He’s prepared righteous judgments… Yes, He will bring justice to Jacob.⁵May our God Jehovah be raised… He’s holy, so all should bow at His feet!⁶Among His Priests, numbered Moses and Aaron, And SamuEl is someone who called on His Name. They called to the Lord and He heard them, ⁷Then He spoke to them from a column of clouds. For, they had guarded His words And they obeyed the orders He gave them.⁸Yes, O Jehovah, You heard them! O God, You became their provider, And You punished them for the bad things they did.⁹So our God Jehovah should be raised high, And to His holy Mountain, all should bow low; For Jehovah is the most holy God.

A Psalm of praise by David. ¹Shout to God, all the earth… ²Yes, serve Jehovah in joy! Go before Him with happy shouts, ³And know that Jehovah is God!For, we didn’t do it… He made us! We’re His people… The sheep of His pasture. ⁴So, go to His gates shouting praises, And enter His courtyard with hymns.Go praising His Name and confessing; ⁵For, throughout the ages, He’s proven His mercy… Throughout generations, He’s proven His truth.