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    Psalms

    Septuagint text: Our version of this book reads differently to other Bibles. Why? We use the much older Greek Septuagint manuscripts – and most will closely resemble the versions used by many 1st-century Christians, including the Apostles. These older manuscripts escaped the censorship applied to the Hebrew manuscripts. Our translation is created by volunteers, and we are always correcting and refining the text. Learn what [brackets] and other insertions mean.

    About this book Psalms is the IsraElite holy songbook.Each song, or psalm (which means ‘hymn’), originally had a poetic cadence. We can see this clearly in our Greek Septuagint source text. We’ve tried to restore the poetic beauty in our English translation by adding or deleting extraneous words to compensate for the language differences, while not allowing the poetic changes to harm the integrity of the original message.We’ve found that doing this (looking for natural cadence and following the laws of Hebrew poetry) has actually helped us to locate translator and scribal errors. For example, Psalm 68 has suffered obvious losses, which required us to work harder to restore the natural cadence and a logical order to the sentence structures.Note: Since each chapter is a song, the correct way to refer to a psalm is to say ‘Psalm 1,’ not ‘Psalms 1.’ Also (as you may know) the ‘p’ is silent, so ‘Psalm’ sounds like ‘sarm.’Psalm 151The Greek Septuagint includes a short extra Psalm that doesn’t appear in any Hebrew source, Psalm 151. However, it appears to be a fake later addition, added by someone who didn’t know Greek very well. It may have been made by mushing two existing non-Biblical Hebrew poems together. We don’t include it here.

    1

    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.

    2

    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.

    3

    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.

    4

    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.

    5

    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.

    6

    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.

    7

    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.

    8

    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!

    9

    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.

    10

    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!

    11

    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.

    12

    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.

    13

    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.

    14

    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.

    15

    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.

    16

    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.

    17

    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.

    18

    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 praisedMay [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.

    19

    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.

    20

    To the [music] director:A Psalm by David.1In bad times, you should turn to JehovahLet 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.

    21

    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.

    22

    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.

    23

    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.

    24

    A Psalm by David [to be sung] on the Sabbath.1The land and its goodness belongs to JehovahThe 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!

    25

    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.

    26

    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.

    27

    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!

    28

    A Psalm by David.1I’ll call out to You, O JehovahMy 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.

    29

    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.

    30

    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 graveAnd 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.

    31

    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!

    32

    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!

    33

    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.

    34

    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.

    35

    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.

    36

    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.

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    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.

    38

    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!’

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    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.

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    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!

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    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!

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    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!

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    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!

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    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!

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    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.

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    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!

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    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.

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    A Psalm; an ode by the sons of KorAh for the second Sabbath.1O how great is JehovahMay 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.

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    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.’

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    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!’

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    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]

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    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.

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    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!

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    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.

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    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 soulHe 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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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 lifeYes, 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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.’

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    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 ground10May 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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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]!

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    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.

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    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!

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    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.

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    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 agesMay 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].

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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 JehovahAnd 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!

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    To the [music] director:A Psalm by Asaph for IdiThun.1With my voice, I called out to JehovahI 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.

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    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.

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    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!

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    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!

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    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!

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    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!’

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    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!

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    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!

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    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.

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    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.

    87

    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!

    88

    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.

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    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!

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    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!

    91

    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.’

    92

    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.’

    93

    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.’

    94

    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.

    95

    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.’

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    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!

    97

    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!

    98

    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.

    99

    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.

    100

    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.

    101

    A Psalm of David. 1O Jehovah, I’ll sing of Your mercy and justice… 2Of Your perfect ways, I’ll strum. How long will it be until You return? For in my home, there are innocent hearts.3I’ve not set my eyes on things that are bad, And illegal things, I’ve hated. 4Towards things that are crooked, my heart has not turned, And evil men, I’ve rejected.5Those who privately speak ill of friends, I have driven away, And I’ll not eat beside eyes that are proud, Nor with those who have hungry hearts.6My eyes are on the trustworthy… They’re the ones with whom I’ll sit… Those who’ve chosen to walk in pure ways, And those who’ve shared in my rule.7For, no one with pride can stay in my house, And before my eyes, the unrighteous can’t stand. 8In the morning, I’ll destroy the land’s sinners, Along with the lawless who live in the towns.

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    A prayer for the poor when they’re discouraged and come before Jehovah to pour out their hearts. 1Please hear my prayer, O Jehovah… Please listen to my cries when I come before You. 2Don’t turn Your face when I need You, But incline Your ear closer to me… Whenever I call, please respond!3For my days have passed by like smoke, And my bones are parched like dry twigs. 4Like grass, I’ve been mowed down, So my heart forgets to eat bread.5My bones stick out from my flesh, And they’re [tired] of the sounds of my groaning. 6Like a pelican, I [travel] alone… I’ve become like the owl in its range.7Sleepless, [I lie throughout the whole night], And I live like a sparrow alone on the roof. 8All day, my enemies berate me, And those who once praised me now swear oaths against me.9Ashes, I’ve eaten for bread, And my drink has become my own tears. 10For, with the anger and rage of Your face, You lifted me up and then broken me down.11Like shadows, my days have declined, And I’ve dried up like hay. 12But You, O Lord, live throughout ages… From generation to generation, You’re remembered.13So arise and feel pity for Zion, Since the time for its pity is due. 14To Your servants, her stones are all very dear, And over her dust, they feel sorrow.15O Lord,Among all the nations, Your Name is revered, And all kings of the earth speak of Your glory. 16For Jehovah will rebuild Zion once more, And there, He will appear in His glory.17He [hears] the prayers of the humble, And He has no contempt for the things they request. 18So, let this be written for each generation, Then those born anew will all praise the Lord.19Jehovah looks down from His home in the heights… He sees the earth from the heavens. 20From there, He hears the moans of the shackled, And He releases the sons of the condemned.21In Zion, announce the Name of the Lord, And shout His praises in JeruSalem! 22For, all the peoples, as well as their kings, Will soon be serving Jehovah.23Then, in His mighty way, He will speak And tell me how few of my days yet remain. 24But, please don’t [give me] just half of my days; For Your years are throughout generations.[Editor note: Verses 25 to 27 are applied to Jesus at Hebrews 1:10-12, so for the remainder of this Psalm, we haven’t capitalized the words ‘you,’ ‘him,’ and ‘your,’ which is normally done for God Almighty. Greek and Hebrew didn’t have capital letters back then. 25In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, And the heavens are the works of your hands. 26Yet, they’ll pass by, while you still remain, And like clothes (an old robe), they’ll grow old.Then you’ll wrap them up and they will be changed. 27But, you’re the same, for your years don’t expire. 28So the sons of your servants will live in [your] camp, And throughout ages, their offspring will remain.

    103

    A Psalm of David. 1I’ll praise Jehovah with my whole soul… Yes I’ll praise Him with all that’s in me, And I’ll give praise to His Holy Name!2Praise Jehovah, my soul, And don’t forget how He’s blest us. 3For He’s covered our sins and law breaking, And He’s cured us from all of our ills… 4He’s ransomed us from life’s corruptions, And then He crowned us with mercy.5With good things, He fulfills our desires, And like mighty eagles, He gives back our youth. 6For Jehovah freely provides, And sends justice to those who’ve been wronged.7To Moses, His ways were revealed, And to IsraEl’s sons, He showed His desires.8Jehovah feels pity and mercy… He’s forgiving and filled with compassion. 9To the end, you won’t make Him angry, Nor throughout the ages, will He cherish wrath.10He hasn’t repaid us for our lawlessness deeds, Nor has He kept count of our sins.11As high as the heavens are over the earth Is His mercy towards all those who fear Him. 12And as the distance between east and west, Has He set us from the laws that we’ve broken.13As a father shows mercy upon his own sons, Is how He feels mercy for all those who fear Him. 14For, He remembers how we were once formed, And He doesn’t forget that we’re just dust.15For, the days of a man are like grass, Or like the blossoms of flowers in a field. 16So, when the wind blows, he passes away, And his place is thereafter forgotten.17God shows ages of mercy to all those who fear Him, And gives justice to the sons of their sons… 18On all those who guard His Sacred Agreement, And on those who obey His Commandments.19Jehovah has prepared His throne in the skies, And in His Kingdom, He’s the Master of all. 20So, praise Jehovah, you angels; For He shows His might and His strength To those who pay attention to His words.21Yes, praise Jehovah, His armies… All His servants who are doing His Will. 22Praise Jehovah, all of His works, Every place within in His dominion. Yes, praise Jehovah, my soul!

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    A Psalm of David 1O my soul; give praise to the Lord… Give praise to Jehovah, my God!You’ve made Yourself great and praiseworthy, And clothed Yourself in much beauty. 2You wrap Yourself up in light like a robe, And You stretch out the heavens like leather.3With water, You’ve filled its ‘roof’ and ‘upper rooms,’ And as Your ‘chariot,’ You created the clouds, Which You ride on the wings of a breeze. 4Your angels, You’ve made like the winds, And Your servants are like flames of fire.5You’ve laid and made firm the foundations of the earth, So throughout ages of ages, it won’t fail.6The depths [of the seas] are Your wrap, And on the mountains, You’ve piled water. 7But, at Your reproach, they’ll all pass away… They’ll quake at the sound of Your thunder.8Then the waters will pour down the mountains, And descend from there to the plains… To wherever You tell them to go.9You’ve set limits that [the seas] may not pass, So they can’t cover the land. 10You send rain as springs into valleys, So that, from the mountains, rivers will flow.11To wild beasts in the fields, You send water, Which wild burros use to satisfy thirst… 12As do the winged creatures that live in the skies, Which build their nests between rocks, Where they can sound out their cries.13You send water to the mountains from Your upper rooms To fill the lands with the fruits of Your works… 14And to make grasses grow for the cattle to eat, As well as all the young sprouts, Which bring us food from the ground.15[You give] wine to men to make their hearts glad, And olive oil, as a blessing to their faces… Then, for their hearts, You provide them with bread.16The plains, You’ve filled up with [trees], And the cedars of Lebanon were Your planting. 17It’s there that the sparrows build nests, Until herons take over their dwellings.18[You created] high mountains for wild goats to roam… You made rocks as the refuge for badgers. 19You made the moon to show us the seasons, As well as the sun, which knows when to set.20You made the darkness of night, Where beasts in the woods roam about… 21It’s when lion cubs roar and attack, Seeking by God, to find food.22But, when the sun rises, they gather And return to their dens to lie down. 23That’s when men arise and then go to work, Continuing their toil until dusk.24So, how great are Your works, O Jehovah; You created it all in Your wisdom… You’ve filled the earth with the things that You’ve made.25You made the vast lands and great seas, Where animals that slither may dwell. There’s no way to count all Your creatures… All the great and the small.26For, boats pass over [other] wild beasts, Which You created in fun. 27Yet, they all expect to be nourished by You, And to receive it at the right time.28So, You’re the One [whom they trust] to provide… You open Your hand and they’re filled with what’s good. 29But if You turn away, it upsets them; And if you should hold back their breath, They’d die and go back to the dust.30Then, with Your Breath, You’ll create them again, When You renew the face of the earth. 31So, may God’s glory last throughout the ages, And may He find joy in the things that He’s made.32He just looks at the earth and it trembles… He touches the mountains and they start to smoke. 33So, with my whole soul, I’ll sing to the Lord… For as long as I live, I’ll strum to my God.34May He find my verses delightful… May they make Jehovah’s heart glad. 35May all the sinners expire from the earth, And may all the lawless no longer exist!Yes, praise Jehovah, my soul!

    105

    1Praise Jehovah… Yes, call on His NameTell all the nations of the things He’s done! 2Sing to Him and strum well… Try to describe all His wonders, 3Then applaud His most holy Name… May the hearts of those who seek Him find joy!4Yes, seek Jehovah and you’ll grow strong… Always search for His face. 5Don’t forget the wonders He’s brought… The miracles and judgments that come from His mouth.6You offspring of AbraHam… His servants; You sons of Jacob… His chosen; 7He is Jehovah our God Whose decisions are [seen] throughout the whole earth.8He remembers His age-long Agreement… His promise throughout a thousand generations… 9The Agreement that He made with AbraHam, And the oath that He gave to IsaAc.10With Jacob, He set out the rules That IsraEl [was to follow] throughout the ages. 11Then He said:‘To you, I’ll give CanaAn’s land… Your inheritance is a measured allotment of ground.’12[Yet, back then], their numbers were few (Not many were visiting [the land]), 13And they traveled from nation to nation… From one kingdom on to another.14But, He allowed no one to harm them… He sent warnings to their kings, in which He said:15‘Don’t touch My anointed, And don’t do any harm to My Prophets.’16Then, to their lands, He sent famine, So they could not trust in their bread. 17And a man named JoSeph, He sent them… A slave who’d been purchased [with money].18He’d been humbled with shackles on his feet, And his soul had been pierced through by iron. 19But, after the Word had arrived, Signs from the Lord purified him.20For the king sent word to release him… By a ruler of the peoples, he was set free. 21Then this man made him master over his house, And put him in charge of all his domain.22So [JoSeph] appointed rulers, as he saw fit, And for wisdom, he looked to the elders.23Then IsraEl traveled to Egypt… Ham’s land was visited by Jacob. 24And there, his people grew greater… Mightier than their enemies, [God] made them.25Then [God] brought a change to [Egyptian] hearts, So they’d start hating His people, And with His servants, deal badly.26So, He sent His servants, Aaron and Moses (Those whom He’d chosen to serve Him), 27And through them, He sent the [Egyptians] His signs… To the land of Ham, He sent miracles.28[God] sent darkness and it became dark, But against His words, [PharaOh] chose to rebel. 29Into blood, He then changed their water, And He killed off all of their fish.30Then frogs crawled onto their land, And into the closets of kings. 31He spoke, and stable flies came, Which was followed by fleas, to their borders.32Into hail and fire, He then turned their rain, Which burned throughout the whole land. 33Thereafter, He struck their grapevines and figs… He broke every tree in their country.34He spoke, then locusts and grasshoppers came… So many that they couldn’t be counted, 35Which devoured all their grasses and fruit.36Thereafter, He struck down their firstbornThe first-fruits of all they’d accomplished. 37And with silver and gold, He then led us away, So our tribes were no longer poor.38The Egyptians were happy just to see us go, For with fear, they’d been overcome. 39Then He spread out a cloud to protect us, And sent fire as our light throughout the night.40We asked Him for [meat], so He sent us quail, And with bread from the sky, we were filled. 41He tore open the rock and water poured out; So a river then flowed through the desert.42For, He hadn’t forgotten His Holy Word… What He’d promised to AbraHam, His servant. 43So He led out His people shouting in joy… His chosen, thereafter left happy!44Then He gave us the lands of great nations… We inherited things for which others had worked. 45So, we should now guard His decisions, And always search for His Laws.

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    Praise Jah! 1Praise Jehovah, because He provides, And His mercies endure throughout the ages.2Who’ll tell of His mighty deeds, And speak out loud in His praise?3Blest are those who are honest, And do what’s righteous each season.4O Jehovah, please don’t forget us… Remember the kindness that You’ve shown Your people… Please come visit and save us!5Your elected find joy in seeing the good, And Your people should loudly applaud The inheritance that You assigned them by lots.6But, we and our fathers have sinned… We’ve broken [Your] Laws and done wrong! 7Why, even our fathers in Egypt, Didn’t understand all Your wonders, Nor did they remember Your mercies.For, they’d even rebelled, While going down through the Red Sea. 8Yet, You saved them because of Your Name, And You let them see all Your powers.9You scolded the Sea and it dried, Then You guided them through that abyss, [And led them up] into the desert.10From those who disliked them, You saved them… You ransomed them from their enemy’s hands. 11Then You covered their oppressors with water, Leaving not a single survivor.12When they trusted Your Word, they were blest… 13But, they quickly forgot the things that You did, And they failed to await Your instructions. 14For, they wanted the things they desired, And they put You to the test in the desert.15Then You gave them the things they’d asked for, And You sent them enough to satisfy them. 16But then, they provoked Moses to rage, As well as Your holy one, Aaron.17So You opened the ground, and it swallowed Dathan! Then it covered all of AbiRom’s group, 18As a fire blazed in the midst of the camp, Where its flames consumed all the sinners.19Then, in that dry place, they made a [gold] calf, And they bowed to the thing that was carved. 20They changed [Your] Glory to a calf that eats grass, 21Forgetting the God who had saved them… The One who did those great things in Egypt 22(The wonders [that He’d sent] to Ham’s land), And His awesome deeds at the Red Sea.23So He spoke and said He’d destroy them; But, Moses (His chosen) just stood there Among those whom God wished to destroy. [Then Moses] approached and turned back His rage, So He chose not to wipe them away.24But then, they looked with contempt On that glorious land, And in the things that He’d promised, they didn’t have faith. 25So they stood in their tents and they grumbled, Refusing to hear the voice of the Lord.26Thus against them, He then raised His hand, To cut them down in the desert… 27To scatter their offspring to the nations, And to spread them among many lands.28For, they also bowed to BaAl Peor, And sacrifices to the dead, they consumed. 29They did all that they could to provoke Him, And to bring more blows on themselves.30Yet, PhineHas stood and offered atonement, And held back [God’s plans to] destroy them. 31As a result, he was thought of as righteous, Throughout all generations and ages.32Then they made Him angry once more, There at the Waters of Dispute, Where a bad thing happened to Moses. 33For they made his spirit grow bitter, And then he drew open his lips.34Thereafter, they failed to destroy all the nations, As Jehovah had told them to do… 35They mixed with the gentiles and learned of their ways, 36Bowing to their idols, to offend Him, 37And offering their sons and daughters to demons!38They poured out innocent blood… The blood of their own sons and daughters! To the carvings of CanaAn, they sacrificed them, And polluted the land with murder and blood.39[So the land] was defiled by the things they did, And they became practicing whores. 40So with His people, Jehovah was angry… His inheritance, He started to hate.41Then He gave them into their enemies’ hands… Those who hated and ruled over them. 42He allowed their enemies to oppress them, And humble them under their hands.43Although He came back to save them time and again, They kept on making Him angry, And all they did was talk back. So, they were humbled for the bad things they did.44Yet, when He saw how they were oppressed, He listened to the things that they begged. 45He remembered His Sacred Agreement, And mercifully turned to them once again… 46Before those who had captured them, He showed them deep compassion.47So, Jehovah our God, please save us, And gather us back from the nations, So we may praise Your most Holy Name, And boast about You once again!48O praise Jehovah throughout ages of ages! To this, all should shout:‘May it be!’

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    Praise Jah! 1Praise Jehovah, because He provides… His mercies endure throughout the ages.2About Jehovah, this has been said By those whom He saved from their enemies’ hands… 3From the places from which He’d gathered them back… From the north, south, east, and the sea.4They wandered in the desert without water, And no town could they find as their home… 5So their lives were failing from hunger and thirst.6Then in great distress, they called to the Lord, And He rescued them from this condition. 7He guided them in a straight path To a city that they could call home.8So, may they give praise to Jehovah, For all the mercies [He’s shown], And the wonders that He brings to sons of men.9He sends fulfillment to empty lives, And He fills the hungry with good things… 10Those who sit in the shadow of death, And the poor who are shackled in irons.11But, against God’s Word, they rebelled, And counsel from above, they rejected. 12So their hearts were humbled and troubled… They were weakened and no one came to their aid!13Then, in their affliction, they called to the Lord, And He saved them from their distress. 14Thereafter, He tore off their shackles, And led them from the shadow of death.15So, let them praise [God] for His mercy, And the wonders that He brings to sons of men. 16For He broke down all those brass gates, And He smashed their iron bars into pieces.17Due to their lawless ways, He kept humbling them to drive out their pride 18Until they no longer could eat their own food, And they were approaching death’s gates.19Then, in their distress, they called to the Lord, And He saved them from their condition… 20He sent them His word and it healed them, And saved them from their corruption.21So, may they praise [God] for His mercy, And the wonders that He sends to sons of men. 22Sacrifices of praise, they should offer, And then shout in joy for the things He’s done!23The men who go down to the sea in their boats And those who work across many waters, 24Have all beheld the works of Jehovah, And they’ve seen the wonders that He brings to the depths.25For He spoke and established the winds and the gales, Which arise and create the tall waves 26That lift them high into the sky; Then, to the abyss, they descend… And this melts away the bad in their lives.27For, this upsets them and shakes them, Then they swallow their wisdom like drunks. 28When they’re in danger, they cry to the Lord, And from their distress, He then leads them.29For, He sends His orders to the gales, Which become just a breeze to quiet the waves. 30Then they’re all joyful after it’s still, And He guides them towards the harbors they seek.31So, let them praise [God] for His mercy, And the wonders that He shows to sons of men. 32Before gatherings of peoples, they should praise Him, And before the seats of their elders.33Although He created a river in the desert, And to a thirsty land, brought water; 34The land still bore fruit that was bad, Because of the evil of those living there.35But He turned a desert into water-filled lakes, And into dry ground, [He put] springs, 36Where He thereafter settled the hungry, And led them to cities in which they’d live.37There they planted vineyards and fields, Which brought the produce of fruit. 38He blest them, and soon they were many, And not very few were their cattle, 39After they’d been decreased and mistreated… Afflicted with evil and grief.40Contempt had been poured on their rulers, And they’d wandered in places without any roads. 41But He removed poor conditions from their needy, And He treated their families like His own flock. 42Then, all the upright were joyful, As the mouths of the lawless were blocked.43So, who now has enough wisdom, To understand all the mercies of God?

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    A Psalm of David. 1My heart is prepared, O my God… In my glory, I’ll now sing and play! 2Awaken my glory, my lute, and my harp, As I’m arising at dawn.3O Lord,Among all the peoples, I’ll offer You praise; About You, I’ll strum to the nations, 4Because Your mercy is great… It’s higher than even the skies, And Your truth reaches into the clouds!5May Your glory grow higher than the heavens, O God… Yes, far above the whole earth.6Please bring salvation to Your loved ones… Please hear me and save me with Your mighty hand!7Then in Holiness, God spoke and said this:‘[My Name] will be lifted high. For, I’ll subdivide SheChem, And lay out My tents in its valley. 8GileAd is Mine, ManasSeh is Mine, And Ephraim is the pillow for My head. 9Judah [is the place of] My king, And of My plans against Edom, MoAb’s the kettle.‘So I’ll stick out My shoe [and step down], And to Me, the Philistines will bow. 10Can they save their fortified cities from Me? Can they serve as My guide into Edom?’11However, O God, You’ve pushed us away… So Lord, won’t You send us Your [angels]?12In this time of oppression, please send us Your aid; For the salvation of man has no value. 13Only by God do we have any strength… On our enemies, only He can show our contempt.

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    To the [music] director:A Psalm of David. 1O God of my praise, don’t stay silent, 2For sinners and liars have spoken against me. They speak against me with deceitful tongues, 3And I’m covered with their hateful words.4They battle with me for no reason… Instead of love, they send slander… So to You, I’ll lay out my prayer!5Instead of good, they’re bringing what’s bad, And they’re showing hate [in return for] my love.6So, send them away with the sinners, And put the Slanderer at their right hand. 7When they’re judged, may they leave as condemned, And may their prayers be thought of as sins.8May their days no longer be many, And may others take their positions. 9May all their sons become orphans, And may all their wives become widows.10Let their sons wander and beg… May they be driven away from their homes. 11May bankers search for the things that they own, And may strangers loot all they’ve worked for.12May no one come to protect them, And may no one pity their orphans. 13May all their children be wiped away… In one generation, may their names be erased.14May Jehovah remember the sins of their fathers… May the sins of their mothers remain. 15May they stand [in judgment] before You, O Lord… May their memory be wiped from the land.16For, they forgot to show mercy, And they chased a man who’s needy and poor… Someone whose heart has been broken.17Since they love curses, may they get them; Since they offer no blessings, may they go far away.18They wore curses as though they were clothes, Which poured like water within them, And became like oil in their bones.19So, may they wear their curses like robes… May they wear them like belts on their waists. 20May this be the reward from Jehovah For all those [guilty of] slander, And for those speaking bad of my soul.21O Lord, Jehovah, please help me, For the sake of Your Name and Your mercy. 22Rescue me, for I’m poor and in need, And my heart is deeply disturbed.23Like a shadow that passes, I’ve been removed… I’ve been [eaten] away as by locusts. 24My knees are now weakened from fasting, And for lack of oil, my flesh has been changed.25To them, I’m someone to laugh at… They look at me and just shake their heads. 26So help me, Jehovah, my God; In Your mercy, please send me your aid, 27And let them know that this came by Your hand… That it’s You, O Jehovah, that did this!28Upon themselves, may their curses fall, But please, [my God], send [me] blessings. May those who’ve risen against me be shamed; But, may Your servant find joy.29On those guilty of slander, bring shame… Wrap them in shame as though it were clothes. 30Then, I’ll offer You praises, my Lord… With my mouth, I’ll praise You to many.31Now He stands at this poor one’s right hand, To save me from those pursuing my soul.

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    A Psalm of David. 1Jehovah said this to my lord:‘Sit here at My right hand ’Til I set your enemies as a stool for your feet. 2A powerful scepter, I’ll send you from Zion, And amidst your enemies, you’ll rule.3‘You’ll be sovereign in the day that you start to rule, And your holy ones will then shine. For, since the time that you came from the womb I’ve made you the [bright] morning star.’4This oath was sworn by Jehovah, And for it, He will never repent:‘You’ll be a Priest throughout the ages In the order of MelchiZedek, 5And at My right hand, you’ll sit.In the day of your rage, you will shatter kings, 6And you’ll be the judge of the nations.‘Then you’ll fill their [lands] with the dead, And you’ll shatter many heads on the earth. 7From the [Kidron] Wadi, you’ll drink, And there, you’ll raise your head high.’

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    Praise Jah! 1I’ll praise You, Jehovah, with my whole heart, And Your instructions, [I’ll share with] the righteous.2The deeds of Jehovah are great, And He searches for those whom He loves. 3Majestic and worthy are the things that He does, And throughout ages of ages, His justice endures.4He’s made His wonders not to be forgotten, And Jehovah shows pity and great empathy. 5He nourishes all those who fear Him, And throughout ages, remembers what He promised.6His powerful deeds, He’s announced to His people, And they’ll inherit the nations.7The works of His hands are all just and true, And His commands are very trustworthy. 8So, throughout the age of the ages His truth and uprightness will stand.9He will ransom His people, And throughout ages, He will give them instructions Concerning His Holy Sacred Agreement, And of how His Name should be feared.10Wisdom starts with the fear of Jehovah, And those who take this [to heart] Will be understanding and good… They’ll be praised throughout the age And into the age of the ages.

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    Praise Jah. 1Blest are those who fear Jehovah And desire to obey His Commandments. 2For their offspring will grow strong on the land, And throughout generations, their ways will be blest.3Glory and wealth will dwell in their homes, And throughout ages of ages, The good things they do will endure.4For the upright, they’ll light up the darkness, And show pity and mercy to the righteous.5Kind people feel compassion and lend, And they manage their matters uprightly. 6So, they’ll endure throughout the ages, And the righteous won’t be forgotten.7They won’t have to fear any bad news, For they’ve readied their hearts to trust in the Lord. 8And because their hearts are so sure; They’ll not fear enemies.9For, they contribute to the needy, And throughout the ages, they prove themselves just; So their trumpets will be lifted in glory.10But in anger, the sinners will see this… They’ll grind their teeth, and then melt away Along with the things they desired.

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    Praise Jah. 1His servants should all praise Jehovah… Yes, praise the Name of the Lord. 2May the Name Jehovah be praised Both now and into the ages.3From the time the sun rises until it descends, It praises the Name of the Lord. 4For Jehovah is above all the nations, And His glory exists in the heavens.5Who else is like Jehovah our God, The One who dwells in high places? 6To the humble, He pays close attention… Both those in the heavens and those on the earth.7He raises the poor from the ground, And from cesspools, He raises the needy. 8Then He sits them next to the rulers… Those who are over His people.9He provides homes for the childless, And large houses for those who have many [children].

    114

    Praise Jah. 1After IsraEl left Egypt, And the house of Jacob fled the barbaric; 2Judah was chosen for [God’s] Holy Place, And IsraEl was His power to accomplish.3So, when the sea beheld them, it shied away, And the JorDan turned around and flowed backwards. 4Then the mountains started leaping like rams, And the hills were behaving like lambs.What was it with you, O sea… Why did you withdraw from before them… Yes, why did you move away? And JorDan, why did you flow backwards? 6You mountains... Why were you leaping like rams? And Hills, why were you behaving like lambs?7In the presence [of the Lord], the ground rattled… It shivered before Jacob’s God! 8For, from a rock, He brought water, And from stone, He chiseled a spring.

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    The Idols. 1Don’t just do it for us, O Jehovah… Don’t just do it for our sakes! Do it to glorify Your Name, And to show them all Your mercy and truth, 2So the nations won’t ever have a reason to ask:‘What has become of your God?’3Our God dwells in the heavens, And on the earth, He does as He wishes. 4Yet, the nations worship idols of silver and gold… Things that are made by men’s hands.5These idols have mouths that can’t speak; They also have eyes that can’t see; 6Although they have ears, they can’t hear, And their noses smell nothing at all.7They have hands they can’t grab things with; And although they have feet, they can’t walk, Nor can they speak with their throats. 8So, let those who made them, be like them, Along with all who are bowing before them.9The house of IsraEl puts faith in Jehovah; For, He’s their defender and helper. 10The house of Aaron puts hope in the Lord; For, He’s their defender and helper. 11All those who are fearing Jehovah Are those who put trust in their Lord; For, He’s their defender and helper.12Jehovah remembered and blest us… The house of IsraEl, He blest, And the house of Aaron, He blest… 13He’s blest both the great and the small… All that put trust in the Lord.14May the Lord provide for you and your sons… 15May you all be blest by Jehovah… The One who created the heavens and earth. 16And even though the heavens belong to [our God], To the sons of men, He gave the earth.17The dead won’t praise You, Jehovah, Nor will those who are going into the grave. 18It’s only the living who’ll offer You praise, Both now and into the ages.

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    Praise Jah. 1I love the fact that Jehovah will listen To the words of [my prayers]. 2He leans His ears down to hear [what I pray], So I’ll call upon Him throughout the rest of my days.3In the pangs of death, I’d once been wrapped, And fear of the grave was around me; So, I was afflicted and grieved. 4But I called out in the Name of the Lord:‘O Jehovah, please rescue my soul!’5Merciful and just is Jehovah, For our God is the One who shows mercy. 6And this Lord who humbles and saves me Also keeps watch over the young.7O my soul,Return to your restful state, For Jehovah has watched over you.8O my soul,He’s saved you from death, And He’s removed the tears from your eyes By keeping your feet from taking wrong steps. 9So, to Jehovah, I wish to be pleasing, And to stay in the land of the living.10I was too proud and that’s why I spoke; But thereafter, I learned to be humble. 11For in ecstasy, I once said That every man is a liar.12With what can I repay Jehovah For all that He’s done for me? 13I’ll accept His cup of salvation, And continue to call on the Name of the Lord.14I’ll render my vows to Jehovah Before all of His people. 15For, when His holy ones die, They’re never forgotten by God.16O Jehovah,I’m Your servant… I’m the son of Your female slave, And it’s You who tore off my shackles. 17So I’ll offer sacrifices of praise, As I call on the Name of the Lord.18To You, I’ll pay whatever I vow There in front of Your people… 19There in Your Temple courtyard In JeruSalem’s midst.

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    Praise Jah. 1Praise Jehovah, you nations… May He be praised by you all. 2For His mercy upon us is strong, And His truth endures throughout the ages.

    118

    Praise Jah. 1Praise Jehovah, because He’s good, And His mercies endure throughout the ages.2May the house of IsraEl say, ‘He is good,’ And His mercies endure throughout the ages.3May Aaron’s house say, ‘He is good,’ And His mercies endure throughout the ages.4May those fearing Jehovah say, ‘He is good,’ And His mercies endure throughout the ages.5In my time of distress, I called to the Lord, And He answered my prayers in great ways.6Jehovah’s my helper, so I won’t fear; For, what can men do to me? 7And because Jehovah’s my helper, I’ll also judge those who hate me.8It’s better to yield to Jehovah Than to give in to men. 9It’s better to hope in the Lord Than to trust in your rulers.10Many nations once had me surrounded, But in the Name of the Lord, I pushed them away. 11Yes, they once had me encircled; But, although they had me surrounded, In the Name, Jehovah, I pushed them away.12As bees on a comb, I was covered; But, they were then burned like thorn bushes… In the Name of the Lord, I pushed them away.13I was stabbed and fell flat on the ground, Then the Lord took hold of my [hand]. 14So, Jehovah’s my strength and my song of praise… He’s become my Salvation… 15He’s the voice of shouting in joy, And the Savior of the tents of the righteous.Jehovah’s right hand showed its power, 16And by His right hand, I was lifted… Yes, the Lord’s right hand showed its power. 17So, I won’t die, I’ll live, And I’ll speak of the works of Jehovah.18By Jehovah, I once was corrected, So He didn’t hand me over to death. 19The gates of justice were opened to me, So through them, I’ll walk and confess to the Lord.20Yes, this is the gate of Jehovah, Through which the righteous will pass. 21Because You heard me, I’ll confess, That You are truly my Savior.22So, the stone that the builders rejected Has become the foundation cornerstone 23It’s by Jehovah that this came to pass, And in our eyes, it’s a beautiful thing.24This day was made by Jehovah, And for it, we’ll cry out in joy:25‘O Jehovah, please save us! O Lord, please bless all our ways! 26And blest is this one who comes in God’s Name… In the House of Jehovah, we’ll praise him!’27Our God Jehovah is shining on us; So, gather for a great holiday! Come with many sacrifices To present them on the horns of the Altar.28You’re my God, and I’ll confess That You are my Lord, and I’ll hold You high. I’ll confess that You’ve listened to me, And explain that You’re my Savior.29I’ll confess to Jehovah, because He’s good, And His mercies endure throughout the ages.

    119

    Praise Jah. 1Those who are spotless are blestThose who obey the Laws of Jehovah. 2And blest are those who search for His [words]… Those who seek Him with their whole hearts. 3But, those who practice what’s lawless Will never walk in His ways.4You’ve told us to follow Your orders; 5So, straighten our paths to follow Your Laws, 6Then we’ll never be shamed By failing to keep Your Commandments.7To You I’ll confess with a pure heart, And I’ll study Your judgments and justice. 8I’ll always follow Your Laws, So that You’ll never desert me!9How can a young man keep his ways straight? By wholeheartedly obeying Your words. 10So, from my heart, I’ve inquired of You, And from Your Commandments, don’t push me away!11I’ve hidden Your prophecies deep in my heart, So against You, I’ll not sin. 12May You be praised, O Jehovah… Please teach me Your ways!13With my lips, I’ll declare the decisions That have come from Your mouth. 14I’ve found delight in the things that You’ve said, And I view them as greater than treasure.15On Your Commandments, I’ll meditate, And I’ll contemplate all Your ways. 16I’ll also think of Your Laws, And never forget what You’ve promised.17So, bless and enliven Your servant, And I’ll do as You’ve told me. 18Uncover my eyes and I’ll contemplate The wondrous ways of Your Laws.19I’m just a sojourner on earth, So, please don’t hide Your Commandments from me. 20For my soul has longed for Your judgments… They’re the things that I’ve always desired.21You’ve scolded the proud, And those who reject Your Commandments are cursed. 22So, take away my scorn and contempt; For I’ve searched through the proofs that You’ve sent.23But against Your servant, the rulers speak badly, Even though I’ve pondered Your ways. 24I’ve thought about the proofs You’ve provided, And Your Laws have been my advice.25Although my soul has been pushed to the ground, Your Word has kept me alive. 26My [foolish] ways, I’ve admitted to you, And You’ve heard [all my prayers].So, teach me Your rules 27and show Me Your Laws… Teach me to fully understand them, And to contemplate all Your wonders.28My soul was asleep and indifferent; But now, make me firm in Your words. 29Remove injustice from all of my ways, And let Your Laws teach me mercy.30The way of truth, I’ve chosen, And Your decisions, I’ve never forgotten. 31In Your just paths, I’ve always remained, So Lord, don’t put me to shame.32Towards Your Commandments, I’ve run From the time that You widened my heart. 33So, establish Your Laws deep within me, And I’ll follow them always, O Lord.34Please teach me to understand, And I’ll search for Your Laws, Then guard them with my whole heart. 35Towards Your Commandments, please lead me; For they’re what I’ve always desired.36Lean my heart towards Your righteous ways, And remove my desire for wealth. 37To my eyes, please give good direction, So they’ll never desire what’s foolish.Enliven me in Your ways, 38And send Your servant an omen of fear! 39Remove my scorn and the things that I dread; For, all Your decisions are kind.40Your Commandments, I’ve always desired; So, make me alive in Your righteous ways. 41Then send me Your mercies, O Lord… And as You once promised, please save me, 42So I’ll be able to give a reply To those who speak ill of me, And I can put faith in Your words.43Don’t remove Your words of truth from my mouth; For, in Your judgments, I’ve raised hopes. 44I’ll guard Your Laws throughout the ages And into the age of the ages.45Because I’ve searched Your Commandments, My life has become more important… 46I’ve spoken of Your ways before kings, And for this, I’ve never been shamed.47On Your Commandments, I’ve pondered, And I’ve come to love them so dearly. 48I’ve sworn to obey all Your orders… I’ve considered and loved all Your rules.49Remember Your words to Your servant, For, they’ve given me hope. 50They’ve provided me comfort in times of shame, And Your signs have given me life.51Although the proud have all been unjust; From Your Laws, I’ve not turned away. 52Throughout the age, I’ve remembered Your rules; And Jehovah, they’ve brought me much comfort.53Because of the sinners, I was depressed… By those who’ve abandoned Your Laws. 54But Your rules became like music to me, And [remain within me] wherever I go.55During the night, I think of Your Name; And Jehovah, I’ve followed Your Laws. 56All the [good] that has happened to me, Has come because I’ve searched for Your ways.57O Lord, You’re the share I was given, And of guarding Your Laws, I’ve spoken. 58With my whole heart, I’ve begged to Your face:‘Show mercy on me as You’ve promised.’59Although against Your ways, I once argued; My feet then turned towards the things that You said. 60So, I’ve prepared to keep Your Commandments, And by them, I won’t be disturbed.61Although in the cords of the sinners, I’ve been twisted; I’ve not forgotten Your Laws. 62So at midnight, I wake up to thank You For Your decisions and justice.63I’m a partner to all those who fear You… To those who obey Your Commandments. 64For the earth is filled with Your mercy, And I’ve learned from Your rules.65You’ve used Your servant to do what’s good, According to Your Word, O Jehovah. 66Now, teach me to know what’s right And to ever trust in Your judgments.67I was a sinner before I was humbled; But since then, I’ve guarded Your words. 68You’ve provided so kindly for me, O my Lord, So in kindness, please teach me Your Laws.69The injustice of the proud is a burden to me; But I’ll seek Your Commandments with my whole heart. 70Although the hearts of such ones have curdled like milk, I’ve still pondered Your Laws.71It’s good that I’ve been humbled by You, So I’d learn to follow Your rules. 72For to me, the Laws that come from Your mouth Are worth more than silver and gold.73It was Your hands that made me and shaped me; So, help me to understand better And to comprehend Your Commandments.74Now, those who fear You, rejoice when they see me, For I’ve raised their hopes through Your words.75O Jehovah,Through Your judgments, I’ve learned to be just, And by Your truth, I’ve been humbled.76May Your mercy bring comfort to me As You’ve revealed to Your servant in signs. 77Show compassion on me and I’ll live, So I can continue to study Your Laws.78May the proud be shamed for treating me badly; For, they’ve broken Your Laws, While I’ve kept Your Commandments in mind.79May those who fear You support me… Those who’ve heard the things that You’ve said. 80So, put Your rules in my heart, Then I’ll never be shamed. 81Yes, Your salvation is what I’ve sought, And Your words have given me hope.82My eyes have failed as I’ve searched for Your signs; So, when will You send me some comfort? 83Although I’m like a leather bag in the frost, I haven’t forgotten Your rules.84How many more days will Your servant remain, And when will You judge those who chase me? 85For lawbreakers are plotting against me, But not by Your Laws, O Jehovah.86Your Commandments are true… So please help me! For, they’re chasing me down for no reason. 87Yes, soon they’ll wipe me out of this land, Even though I’ve never left Your Commandments.88In Your mercy, please strengthen my soul, And I’ll guard the words that have come from Your mouth. 89For, throughout the ages, O [God], Your Words have been in the heavens… 90From one generation to another, Your truth has always [been found] there.You laid the foundations of the earth, And it has continued to be… 91It’s at Your choosing that each day arrives; For, it’s all under Your power.92Had I not thought of Your Laws, In shame, I’d have now been destroyed. 93So, don’t let me forget Your rules throughout the age, Since they’ve given me life.94Because I’m Yours, please save me; For, I’ve searched for Your rules! 95But sinners now wait to destroy me, Because I’ve followed Your ways.96When I thought that I was seeing the end, Your Commandments brought me [more] time. 97So I’ve loved Your Laws, O Jehovah; Throughout the whole day, they stay on my mind.98For You’ve made me wiser than my enemies, And Your Commandments are mine throughout the age. 99I’ve seen more than all those who taught me, Because I’ve obeyed Your instructions. 100I’ve also seen more than the elders, Because I’ve searched for Your rules.101I’ve held back my feet from what’s evil, So I can guard all Your words. 102From Your judgments, I’ve not turned aside, And You’ve established my laws.103How sweet to my throat are the things that You say… They’re like honey inside of my mouth. 104And from Your Commandments I’ve learned To hate the ways of injustice.105Your Law is a lamp to my feet, And it’s a light to my paths. 106So I’ve stood before You and sworn with an oath To guard Your justice and judgments.107O Jehovah,I’ve been knocked down; So, lift me back up, as You promised.108The offerings that come from my mouth Bring pleasure to me, O my Lord. So, teach me all Your decisions.109O Lord,My life is now in Your hands, And Your Laws, I haven’t forgotten. 110Although sinners set snares in my paths, From Your Commandments, I’ve never strayed.111I’ve inherited Your proofs throughout the age, And they’ve made my heart leap for joy. 112I’ve inclined my heart to follow Your rules Throughout the age, in repayment to You.113I’ve detested lawbreakers, And I’ve loved all Your rules. 114So, You’re my helper and shield, And by Your words, I’ve raised other’s hopes.115Please turn me away from what’s wicked, And for Your Commandments, I’ll search. 116Take hold of me, [as You promised] in signs… Make me strong and don’t shame my faith.117Send me help and I’ll be saved… For I’ll always think of Your rules. 118But, those who turned from me in contempt Have broken Your Laws with unrighteous thoughts… 119This land’s sinners are breaking Your Laws, While I’ve loved the things that You’ve said.120Nail down my body[LXX] due to my fear of You, For I [reverentially] feared Your judgments, 121Yes, I’ve done what’s just and right… So don’t hand me over to those abusing me.122Keep an eye on Your servant for good… Don’t allow the proud to extort me. 123For my eyes await Your salvation And to hear the sacred words of Your justice.124Deal with Your servant in mercy And teach me all Your righteous ways. 125Help me to know, for I’m Your slave; Then, I’ll teach [others] Your words.126It’s now time to act, O Jehovah; For, they’ve wiped away all Your Laws! 127But, I’ve loved Your Commandments More than topaz or gold. 128I’ve also followed Your Laws, And their unrighteous ways, I have hated!129Wondrous are the proofs that You’ve given; So, with my whole soul, I’ll search for Your words. 130For, the revealing of them sheds much light, And they bring understanding to the simple.131I’ve opened my mouth and I’ve sighed… And for Your Commandments, I’ve longed. 132So, look upon me and show mercy… Show mercy to those who are loving Your Name.133Please straighten my steps towards the ways I should walk, And by lawless ways, may I never be ruled. 134From men’s extortions, please save me, And I’ll keep Your Commandments.135Please show Your face to Your servant And teach me Your righteous rules. 136For, streams of water will flow from my eyes Should I find myself breaking Your Laws.137You are so righteous, Jehovah, And all Your decisions are straight. 138For You’ve told us [that we must be] fair, And the things that we say must be true.139But Your zeal is being [overlooked], For my enemies have forgotten the things that You said… 140Although the signs that You sent them were blazing like fire, And Your servant has loved them as truth.141Because of my youth, I’m shown no respect; But Your rules, I haven’t forgotten. 142Throughout the ages, it has proven true, That You and Your Laws are righteous and just.143Although distress and afflictions have found me, About Your Commandments, I’ve pondered. 144Throughout the ages, Your words have all proven true; So, help me to fully understand them, That I may continue to live.145With my whole heart, I’ve cried out to You:‘Hear me, O Lord, and I’ll search for Your rules.’146To You, I’ve called out:‘Please save me; and in Your righteous ways, I’ll walk.’147Before midnight, I called out [to You], And in Your words, I’ve put hope. 148Then, as my eyes opened at dawn, I noticed the signs You provided.149In mercy, O Jehovah, please hear my voice… In Your justice, please save my life! 150Turn from those who chase me unjustly; For, they’ve turned from Your Laws.151You’re always near me, O Lord, And truthful are all of Your ways. 152From the beginning, I’ve known of Your words, And they’ve served as my rock throughout the age.153Look down and save me, so I’m not disgraced, For I’ve not forgotten Your Laws. 154Judge my case and [give justice]… For the sake of Your Word, let me live!155Take me away from the sinners… Those who haven’t searched for Your rules. 156But, You’re filled with compassion, O Lord… With Your righteous decisions, please save my life.157Although many are trying to drive me away, And many are those who oppress me; I haven’t strayed from Your words.158I’ve seen others that are lacking good sense, And because they don’t follow Your words, They’re just wasting away.159Notice how I’ve loved Your Commandments, O Lord! So in mercy, please save my life! 160For Your words have been true from the start… Age-long are Your judgments and justice.161Without any reason, I’m being pursued, And my heart is in dread of Your words. 162But I’ll shout in praise if You’ll send me a sign, As one who’s found great rewards.163I’ve detested and abhorred all injustice, And Your Law, I’ve always loved. 164Seven times each day, I praise Your decisions, And I think well of Your justice.165Peace comes to those who are loving Your Laws, And nothing can stand in their way. 166So, in Your salvation, I’ve trusted, O God, Because I’ve loved Your Commandments.167My soul has guarded Your words… I can prove how I truly have loved them. 168I’ve kept Your words and Commandments, And my ways, O Jehovah, are open before You.169O Lord, please hear what I’m begging, And help me to understand all Your signs.170If You find me worthy, please let me approach… Save me, as You’ve shown me through omens. 171Then, with my lips, I’ll sing hymns, And I’ll let You teach me Your rules. 172With my tongue, I’ll sing of Your omens, And of how Your Commandments are righteous.173Please send Your hand down to save me, For I’ve accepted all Your Commandments. 174Your salvation is what I’ve longed for, O Lord, And I’ve meditated on all of Your Laws.175So, if You’ll allow me to live, I’ll [continue to] praise You, And Your decisions will serve as my guide.176But, I’ve strayed like a lamb Who would’ve perished alone. So, please come and search for Your servant, For Your Commandments, I’ve never forgotten.

    120

    A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1In my despair, I called to the Lord, And to [my prayer], He then listened:2From unrighteous lips, please save me, O Lord… [Save me] from those with deceitful tongues.3What can I give and what can I add When it comes to those with tongues that tell lies? 4For against me, the arrows of the mighty Are now being sharpened in coals.5I’ve run far away to escape them, And in [the Valley of] Cedars, I’ve camped. 6My soul was forced to run off and hide From these men who hate peaceful ways… 7Although I’ve spoken mildly to them, They’ve battled with me for no reason.’

    121

    A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1I’ve lifted my eyes towards that Mountain From which I receive all my aid. 2For, my help all comes from Jehovah… The One who made the heavens and earth.3He will never let your feet stumble, For the One who keeps watch doesn’t sleep… 4No, IsraEl’s protector never slumbers.5Jehovah’s your guard and protector… He’s always at your right hand. 6So by day, the sun won’t beat down upon you, Nor will the moon, in the night.7Jehovah will protect you from evil, For the Lord watches over your soul. 8Jehovah will guard your comings and goings, From now and into the ages.

    122

    A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1I’m overjoyed when they tell me:‘To the house of Jehovah, we’ll go, 2And we’ll stand within JeruSalem’s gates.’3JeruSalem was built as a city That we can all share together, 4And the tribes of Jehovah go up there; For, this is required by IsraEl’s Law.5There sits the throne from which judgments come… The throne of the house of [King] David. 6It’s where you can [pray] for JeruSalem’s peace, And prosperity for all whom you love.7[Pray:]‘Let there be peace for our army, And prosperity for our fortified towns. 8On behalf of my brothers and neighbors, I pray for peace upon all… 9I’ve come to the Temple of Jehovah our God To pray for good things [to come].’

    123

    A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1I’ve lifted my eyes To the One who lives in the heavens. 2For, as the eyes of a slave look to his master, And as the eyes of a handmaid look to her lady; Our eyes should look to Jehovah, our God Until He shows His pity for us.3Show mercy upon us, Jehovah… Please extend Your mercy to us! For, we’ve been treated with much disrespect… 4Our lives have been filled with the scorn of the rich, And with the contempt of the haughty.

    124

    A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1Unless Jehovah is with us… 2Say it, O IsraEl! 3Unless Jehovah is with us, The men who attack will swallow us down… 4In their rage, we would’ve been drowned, And their streams would’ve taken our lives 5Their raging waters would’ve taken our lives!6So, praise Jehovah, because He provides, And we won’t be given as game for their teeth. 7Like sparrows, our lives will be rescued From the traps of men who are hunting us down.Yes, their snares have been broken and we’ve been saved, 8Since we’ve looked to the Name of Jehovah for aid… The One who made the heavens and earth.

    125

    A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1All those who put faith in Jehovah Are like those [who live on] Mount Zion. For, those who live in JeruSalem Have remained firm throughout the ages.2And as [that city’s] surrounded by mountains, The Lord will encircle His people From now and throughout eons of time.3For, He won’t allow whips of sinners To [fall on the backs] of the righteous… They won’t be stretched out before them, Or by their hands, be mistreated.4O Jehovah,Do good for those doing good And for those whose hearts have been straight. 5But remove those who are turning towards badness… Take them away with the lawless, O Lord; Then in IsraEl, may there be peace!

    126

    A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1When Jehovah returns Zion’s captives, It’ll bring comfort to us. 2With joyful [cries], our mouths will be filled, And our tongues will be shouting cheers.Then, those of the nations will say:‘Jehovah has proven Himself to be great By the ways that He’s dealing with them.’3Yes, He will prove Himself great By the good ways that He treats us… Yes, He will make us all joyful!4O Jehovah,Please bring back our captives, As water returns to the streams in the south. 5Then, those who are planting with tears Will harvest with cries that are joyful.6For the ones who’ve been taken are gone, So those scattering seeds, now do so with tears. But, when they return, we’ll be shouting in joy As we carry our sheaves [to Your Temple].

    127

    A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1If the house isn’t built by Jehovah, Its builders have [worked hard] in vain. And if He isn’t guarding a city, It’s in vain to stay awake and keep watch… 2Although they arise early and go to bed late, It’ll all be in vain.O you who must eat bread of grief; He will still bring rest to those He loves.3{Look!} The inheritance of Jehovah is sons, And your wage is the fruit of the belly. 4For the sons born to you are like arrows In the hands of the mighty.5So, those filling their [quivers] with [sons] are the blest, For, they’ll not be disgraced When they must oppose enemies Who’ve arrived at their gates.

    128

    A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1Blest are those in fear of Jehovah… Those who walk in His ways. 2For from the works of their hands, they’ll eat… They’ll be blest and all will go well.3Your women will prosper like grape vines, Which grow on the walls of your homes. And your sons will be like young olive trees, As they sit ‘round your table.4{Look!} Those who fear Jehovah are blest… 5Yes, may He bless them from Zion. May they all see good from JeruSalem Throughout the rest of their lives… 6May they live to see the sons of their sons, And on IsraEl, may there be peace!

    129

    A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1Many times, they’ve waged war against me Since the time of my youth… Say it, O IsraEl! 2Many times, they’ve waged war against me Since the time of my youth, Yet, they’ve been unable to beat me.3Behind my back, the sinners conspired, As they continued in their lawless ways. 4But [our God Jehovah] is righteous, For He’s chopped them off at their necks.5Let them be shamed and be forced to retreat… All those who are hating Mount Zion. 6Let them become like grass on the roofs After it’s pulled up and dried.7Why hasn’t the harvester filled up his hands, Or collected the sheaves to his chest? 8Because, those passing by didn’t offer this blessing:‘We bless you in the Name of the Lord.’

    130

    A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1I cried out to You from the depths, O my Lord:2‘O Jehovah, please hear my voice… May Your ears hear the words of my prayers!3‘If You just look upon our lawless ways; O Lord, who’ll be able to stand? 4But, although we have reason to fear You, You’ve covered our sins.‘Because of Your Name, I’ve waited for You… 5O Jehovah; My soul has awaited Your word… 6My soul has put hope in the Lord From early-watches until late at night.’7Let IsraEl put faith in Jehovah, For in mercy, He’s paid our ransom… 8IsraEl has been repurchased by Him From their own lawless ways.

    131

    A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1O Jehovah,I haven’t exalted my heart, Nor have my eyes been too lofty. I haven’t traveled with great ones, Nor in the wonders of those who are above me… 2For if I’ve failed to be humble, I’ve sinned!But now, my life has been raised As one who’s been weaned from his mother. So, please ransom my soul, 3And may IsraEl put faith in Jehovah From now on and into the ages.

    132

    A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1O Lord,Remember [King] David, And all of his gentle ways. 2For he swore an oath to Jehovah… To the God of Jacob, he made this vow:3‘When I get home and I go to bed, 4Could I let my eyes fall asleep Or my eyelids to slumber as I rest in my house, 5Before I find a place for Jehovah… A Tent for the God of Jacob [to dwell]?’6Look! We’ve heard it was there in EphRatha… It was found in the plains among groves. 7So we went to His Tent and we bowed there, In the land that serves as His footstool.8Now, arise from Your rest, O Jehovah, And visit the Chest in Your Most Holy Place. 9Then Your Priests will make themselves righteous, And Your holy ones will cry out in joy.10Then, from [King] David Your servant… From Your anointed, You’ll not turn away. 11For Jehovah swore this to David as truth, And He will never annul it:‘On your throne, I’ll establish the fruit of your belly. 12So, if your sons guard My Sacred Agreement And obey all the rules that I’ll teach them; Throughout the ages, their sons will sit on your throne.’13Now, Jehovah has chosen [Mount] Zion… He took it as His place to dwell when He said:14‘Here, I’ll rest throughout ages of ages ‘It’s [the place that] I’ve chosen and where I’ll stay.15‘I’ll bless the blest among her wild beasts, And with bread, I’ll fill up her poor. 16Her Priests, I’ll clothe with salvation, And her holy ones will sing songs of joy.17‘There, I’ll raise David’s trumpet, And for My anointed, I’ll prepare a lamp. 18Then I’ll clothe his enemies with shame, And on him, I’ll make holiness blossom.’

    133

    A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1{Look!} How good and delightful it is When brothers can all live together. 2It’s like perfumed oil which runs down the beard… Upon Aaron’s beard and then down his clothes.3It’s like the dew on [Mount] HerMon That runs to the mountains of Zion. For it’s there that Jehovah gave meaning To the blessing of life throughout the ages.

    134

    A song [to be sung] while ascending [to the Temple on Mount MoriAh]. 1Praise Jehovah, His servants… Those who stand in the House of the Lord… Those who stand in the courtyards Of the House of our God throughout the night.2Raise your hands to His Holy Place, And give praise to the Lord. 3May Jehovah bless you from Zion… The One who made the lands and skies.

    135

    Praise Jah. 1Praise the Name of the LordYes, praise Jehovah, His servants… 2All you who stand in His Temple… In the courtyards of the House of our God.3Praise Jehovah, because He’s good… Play music to His Glorious Name. 4For, He chose Jacob as His own… IsraEl is the Lord’s prized possession.5I know that Jehovah is great, And our Lord is higher than all other gods. 6He’s done His Will in the Heavens and earth, As well as in the seas and their depths.7He leads the clouds from the ends of the earth… He made the lightning and rain, And He brings the winds from His storehouse.8He struck the firstborn of Egypt… All those from men to their cattle. 9Signs and wonders, He sent to [that land]… Upon PharaOh and all of his servants.10He’s the One who struck many nations, And brought death to their mightiest kings. 11There was SeOn, the Amorite king, As well as Og, king of BaShan, And all the kingdoms of CanaAn. 12Then He gave us their lands to inherit For IsraEl (His people) to own.13O Jehovah,Your fame [will last] throughout the agesFor generations, it’s how You’ll be known. 14Jehovah will judge all His people, And they’ll bring Him much comfort.15The idols of the nations are silver and gold… They’re just the works of men’s hands. 16A mouth they have, but they can’t speak; Eyes they have, but they can’t see; 17Ears they have, but they can’t hear, Nor have they any breath in their mouths. 18So, may those who made them be like them, As well as all those who serve them.19O House of IsraEl, give praise to Jehovah! O House of Aaron, give praise to Jehovah! 20O House of Levi, give praise to Jehovah… All those fearing the Lord, praise Jehovah! 21May Jehovah be praised in JeruSalem… Praise [the God] that tents upon Zion.

    136

    Praise Jah. [Editor note: This is a ‘responsive’ form of song, and that’s why it has the repetitive phrase ‘And His mercies endure throughout the ages’ repeated so many times. A single singer will sing the main words, and the audience (or a choir) will respond by singing the repeated phrase. This was a common kind of song in ancient times, and very common among the Early Christians.]1Let’s confess to Jehovah, because He is good, And His mercies endure throughout the ages. 2Let’s confess to the God of all gods, For His mercies endure throughout the ages.3Let’s confess to the Lord of all lords, For His mercies endure throughout the ages. 4Only He does things that are wondrous and great, And His mercies endure throughout the ages.5He crafted the skies with great skill, And His mercies endure throughout the ages. 6Over water, He raised solid ground, And His mercies endure throughout the ages.7He alone made the lights [in the skies], And His mercies endure throughout the ages. 8He made the sun the ruler of day, And His mercies endure throughout the ages. 9The moon and stars, He made rulers of night, And His mercies endure throughout the ages.10He’s the One who struck the firstborn of Egypt, And His mercies endure throughout the ages. 11Then, from their midst, He led IsraEl, For His mercies endure throughout the ages, 12With His arm and hand lifted high, For His mercies endure throughout the ages.13Then He split apart the Red Sea, For His mercies endure throughout the ages; 14And through its midst, He led IsraEl, For His mercies endure throughout the ages. 15He shook PharaOh and his army into the sea, For His mercies endure throughout the ages.16Then He led His people into the desert, For His mercies endure throughout the ages; 17And there, great kings, He struck down, For His mercies endure throughout the ages… 18Yes, many strong kings He destroyed there, For His mercies endure throughout the ages, 19Such as SeOn the Amorite king, For His mercies endure throughout the ages, 20As well as Og, king of BaShan, For His mercies endure throughout the ages.21Then, as our inheritance, He gave us their land, For His mercies endure throughout the ages… 22An inheritance to IsraEl, His servant, For His mercies endure throughout the ages.23He didn’t forget us when we shamed ourselves, For His mercies endure throughout the ages; 24He ransomed us from our enemies’ hands, For His mercies endure throughout the ages. 25Then, He nourished our flesh, For His mercies endure throughout the ages. 26So, confess to God, O you heavens, For His mercies endure throughout the ages.

    137

    A Psalm of David [handed down to us] through JeremiAh. 1At Babylon’s rivers we sat, And we wept, as we thought of [Mount] Zion. 2And there in [Babylon’s] midst, We hung our instruments on willows.3For there, our captors had asked us To sing the words of our psalms… Yes, those who took us away, dared to say:‘From the odes of Zion, please sing us a song.’4But, how can we sing the songs of the Lord, There in an alien land?5O [City of] JeruSalem,Should I ever forget you, May I also forget my right hand. 6May my tongue stick to the [roof of my mouth] If I ever fail to remember And prefer the joys of JeruSalem, Which I had known long ago.7Remember the sons of Edom, O Lord, In JeruSalem’s day… Those who said:‘Make it empty… Cut it down to its very foundations!’8O miserable daughters of Babylon; Blest are those who’ll repay you With the same sort of payment that you sent to us… 9Yes, blest is the one who’ll grab hold of you And dash your infants on rocks!

    138

    A Psalm for David, [composed] by HagGai and ZachariAh. 1With my whole heart, I thank You, O Lord, And I’ll sing Your psalms before angels May You hear these words that will come from my mouth.2I’ll bow towards Your Holy Temple, And I’ll give thanks to Your Name. Because of Your mercy and truth, [I’ll sing] about Your Holy Name That You have raised above all.3In whatever day that I call upon You, Please quickly answer my prayer, And give my soul the strength to endure.4Let all kings of the earth give thanks to You, For they’ve heard all the words that came from Your mouth. 5Then, let them sing of the ways of the Lord, For the glory of Jehovah is great.6Even though Jehovah is higher than all, He still watches out for the lowly, While the haughty, He sees from afar.7Although I’ve had to walk through difficult times, It was You who gave me the strength. And against my enemy’s rage, You thereafter, lifted Your hands, And with Your right hand, You saved me.8O Jehovah… Repay them for me, For Your mercy, O Lord, lasts throughout ages… Don’t overlook the works of Your hands!

    139

    To the [music] director:A Psalm. 1O Jehovah, You’ve known me and tried me. 2You knew me when I got up or sat down… From far away, You’ve known all my thoughts.3You’ve traced out my path through bent grass, And looked ahead to the ways that I’ll go; 4So, You know that there’s no deceit on my tongue.O Jehovah,There’s nothing that You don’t know… 5Both the things that have past and the things that will be.It was You who shaped me and made me… You laid me out in [the palm] of Your hand. 6So the knowledge of You brings me wonder and strength, And no way can I fully comprehend it.7Where could I go [to hide] from Your Breath, And where could I flee from Your presence? 8If I flew to the sky, You’d be there; And I’ll still be in Your hand When I must go to the place of the dead.9If I could grow wings [and fly towards] the dawn, Or if I could camp at the ends of the seas, 10Your hand would be there to guide me, And in Your right hand, You’d hold me.11I said:‘I’ll surely be trampled by darkness, And around me, the light will turn into night.’12But the dark isn’t darkness to You… Night is as day and darkness as light.13For, You [have examined] my kidneys, And it’s You who took me from my mother’s womb; 14So, I’ll offer You praise.The wonders of Your works, I’ve thought of in fear… And the man within me knows this is true.15Even my bones weren’t hidden from You When You made me in secret. When I was conceived on the earth, 16You saw me before I was finished; For, You write the lives of all men in Your scroll On the day they’re formed and alone.17How precious are Your thoughts, O my God; They’ve been mighty ever since the beginning. 18And if I were able to count them, They’d be more than the sands [of the seas]… Yet, when I wake up You’re still with me.19Please destroy the sinners, O God… Turn [Your face] from all men of blood! 20For, concerning their thoughts, You’ve said:‘They’ve acted like fools in My [land].’21O Lord,I hate all who hate You, And against Your enemies, I’ve shown zeal. 22In perfect hatred, I’ve learned to detest them, And they’re my enemies too!23So, try me, O God, and examine my heart… Search me through and know all my paths. 24See if any lawless ways are within me, Then guide me towards the paths of the ages.

    140

    To the [music] director:A Psalm of David. 1Please take me away, O Jehovah, From all of these wicked men… Save me from the unrighteous… 2Those whose hearts are unrighteous all day, And are always ready for war! 3For like snakes, they’ve sharpened their tongues, And the poison of asps is under their lips.4From the hands of sinners, please guard me, O Lord… Remove me from the unrighteous… Those who’ve laid plans to stumble my feet. 5For against me, the proud have hidden their snares… Ropes, they’ve held out to trip me, And obstacles they’ve placed in my path.6I said to Jehovah:‘You are my God; O Lord, please hear the sounds of my prayers! 7O Mighty Lord, who else can save me? Watch over my head in the day of the war.’8O Lord,Don’t grant them the things that they want… Those sinners that are railing against me… Don’t leave me, so they won’t grow [stronger].9Bring trouble to those who surround me, And thereafter, close up their lips. 10Into coals of fire, please throw them… Into a miserable place where they’ll not rise again!11May those slandering me never prosper… May the unrighteous hunt them like prey And search for great ways to harm them.12I know that Jehovah keeps watch on the poor, And He stands up for the needy. 13So, may the righteous sing songs to His Name, And may the upright dwell in [the light] of His face.

    141

    A Psalm of David. 1O Jehovah,I’ve called out to You; So, please pay attention to my cries. 2May my prayers rise before You like incense, And the raising of my hands as an evening sacrifice.3O Jehovah,Set a watch for my mouth And a fortress door for my lips. 4Don’t allow wicked words to enter my heart, Or the deeds of the lawless to become my excuse.If I’ve ever been guilty of taking their things, 5May the righteous correct and rebuke me. May I not be considered a friend to the wicked, And may my prayers be in opposition To all the things they desire.6For their judges were swallowed down next to the rocks, So they didn’t hear the sweet words I’ve spoken. 7The ground beneath them ripped open, And pulled their bones into the grave.8In You, O Jehovah my Lord, My eyes have trusted in the hope That You’ll keep watch on my life.9So, keep me away from the snares that they’ve hidden… The obstacles that the lawless have set. 10Within their own nets, may those sinners be caught, And may they remain there until I’ve passed by.

    142

    A Psalm of contemplation by David about the time when he was praying in the cave. 1With my voice, I cried to Jehovah… Before Him, I [bowed down to] beg. 2I poured out before Him the things that I need, And I spoke of how I’m being oppressed. 3For He knows that my spirit has failed me, And they’ve hidden their snares on the roads that I walk.4Then I looked to the right and I noticed There was no one around whom I knew… There was also nowhere to run, And about my life, no one was concerned.5So I cried out to Him:‘O Jehovah!‘I’m calling to You, for You’re my hope… Since You’re all that I have in the land of the living, 6Please listen to the things that I’m begging; For before You, I’ve humbled my soul.‘Save me from those who pursue me, Because they’re stronger than me. 7Lead my soul out of this ‘prison’ So that I can keep praising Your Name. Then the righteous will gather around me, Because of the goodness You’ve shown.’

    143

    A Psalm of David about when his son was pursuing him. 1Please hear my prayer, O Jehovah… In Your truth, hear the things that I beg! Listen to me in Your justice, 2And please don’t pass judgment on me. For I know that none of the living Can ever be righteous before You.3My enemy had chased me and humbled my soulMy life had been cut to the ground! And throughout the rest of the age, He’d have me thrown into the darkness Which is reserved for the dead.4So the spirit within me was troubled, And my heart was very disturbed. 5Then, days of old, I remembered… I thought of the things that You’ve done, And I pondered the works of Your hands.6So I opened my [arms] and spread them to You, For my life had become like a desert. 7Then, quickly You heard me, Jehovah… [Before] I had to give up my breath.So from me, please don’t turn Your face, Or make me like those going into the pit. 8May I be heard in the morning once more; For, I’ve put faith in Your mercy.O Jehovah,Please show me the way I should go, For to You, I’ve lifted my soul. 9From those who hate me, please save me, O Lord; For I’ve taken refuge in You.10You’re my God, so teach me Your Will; For Your Spirit is good and will serve as my guide To lead me in paths that are straight.11Because of Your Name, O Jehovah; You’ll allow me to live, And Your justice will lead me away From all of this pain in my life.12To my enemies, please send destruction, And please show mercy on me… Wipe away those who are trying to kill me, For, I’m Your servant, O Lord.

    144

    A Psalm of David to GoliAth. 1Praise Jehovah my God Who’s taught my hands to fight battles, And the arts of war to my fingers.2He’s my mercy, my refuge, and shield… He’s my defender and Savior. Since He made my people obey me, In Him, I’ve put all my hope.3What is mankind to You, O Jehovah, That to us, You’d make Yourself known, Or the son of man, that You’d think about him? 4For we really don’t have any value, And our days pass by like the shadows.5O Jehovah,Lean down from Your heavens… Touch the mountains and cause them to smoke. 6Shoot Your arrows to disturb them… Flash lightning and drive them away.7Reach Your hand down from the heights, Then grab me out of the water… From the sons of strangers, please save me! 8For, with their mouths, they say foolish things, And their right hands are filled with unrighteous ways.9O God,To You, I’ll sing a new song, Which I’ll play on my harp of 10 strings:10Please bring salvation to this king… From the sword, save David, Your servant!11From these sons of strangers, please save me. For their mouths have said foolish things, And their right hands are filled with unrighteous ways.12Whose sons are these… They’re like newly-planted seeds, Which feel secure in their youth. Their daughters are well dressed and brightly adorned… As nicely as you’d see in a temple.13Their storerooms are all overflowing, And their sheep are very prolific… For they multiply in the streets, 14While their oxen have grown thick [and strong].None of their fences are broken; None of their streams are [befouled]; And no crying is heard in their squares.15Rather, bless the people of whom this is true… Bless those whose God is Jehovah!’

    145

    A praise of David. 1I’ll raise Your [Name] high, my God and my King, And throughout the age and the age of the ages, I’ll [sing] praises about You. 2I’ll praise Your Name every day… I’ll praise Your Name throughout the rest of the age And into the age of the ages.3Jehovah is great and praiseworthy… There’s no end to His greatness. 4To one generation after another, I’ll sing in praise of Your works And I’ll report of Your power.5I’ll speak of Your majesty also, And about Your holiness and glory; Then, I’ll describe all Your wonders.6I’ll speak of Your power and Your fearful deeds, And I’ll describe all Your greatness, 7So the memory of all the kindness You’ve shown Will keep on growing [among them].Then, about Your justice, they’ll shout:8‘Jehovah is very forgiving… He’s filled with kindness and mercy. 9The Lord is benevolent also… He shows compassion in all that He does.’10May all of Your works give praise to You… Yes, may all of Your holy ones praise You! 11May they speak of Your glorious Kingdom, And boast of the realm of Your rule.12To all sons of men, may Your rule become known, And the glory of the majesty of Your Kingdom. 13Your Kingdom is a kingdom of the ages, And Your authority is throughout generations.What Jehovah says can be trusted, And the things that He does are all holy. 14He gives support to the fallen, And He builds up all of the broken.15Yes, to You, all eyes look in hope, And at right times, You provide them their food… 16You just open Your hand, And all living things are then filled.17Jehovah is righteous in all of His ways, And the things that He does are all holy. 18Jehovah is near to those calling on Him… To those who call upon Him in truth.19He will do the will of all those who fear Him… He will hear their prayers and He will save them. 20For Jehovah guards all those who love Him, But the sinners, He will wipe away.21So my mouth will speak in praise of Jehovah… May all flesh speak well of His Name. Praise Him throughout the rest of this age, And into the age of the ages!

    146

    Praise Jah. A Psalm of HagGai and ZachariAh. 1Praise Jehovah, my soul! 2With my whole life, I’ll give praise to the Lord And I’ll strum to my God for as long as I live!3Don’t put faith in your rulers; For, sons of men can’t save you. 4Their breath goes out and they’re gone from their land… In that day, their thoughts pass away.5Blest are those who have Jacob’s God as their aid… Those who put trust in Jehovah… 6The One who made the heavens and earth… The seas and everything in them… The One who guards truth throughout the ages 7The One who brings justice to those who’ve been wronged, And who provides food to the hungry.For, Jehovah releases the shackled, 8And to the blind, He gives wisdom. Those who’ve been broken, Jehovah restores, And He loves all those who are righteous.9The Lord guards foreigners, orphans, and widows; But the ways of sinners, He wipes away. 10O Zion; Jehovah reigns throughout the age… Throughout all generations, He is your God!

    147

    Praise Jah. A Psalm of HagGai and ZechariAh. 1Praise Jehovah, for our God is good, And praising Him is delightful! 2For our Lord will rebuild JeruSalem, And return all of His scattered people.3He’s the One who mends broken hearts, And wraps all those who are broken. 4He’s counted all of the stars, And He calls each one by its name.5Great is our Lord and great is His strength… There’s no way to count all the things that He knows. 6Jehovah watches over the meek, While sinners are humbled and led to the ground.7So, take the lead in praising Jehovah… Strum to our God on your harps! 8For He made the clouds that cover the skies, And from them, sends rain to the ground, Which makes the grass grow on the mountains, And shoots to sprout for men [to consume]. 9He’s the One who gives food to their cattle, And to the infants of crows… To all that are calling upon Him.10He doesn’t need the strength of a horse, Nor has He any use for men’s legs. 11But, Jehovah thinks well of all those who fear Him, And of those who trust in His mercy.12So, praise Jehovah, JeruSalem… O Zion, give praise to your God! 13For He’s strengthened the bars on your gates, And He allows you to give your sons blessings.14He’s the One who brings peace to your borders, And the fatness of wheat to your bellies. 15He’s the One who sends His signs to the earth, And the things that He says happen quickly.16He sends us His snow as though it were wool, And He strews the fog as though ashes. 17Like breadcrumbs, He scatters His ice, And who can withstand His chill? 18But, by His word, it’ll all melt… He can blow His breath and turn it to water.19He’s the One who gave signs to Jacob… To IsraEl, He sent His rules and decisions. 20He’s done this for no other nation… To no other lands have His judgments been shown… So we should [sing] praises about Him!

    148

    Praise Jah. A Psalm of HagGai and ZechariAh. 1All you in the heavens; give praise to Jehovah… Yes, praise Him in all the high places. 2All of His angels should praise Him… Yes, praise Him, all you in His armies!3Praise Him, O sun and moon; Yes, praise Him, all stars and all lights! 4Praise Him, O heavens of heavens, And praise Him, you waters above the sky!5Praise the Name of the Lord, For He just spoke and they came to be… He gave the instructions, and then they began! 6He’s established them into the ages, And into the age of the ages. So, since He’s the One who set them in place, They’ll not pass away.7You beasts on the ground, give praise to Jehovah, As should those who dwell in the deep! 8For fire, hail, and snow, and icy wind blasts, All arrive by His Word, 9As did the mountains and hills, And all the fruit-bearing trees.He’s the One who made all the cedars… 10All the wild beasts and slithering things, And all the feathered, winged creatures. 11He made all the kings and their subjects… The rulers and all of the judges… 12The young men and virgins, the old and the young; 13So, let them all praise the Name of the Lord!His Name alone is the highest, And He’s higher than all the skies and the lands; 14So, all should be raising their horns And [singing] hymns to His holy ones… Yes, to the sons of IsraEl … A people whom He’s held so dearly.

    149

    Praise Jah. 1Sing a new song to Jehovah… In the gatherings of the holy, sing His praises. 2Let IsraEl [take pride in] their maker, And may Zion’s sons rejoice in their king.3Then, may they all dance to His Name… May they dance to the strumming of lutes, And to the beating of tambourines.4Jehovah finds pleasure in His people, And the meek, He will lift up and save. 5Then the holy will boast of their glory, And shout in joy from their beds.6They’ll praise God with their throats; For with a double-edged sword in His hands, 7He’s coming to punish the nations, And to scold them for the bad things they’ve done.8He will tie up their kings and put them in stocks, And put shackles of iron on their nobles. 9For He’s coming to bring execution Because of the judgments that He’s written about them, And to bring His holy ones glory.

    150

    Praise Jah. 1In His Most Holy Place, praise our God… Throughout all of the firmament, praise His power. 2In His dominion, shout praises of Him… In the expanse, give praise to His greatness.3Praise Him by the blowing of trumpets; Praise Him with lutes and with harps; 4Praise Him with tambourines, And with the company of dancers.Praise Him with the strings of the lyre, Praise Him with the sounds of woodwinds. 5Praise Him with the clashing of cymbals; And along with the cymbals, add shouts… 6May all that breathe praise Jehovah!


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