Book One (Psalms 1–41)

Psalm 1

The Two Paths

1Oh, the joys of those who do not

follow the advice of the wicked,

or stand around with sinners,

or join in with mockers.

2But they delight in the law of the Lord,

meditating on it day and night.

3They are like trees planted along the riverbank,

bearing fruit each season.

Their leaves never wither,

and they prosper in all they do.

4But not the wicked!

They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.

5They will be condemned at the time of judgment.

Sinners will have no place among the godly.

6For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,

but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

Psalm 2

God’s Son Will Rule the Earth

1Why are the nations so angry?

Why do they waste their time with futile plans?

2The kings of the earth prepare for battle;

the rulers plot together

against the Lord

and against his anointed one.

3“Let us break their chains,” they cry,

“and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

4But the one who rules in heaven laughs.

The Lord scoffs at them.

5Then in anger he rebukes them,

terrifying them with his fierce fury.

6For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne

in Jerusalem,*2:6 Hebrew on Zion. on my holy mountain.”

7The king proclaims the Lord’s decree:

“The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son.*2:7a Or Son; also in 2:12.

Today I have become your Father.*2:7b Or Today I reveal you as my son.

8Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,

the whole earth as your possession.

9You will break*2:9 Greek version reads rule. Compare Rev 2:27. them with an iron rod

and smash them like clay pots.’”

10Now then, you kings, act wisely!

Be warned, you rulers of the earth!

11Serve the Lord with reverent fear,

and rejoice with trembling.

12Submit to God’s royal son,*2:12 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain. or he will become angry,

and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities—

for his anger flares up in an instant.

But what joy for all who take refuge in him!

Psalm 3

A Confident Prayer for Rescue

A psalm of David, regarding the time David fled from his son Absalom.

1O Lord, I have so many enemies;

so many are against me.

2So many are saying,

“God will never rescue him!”

Interlude*3:2 Hebrew Selah. The meaning of this word is uncertain, though it is probably a musical or literary term. It is rendered Interlude throughout the Psalms.

3But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;

you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.

4I cried out to the Lord,

and he answered me from his holy mountain.

Interlude

5I lay down and slept,

yet I woke up in safety,

for the Lord was watching over me.

6I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies

who surround me on every side.

7Arise, O Lord!

Rescue me, my God!

Slap all my enemies in the face!

Shatter the teeth of the wicked!

8Victory comes from you, O Lord.

May you bless your people.

Interlude

Psalm 4

A Prayer for the Lord’s Favor

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.

1Answer me when I call to you,

O God who declares me innocent.

Free me from my troubles.

Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2How long will you people ruin my reputation?

How long will you make groundless accusations?

How long will you continue your lies?

Interlude

3You can be sure of this:

The Lord set apart the godly for himself.

The Lord will answer when I call to him.

4Don’t sin by letting anger control you.

Think about it overnight and remain silent.

Interlude

5Offer sacrifices in the right spirit,

and trust the Lord.

6Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”

Let your face smile on us, Lord.

7You have given me greater joy

than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.

8In peace I will lie down and sleep,

for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

Psalm 5

A Prayer for Guidance and Protection

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by the flute.

1O Lord, hear me as I pray;

pay attention to my groaning.

2Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,

for I pray to no one but you.

3Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.

Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

4O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness;

you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked.

5Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence,

for you hate all who do evil.

6You will destroy those who tell lies.

The Lord detests murderers and deceivers.

7Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house;

I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.

8Lead me in the right path, O Lord,

or my enemies will conquer me.

Make your way plain for me to follow.

9My enemies cannot speak a truthful word.

Their deepest desire is to destroy others.

Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.

Their tongues are filled with flattery.*5:9 Greek version reads with lies. Compare Rom 3:13.

10O God, declare them guilty.

Let them be caught in their own traps.

Drive them away because of their many sins,

for they have rebelled against you.

11But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;

let them sing joyful praises forever.

Spread your protection over them,

that all who love your name may be filled with joy.

12For you bless the godly, O Lord;

you surround them with your shield of love.

Psalm 6

A Desperate Plea for Mercy

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by an eight-stringed instrument.*6: title Hebrew with stringed instruments; according to the sheminith.

1O Lord, don’t rebuke me in your anger

or discipline me in your rage.

2Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak.

Heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.

3I am sick at heart.

How long, O Lord, until you restore me?

4Return, O Lord, and rescue me.

Save me because of your unfailing love.

5For the dead do not remember you.

Who can praise you from the grave?*6:5 Hebrew from Sheol?

6I am worn out from sobbing.

All night I flood my bed with weeping,

drenching it with my tears.

7My vision is blurred by grief;

my eyes are worn out because of all my enemies.

8Go away, all you who do evil,

for the Lord has heard my weeping.

9The Lord has heard my plea;

the Lord will answer my prayer.

10May all my enemies be disgraced and terrified.

May they suddenly turn back in shame.

Psalm 7

A Prayer for Protection and Rescue

A psalm*7: title Hebrew A shiggaion, probably indicating a musical setting for the psalm. of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush of the tribe of Benjamin.

1I come to you for protection, O Lord my God.

Save me from my persecutors—rescue me!

2If you don’t, they will maul me like a lion,

tearing me to pieces with no one to rescue me.

3O Lord my God, if I have done wrong

or am guilty of injustice,

4if I have betrayed a friend

or plundered my enemy without cause,

5then let my enemies capture me.

Let them trample me into the ground

and drag my honor in the dust.

Interlude

6Arise, O Lord, in anger!

Stand up against the fury of my enemies!

Wake up, my God, and bring justice!

7Gather the nations before you.

Rule over them from on high.

8The Lord judges the nations.

Declare me righteous, O Lord,

for I am innocent, O Most High!

9End the evil of those who are wicked,

and defend the righteous.

For you look deep within the mind and heart,

O righteous God.

10God is my shield,

saving those whose hearts are true and right.

11God is an honest judge.

He is angry with the wicked every day.

12If a person does not repent,

God*7:12 Hebrew he. will sharpen his sword;

he will bend and string his bow.

13He will prepare his deadly weapons

and shoot his flaming arrows.

14The wicked conceive evil;

they are pregnant with trouble

and give birth to lies.

15They dig a deep pit to trap others,

then fall into it themselves.

16The trouble they make for others backfires on them.

The violence they plan falls on their own heads.

17I will thank the Lord because he is just;

I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

Psalm 8

The Lord’s Majestic Name Fills the Earth

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by a stringed instrument.*8: title Hebrew according to the gittith.

1O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!

Your glory is higher than the heavens.

2You have taught children and infants

to tell of your strength,*8:2 Greek version reads to give you praise. Compare Matt 21:16.

silencing your enemies

and all who oppose you.

3When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—

the moon and the stars you set in place—

4what are mere mortals that you should think about them,

human beings that you should care for them?*8:4 Hebrew what is man that you should think of him, / the son of man that you should care for him?

5Yet you made them only a little lower than God*8:5a Or Yet you made them only a little lower than the angels; Hebrew reads Yet you made him [i.e., man] a little lower than Elohim.

and crowned them*8:5b Hebrew him [i.e., man]; similarly in 8:6. with glory and honor.

6You gave them charge of everything you made,

putting all things under their authority—

7the flocks and the herds

and all the wild animals,

8the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,

and everything that swims the ocean currents.

9O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!

Psalm 9

Praise for Victory over Enemies

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be sung to the tune “Death of the Son.”

1I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;

I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.

2I will be filled with joy because of you.

I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.

3My enemies retreated;

they staggered and died when you appeared.

4For you have judged in my favor;

from your throne you have judged with fairness.

5You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked;

you have erased their names forever.

6The enemy is finished, in endless ruins;

the cities you uprooted are now forgotten.

7But the Lord reigns forever,

executing judgment from his throne.

8He will judge the world with justice

and rule the nations with fairness.

9The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed,

a refuge in times of trouble.

10Those who know your name trust in you,

for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.

11Sing praises to the Lord who reigns in Jerusalem.*9:11 Hebrew Zion; also in 9:14.

Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds.

12For he who avenges murder cares for the helpless.

He does not ignore the cries of those who suffer.

13Lord, have mercy on me.

See how my enemies torment me.

Snatch me back from the jaws of death.

14Save me so I can praise you publicly at Jerusalem’s gates,

so I can rejoice that you have rescued me.

15The nations have fallen into the pit they dug for others.

Their own feet have been caught in the trap they set.

16The Lord is known for his justice.

The wicked are trapped by their own deeds.

Quiet Interlude*9:16 Hebrew Higgaion Selah. The meaning of this phrase is uncertain.

17The wicked will go down to the grave.*9:17 Hebrew to Sheol.

This is the fate of all the nations who ignore God.

18But the needy will not be ignored forever;

the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed.

19Arise, O Lord!

Do not let mere mortals defy you!

Judge the nations!

20Make them tremble in fear, O Lord.

Let the nations know they are merely human.

Interlude

Psalm 10

A Plea for God to Punish the Wicked

1O Lord, why do you stand so far away?

Why do you hide when I am in trouble?

2The wicked arrogantly hunt down the poor.

Let them be caught in the evil they plan for others.

3For they brag about their evil desires;

they praise the greedy and curse the Lord.

4The wicked are too proud to seek God.

They seem to think that God is dead.

5Yet they succeed in everything they do.

They do not see your punishment awaiting them.

They sneer at all their enemies.

6They think, “Nothing bad will ever happen to us!

We will be free of trouble forever!”

7Their mouths are full of cursing, lies, and threats.*10:7 Greek version reads cursing and bitterness. Compare Rom 3:14.

Trouble and evil are on the tips of their tongues.

8They lurk in ambush in the villages,

waiting to murder innocent people.

They are always searching for helpless victims.

9Like lions crouched in hiding,

they wait to pounce on the helpless.

Like hunters they capture the helpless

and drag them away in nets.

10Their helpless victims are crushed;

they fall beneath the strength of the wicked.

11The wicked think, “God isn’t watching us!

He has closed his eyes and won’t even see what we do!”

12Arise, O Lord!

Punish the wicked, O God!

Do not ignore the helpless!

13Why do the wicked get away with despising God?

They think, “God will never call us to account.”

14But you see the trouble and grief they cause.

You take note of it and punish them.

The helpless put their trust in you.

You defend the orphans.

15Break the arms of these wicked, evil people!

Go after them until the last one is destroyed.

16The Lord is king forever and ever!

The godless nations will vanish from the land.

17Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless.

Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.

18You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed,

so mere people can no longer terrify them.

Psalm 11

The Lord Examines Everyone

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1I trust in the Lord for protection.

So why do you say to me,

“Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!

2The wicked are stringing their bows

and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings.

They shoot from the shadows

at those whose hearts are right.

3The foundations of law and order have collapsed.

What can the righteous do?”

4But the Lord is in his holy Temple;

the Lord still rules from heaven.

He watches everyone closely,

examining every person on earth.

5The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked.

He hates those who love violence.

6He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked,

punishing them with scorching winds.

7For the righteous Lord loves justice.

The virtuous will see his face.

Psalm 12

A Prayer for Protection from Lies

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by an eight-stringed instrument.*12: title Hebrew according to the sheminith.

1Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing!

The faithful have vanished from the earth!

2Neighbors lie to each other,

speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts.

3May the Lord cut off their flattering lips

and silence their boastful tongues.

4They say, “We will lie to our hearts’ content.

Our lips are our own—who can stop us?”

5The Lord replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless,

and I have heard the groans of the poor.

Now I will rise up to rescue them,

as they have longed for me to do.”

6The Lord’s promises are pure,

like silver refined in a furnace,

purified seven times over.

7Therefore, Lord, we know you will protect the oppressed,

preserving them forever from this lying generation,

8even though the wicked strut about,

and evil is praised throughout the land.

Psalm 13

A Lament of One in Anguish

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?

How long will you look the other way?

2How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,

with sorrow in my heart every day?

How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

3Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!

Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.

4Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!”

Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.

5But I trust in your unfailing love.

I will rejoice because you have rescued me.

6I will sing to the Lord

because he is good to me.

Psalm 14

No One Does Good

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1Only fools say in their hearts,

“There is no God.”

They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;

not one of them does good!

2The Lord looks down from heaven

on the entire human race;

he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,

if anyone seeks God.

3But no, all have turned away;

all have become corrupt.*14:3 Greek version reads have become useless. Compare Rom 3:12.

No one does good,

not a single one!

4Will those who do evil never learn?

They eat up my people like bread

and wouldn’t think of praying to the Lord.

5Terror will grip them,

for God is with those who obey him.

6The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed,

but the Lord will protect his people.

7Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel?

When the Lord restores his people,

Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.

Psalm 15

The Blameless Way

A psalm of David.

1Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?

Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?

2Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,

speaking the truth from sincere hearts.

3Those who refuse to gossip

or harm their neighbors

or speak evil of their friends.

4Those who despise flagrant sinners,

and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,

and keep their promises even when it hurts.

5Those who lend money without charging interest,

and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.

Such people will stand firm forever.

Psalm 16

Hope for a Wonderful Inheritance

A psalm*16: title Hebrew miktam. This may be a literary or musical term. of David.

1Keep me safe, O God,

for I have come to you for refuge.

2I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!

Every good thing I have comes from you.”

3The godly people in the land

are my true heroes!

I take pleasure in them!

4Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.

I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood

or even speak the names of their gods.

5Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.

You guard all that is mine.

6The land you have given me is a pleasant land.

What a wonderful inheritance!

7I will bless the Lord who guides me;

even at night my heart instructs me.

8I know the Lord is always with me.

I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

9No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.*16:9 Greek version reads and my tongue shouts his praises. Compare Acts 2:26.

My body rests in safety.

10For you will not leave my soul among the dead*16:10a Hebrew in Sheol.

or allow your holy one*16:10b Or your Holy One. to rot in the grave.

11You will show me the way of life,

granting me the joy of your presence

and the pleasures of living with you forever.*16:11 Greek version reads You have shown me the way of life, / and you will fill me with the joy of your presence. Compare Acts 2:28.

Psalm 17

A Plea for Help and Justice

A prayer of David.

1O Lord, hear my plea for justice.

Listen to my cry for help.

Pay attention to my prayer,

for it comes from honest lips.

2Declare me innocent,

for you see those who do right.

3You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night.

You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong.

I am determined not to sin in what I say.

4I have followed your commands,

which keep me from following cruel and evil people.

5My steps have stayed on your path;

I have not wavered from following you.

6I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.

Bend down and listen as I pray.

7Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.

By your mighty power you rescue

those who seek refuge from their enemies.

8Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.*17:8 Hebrew as the pupil of your eye.

Hide me in the shadow of your wings.

9Protect me from wicked people who attack me,

from murderous enemies who surround me.

10They are without pity.

Listen to their boasting!

11They track me down and surround me,

watching for the chance to throw me to the ground.

12They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart—

like young lions hiding in ambush.

13Arise, O Lord!

Stand against them, and bring them to their knees!

Rescue me from the wicked with your sword!

14By the power of your hand, O Lord,

destroy those who look to this world for their reward.

But satisfy the hunger of your treasured ones.

May their children have plenty,

leaving an inheritance for their descendants.

15Because I am righteous, I will see you.

When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.

Psalm 18

A Testimony of God’s Salvation

For the choir director: A psalm of David, the servant of the Lord. He sang this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. He sang:

1I love you, Lord;

you are my strength.

2The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;

my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.

He is my shield, the power that saves me,

and my place of safety.

3I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,

and he saved me from my enemies.

4The ropes of death entangled me;

floods of destruction swept over me.

5The grave*18:5 Hebrew Sheol. wrapped its ropes around me;

death laid a trap in my path.

6But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;

yes, I prayed to my God for help.

He heard me from his sanctuary;

my cry to him reached his ears.

7Then the earth quaked and trembled.

The foundations of the mountains shook;

they quaked because of his anger.

8Smoke poured from his nostrils;

fierce flames leaped from his mouth.

Glowing coals blazed forth from him.

9He opened the heavens and came down;

dark storm clouds were beneath his feet.

10Mounted on a mighty angelic being,*18:10 Hebrew a cherub. he flew,

soaring on the wings of the wind.

11He shrouded himself in darkness,

veiling his approach with dark rain clouds.

12Thick clouds shielded the brightness around him

and rained down hail and burning coals.*18:12 Or and lightning bolts; also in 18:13.

13The Lord thundered from heaven;

the voice of the Most High resounded

amid the hail and burning coals.

14He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies;

great bolts of lightning flashed, and they were confused.

15Then at your command, O Lord,

at the blast of your breath,

the bottom of the sea could be seen,

and the foundations of the earth were laid bare.

16He reached down from heaven and rescued me;

he drew me out of deep waters.

17He rescued me from my powerful enemies,

from those who hated me and were too strong for me.

18They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress,

but the Lord supported me.

19He led me to a place of safety;

he rescued me because he delights in me.

20The Lord rewarded me for doing right;

he restored me because of my innocence.

21For I have kept the ways of the Lord;

I have not turned from my God to follow evil.

22I have followed all his regulations;

I have never abandoned his decrees.

23I am blameless before God;

I have kept myself from sin.

24The Lord rewarded me for doing right.

He has seen my innocence.

25To the faithful you show yourself faithful;

to those with integrity you show integrity.

26To the pure you show yourself pure,

but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.

27You rescue the humble,

but you humiliate the proud.

28You light a lamp for me.

The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.

29In your strength I can crush an army;

with my God I can scale any wall.

30God’s way is perfect.

All the Lord’s promises prove true.

He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

31For who is God except the Lord?

Who but our God is a solid rock?

32God arms me with strength,

and he makes my way perfect.

33He makes me as surefooted as a deer,

enabling me to stand on mountain heights.

34He trains my hands for battle;

he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.

35You have given me your shield of victory.

Your right hand supports me;

your help*18:35 Hebrew your humility; compare 2 Sam 22:36. has made me great.

36You have made a wide path for my feet

to keep them from slipping.

37I chased my enemies and caught them;

I did not stop until they were conquered.

38I struck them down so they could not get up;

they fell beneath my feet.

39You have armed me with strength for the battle;

you have subdued my enemies under my feet.

40You placed my foot on their necks.

I have destroyed all who hated me.

41They called for help, but no one came to their rescue.

They even cried to the Lord, but he refused to answer.

42I ground them as fine as dust in the wind.

I swept them into the gutter like dirt.

43You gave me victory over my accusers.

You appointed me ruler over nations;

people I don’t even know now serve me.

44As soon as they hear of me, they submit;

foreign nations cringe before me.

45They all lose their courage

and come trembling from their strongholds.

46The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock!

May the God of my salvation be exalted!

47He is the God who pays back those who harm me;

he subdues the nations under me

48and rescues me from my enemies.

You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies;

you save me from violent opponents.

49For this, O Lord, I will praise you among the nations;

I will sing praises to your name.

50You give great victories to your king;

you show unfailing love to your anointed,

to David and all his descendants forever.

Psalm 19

The Glory of God’s Creation and Law

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

The skies display his craftsmanship.

2Day after day they continue to speak;

night after night they make him known.

3They speak without a sound or word;

their voice is never heard.*19:3 Or There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

4Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,

and their words to all the world.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.

5It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.

It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.

6The sun rises at one end of the heavens

and follows its course to the other end.

Nothing can hide from its heat.

7The instructions of the Lord are perfect,

reviving the soul.

The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

8The commandments of the Lord are right,

bringing joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are clear,

giving insight for living.

9Reverence for the Lord is pure,

lasting forever.

The laws of the Lord are true;

each one is fair.

10They are more desirable than gold,

even the finest gold.

They are sweeter than honey,

even honey dripping from the comb.

11They are a warning to your servant,

a great reward for those who obey them.

12How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?

Cleanse me from these hidden faults.

13Keep your servant from deliberate sins!

Don’t let them control me.

Then I will be free of guilt

and innocent of great sin.

14May the words of my mouth

and the meditation of my heart

be pleasing to you,

O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 20

A Prayer for the King

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.

May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.

2May he send you help from his sanctuary

and strengthen you from Jerusalem.*20:2 Hebrew Zion.

3May he remember all your gifts

and look favorably on your burnt offerings.

Interlude

4May he grant your heart’s desires

and make all your plans succeed.

5May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory

and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.

May the Lord answer all your prayers.

6Now I know that the Lord rescues his anointed king.

He will answer him from his holy heaven

and rescue him by his great power.

7Some nations boast of their chariots and horses,

but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.

8Those nations will fall down and collapse,

but we will rise up and stand firm.

9Give victory to our king, O Lord!

Answer our cry for help.

Psalm 21

Praise to the Lord for the King’s Victory

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1How the king rejoices in your strength, O Lord!

He shouts with joy because you give him victory.

2For you have given him his heart’s desire;

you have withheld nothing he requested.

Interlude

3You welcomed him back with success and prosperity.

You placed a crown of finest gold on his head.

4He asked you to preserve his life,

and you granted his request.

The days of his life stretch on forever.

5Your victory brings him great honor,

and you have clothed him with splendor and majesty.

6You have endowed him with eternal blessings

and given him the joy of your presence.

7For the king trusts in the Lord.

The unfailing love of the Most High will keep him from stumbling.

8You will capture all your enemies.

Your strong right hand will seize all who hate you.

9You will throw them in a flaming furnace

when you appear.

The Lord will consume them in his anger;

fire will devour them.

10You will wipe their children from the face of the earth;

they will never have descendants.

11Although they plot against you,

their evil schemes will never succeed.

12For they will turn and run

when they see your arrows aimed at them.

13Rise up, O Lord, in all your power.

With music and singing we celebrate your mighty acts.

Psalm 22

A Prayer of One Abandoned

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be sung to the tune “Doe of the Dawn.”

1My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

Why are you so far away when I groan for help?

2Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer.

Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.

3Yet you are holy,

enthroned on the praises of Israel.

4Our ancestors trusted in you,

and you rescued them.

5They cried out to you and were saved.

They trusted in you and were never disgraced.

6But I am a worm and not a man.

I am scorned and despised by all!

7Everyone who sees me mocks me.

They sneer and shake their heads, saying,

8“Is this the one who relies on the Lord?

Then let the Lord save him!

If the Lord loves him so much,

let the Lord rescue him!”

9Yet you brought me safely from my mother’s womb

and led me to trust you at my mother’s breast.

10I was thrust into your arms at my birth.

You have been my God from the moment I was born.

11Do not stay so far from me,

for trouble is near,

and no one else can help me.

12My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls;

fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in!

13Like lions they open their jaws against me,

roaring and tearing into their prey.

14My life is poured out like water,

and all my bones are out of joint.

My heart is like wax,

melting within me.

15My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay.

My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.

You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead.

16My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;

an evil gang closes in on me.

They have pierced*22:16 As in some Hebrew manuscripts and Greek and Syriac versions; most Hebrew manuscripts read They are like a lion at. my hands and feet.

17I can count all my bones.

My enemies stare at me and gloat.

18They divide my garments among themselves

and throw dice*22:18 Hebrew cast lots. for my clothing.

19O Lord, do not stay far away!

You are my strength; come quickly to my aid!

20Save me from the sword;

spare my precious life from these dogs.

21Snatch me from the lion’s jaws

and from the horns of these wild oxen.

22I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.*22:22 Hebrew my brothers.

I will praise you among your assembled people.

23Praise the Lord, all you who fear him!

Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob!

Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel!

24For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.

He has not turned his back on them,

but has listened to their cries for help.

25I will praise you in the great assembly.

I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you.

26The poor will eat and be satisfied.

All who seek the Lord will praise him.

Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.

27The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him.

All the families of the nations will bow down before him.

28For royal power belongs to the Lord.

He rules all the nations.

29Let the rich of the earth feast and worship.

Bow before him, all who are mortal,

all whose lives will end as dust.

30Our children will also serve him.

Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord.

31His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born.

They will hear about everything he has done.

Psalm 23

The Lord Is My Shepherd

A psalm of David.

1The Lord is my shepherd;

I have all that I need.

2He lets me rest in green meadows;

he leads me beside peaceful streams.

3He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths,

bringing honor to his name.

4Even when I walk

through the darkest valley,*23:4 Or the dark valley of death.

I will not be afraid,

for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff

protect and comfort me.

5You prepare a feast for me

in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

6Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me

all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the Lord

forever.

Psalm 24

The King of Glory

A psalm of David.

1The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.

The world and all its people belong to him.

2For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas

and built it on the ocean depths.

3Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?

Who may stand in his holy place?

4Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,

who do not worship idols

and never tell lies.

5They will receive the Lord’s blessing

and have a right relationship with God their savior.

6Such people may seek you

and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob.*24:6 As in two Hebrew manuscripts and Greek and Syriac versions; most Hebrew manuscripts read O Jacob.

Interlude

7Open up, ancient gates!

Open up, ancient doors,

and let the King of glory enter.

8Who is the King of glory?

The Lord, strong and mighty;

the Lord, invincible in battle.

9Open up, ancient gates!

Open up, ancient doors,

and let the King of glory enter.

10Who is the King of glory?

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies—

he is the King of glory.

Interlude

Psalm 25*25 This psalm is a Hebrew acrostic poem; each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

A Prayer for Forgiveness and Guidance

A psalm of David.

1O Lord, I give my life to you.

2I trust in you, my God!

Do not let me be disgraced,

or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.

3No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,

but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.

4Show me the right path, O Lord;

point out the road for me to follow.

5Lead me by your truth and teach me,

for you are the God who saves me.

All day long I put my hope in you.

6Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,

which you have shown from long ages past.

7Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.

Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,

for you are merciful, O Lord.

8The Lord is good and does what is right;

he shows the proper path to those who go astray.

9He leads the humble in doing right,

teaching them his way.

10The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness

all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.

11For the honor of your name, O Lord,

forgive my many, many sins.

12Who are those who fear the Lord?

He will show them the path they should choose.

13They will live in prosperity,

and their children will inherit the land.

14The Lord is a friend to those who fear him.

He teaches them his covenant.

15My eyes are always on the Lord,

for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies.

16Turn to me and have mercy,

for I am alone and in deep distress.

17My problems go from bad to worse.

Oh, save me from them all!

18Feel my pain and see my trouble.

Forgive all my sins.

19See how many enemies I have

and how viciously they hate me!

20Protect me! Rescue my life from them!

Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge.

21May integrity and honesty protect me,

for I put my hope in you.

22O God, ransom Israel

from all its troubles.

Psalm 26

A Prayer for Judgment

A psalm of David.

1Declare me innocent, O Lord,

for I have acted with integrity;

I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.

2Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.

Test my motives and my heart.

3For I am always aware of your unfailing love,

and I have lived according to your truth.

4I do not spend time with liars

or go along with hypocrites.

5I hate the gatherings of those who do evil,

and I refuse to join in with the wicked.

6I wash my hands to declare my innocence.

I come to your altar, O Lord,

7singing a song of thanksgiving

and telling of all your wonders.

8I love your sanctuary, Lord,

the place where your glorious presence dwells.

9Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners.

Don’t condemn me along with murderers.

10Their hands are dirty with evil schemes,

and they constantly take bribes.

11But I am not like that; I live with integrity.

So redeem me and show me mercy.

12Now I stand on solid ground,

and I will publicly praise the Lord.

Psalm 27

Finding Refuge in the Lord’s House

A psalm of David.

1The Lord is my light and my salvation—

so why should I be afraid?

The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,

so why should I tremble?

2When evil people come to devour me,

when my enemies and foes attack me,

they will stumble and fall.

3Though a mighty army surrounds me,

my heart will not be afraid.

Even if I am attacked,

I will remain confident.

4The one thing I ask of the Lord—

the thing I seek most—

is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,

delighting in the Lord’s perfections

and meditating in his Temple.

5For he will conceal me there when troubles come;

he will hide me in his sanctuary.

He will place me out of reach on a high rock.

6Then I will hold my head high

above my enemies who surround me.

At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,

singing and praising the Lord with music.

7Hear me as I pray, O Lord.

Be merciful and answer me!

8My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”

And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

9Do not turn your back on me.

Do not reject your servant in anger.

You have always been my helper.

Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,

O God of my salvation!

10Even if my father and mother abandon me,

the Lord will hold me close.

11Teach me how to live, O Lord.

Lead me along the right path,

for my enemies are waiting for me.

12Do not let me fall into their hands.

For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;

with every breath they threaten me with violence.

13Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness

while I am here in the land of the living.

14Wait patiently for the Lord.

Be brave and courageous.

Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Psalm 28

A Prayer for Punishment and Rescue

A psalm of David.

1I pray to you, O Lord, my rock.

Do not turn a deaf ear to me.

For if you are silent,

I might as well give up and die.

2Listen to my prayer for mercy

as I cry out to you for help,

as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.

3Do not drag me away with the wicked—

with those who do evil—

those who speak friendly words to their neighbors

while planning evil in their hearts.

4Give them the punishment they so richly deserve!

Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness.

Pay them back for all their evil deeds!

Give them a taste of what they have done to others.

5They care nothing for what the Lord has done

or for what his hands have made.

So he will tear them down,

and they will never be rebuilt!

6Praise the Lord!

For he has heard my cry for mercy.

7The Lord is my strength and shield.

I trust him with all my heart.

He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.

I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

8The Lord gives his people strength.

He is a safe fortress for his anointed king.

9Save your people!

Bless Israel, your special possession.*28:9 Hebrew Bless your inheritance.

Lead them like a shepherd,

and carry them in your arms forever.

Psalm 29

The Voice of the Lord

A psalm of David.

1Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings*29:1 Hebrew you sons of God.;

honor the Lord for his glory and strength.

2Honor the Lord for the glory of his name.

Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

3The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea.

The God of glory thunders.

The Lord thunders over the mighty sea.

4The voice of the Lord is powerful;

the voice of the Lord is majestic.

5The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars;

the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.

6He makes Lebanon’s mountains skip like a calf;

he makes Mount Hermon*29:6 Hebrew Sirion, another name for Mount Hermon. leap like a young wild ox.

7The voice of the Lord strikes

with bolts of lightning.

8The voice of the Lord makes the barren wilderness quake;

the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

9The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks*29:9 Or causes the deer to writhe in labor.

and strips the forests bare.

In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!”

10The Lord rules over the floodwaters.

The Lord reigns as king forever.

11The Lord gives his people strength.

The Lord blesses them with peace.

Psalm 30

From Mourning to Joy

A psalm of David. A song for the dedication of the Temple.

1I will exalt you, Lord, for you rescued me.

You refused to let my enemies triumph over me.

2O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,

and you restored my health.

3You brought me up from the grave,*30:3 Hebrew from Sheol. O Lord.

You kept me from falling into the pit of death.

4Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones!

Praise his holy name.

5For his anger lasts only a moment,

but his favor lasts a lifetime!

Weeping may last through the night,

but joy comes with the morning.

6When I was prosperous, I said,

“Nothing can stop me now!”

7Your favor, O Lord, made me as secure as a mountain.

Then you turned away from me, and I was shattered.

8I cried out to you, O Lord.

I begged the Lord for mercy, saying,

9“What will you gain if I die,

if I sink into the grave?

Can my dust praise you?

Can it tell of your faithfulness?

10Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me.

Help me, O Lord.”

11You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.

You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,

12that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.

O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!

Psalm 31

A Prayer for Protection and Mercy

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1O Lord, I have come to you for protection;

don’t let me be disgraced.

Save me, for you do what is right.

2Turn your ear to listen to me;

rescue me quickly.

Be my rock of protection,

a fortress where I will be safe.

3You are my rock and my fortress.

For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger.

4Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me,

for I find protection in you alone.

5I entrust my spirit into your hand.

Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God.

6I hate those who worship worthless idols.

I trust in the Lord.

7I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love,

for you have seen my troubles,

and you care about the anguish of my soul.

8You have not handed me over to my enemies

but have set me in a safe place.

9Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress.

Tears blur my eyes.

My body and soul are withering away.

10I am dying from grief;

my years are shortened by sadness.

Sin has drained my strength;

I am wasting away from within.

11I am scorned by all my enemies

and despised by my neighbors—

even my friends are afraid to come near me.

When they see me on the street,

they run the other way.

12I am ignored as if I were dead,

as if I were a broken pot.

13I have heard the many rumors about me,

and I am surrounded by terror.

My enemies conspire against me,

plotting to take my life.

14But I am trusting you, O Lord,

saying, “You are my God!”

15My future is in your hands.

Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.

16Let your favor shine on your servant.

In your unfailing love, rescue me.

17Don’t let me be disgraced, O Lord,

for I call out to you for help.

Let the wicked be disgraced;

let them lie silent in the grave.*31:17 Hebrew in Sheol.

18Silence their lying lips—

those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly.

19How great is the goodness

you have stored up for those who fear you.

You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,

blessing them before the watching world.

20You hide them in the shelter of your presence,

safe from those who conspire against them.

You shelter them in your presence,

far from accusing tongues.

21Praise the Lord,

for he has shown me the wonders of his unfailing love.

He kept me safe when my city was under attack.

22In panic I cried out,

“I am cut off from the Lord!”

But you heard my cry for mercy

and answered my call for help.

23Love the Lord, all you godly ones!

For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him,

but he harshly punishes the arrogant.

24So be strong and courageous,

all you who put your hope in the Lord!

Psalm 32

The Joy of Being Forgiven

A psalm*32: title Hebrew maskil. This may be a literary or musical term. of David.

1Oh, what joy for those

whose disobedience is forgiven,

whose sin is put out of sight!

2Yes, what joy for those

whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,*32:2 Greek version reads of sin. Compare Rom 4:8.

whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

3When I refused to confess my sin,

my body wasted away,

and I groaned all day long.

4Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.

My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.

Interlude

5Finally, I confessed all my sins to you

and stopped trying to hide my guilt.

I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”

And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

Interlude

6Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,

that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.

7For you are my hiding place;

you protect me from trouble.

You surround me with songs of victory.

Interlude

8The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.

I will advise you and watch over you.

9Do not be like a senseless horse or mule

that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”

10Many sorrows come to the wicked,

but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.

11So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!

Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!

Psalm 33

The Lord Watches over Those Who Fear Him

1Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord;

it is fitting for the pure to praise him.

2Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre;

make music for him on the ten-stringed harp.

3Sing a new song of praise to him;

play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy.

4For the word of the Lord holds true,

and we can trust everything he does.

5He loves whatever is just and good;

the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.

6The Lord merely spoke,

and the heavens were created.

He breathed the word,

and all the stars were born.

7He assigned the sea its boundaries

and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.

8Let the whole world fear the Lord,

and let everyone stand in awe of him.

9For when he spoke, the world began!

It appeared at his command.

10The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations

and thwarts all their schemes.

11But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;

his intentions can never be shaken.

12What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord,

whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.

13The Lord looks down from heaven

and sees the whole human race.

14From his throne he observes

all who live on the earth.

15He made their hearts,

so he understands everything they do.

16The best-equipped army cannot save a king,

nor is great strength enough to save a warrior.

17Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory—

for all its strength, it cannot save you.

18But the Lord watches over those who fear him,

those who rely on his unfailing love.

19He rescues them from death

and keeps them alive in times of famine.

20We put our hope in the Lord.

He is our help and our shield.

21In him our hearts rejoice,

for we trust in his holy name.

22Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,

for our hope is in you alone.

Psalm 34*34 This psalm is a Hebrew acrostic poem; each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

A Testimony of God’s Rescue

A psalm of David, regarding the time he pretended to be insane in front of Abimelech, who sent him away.

1I will praise the Lord at all times.

I will constantly speak his praises.

2I will boast only in the Lord;

let all who are helpless take heart.

3Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;

let us exalt his name together.

4I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.

He freed me from all my fears.

5Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;

no shadow of shame will darken their faces.

6In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;

he saved me from all my troubles.

7For the angel of the Lord is a guard;

he surrounds and defends all who fear him.

8Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

9Fear the Lord, you his godly people,

for those who fear him will have all they need.

10Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,

but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.

11Come, my children, and listen to me,

and I will teach you to fear the Lord.

12Does anyone want to live a life

that is long and prosperous?

13Then keep your tongue from speaking evil

and your lips from telling lies!

14Turn away from evil and do good.

Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

15The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right;

his ears are open to their cries for help.

16But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil;

he will erase their memory from the earth.

17The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.

He rescues them from all their troubles.

18The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;

he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

19The righteous person faces many troubles,

but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

20For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous;

not one of them is broken!

21Calamity will surely destroy the wicked,

and those who hate the righteous will be punished.

22But the Lord will redeem those who serve him.

No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

Psalm 35

A Lament over Betrayal

A psalm of David.

1O Lord, oppose those who oppose me.

Fight those who fight against me.

2Put on your armor, and take up your shield.

Prepare for battle, and come to my aid.

3Lift up your spear and javelin

against those who pursue me.

Let me hear you say,

“I will give you victory!”

4Bring shame and disgrace on those trying to kill me;

turn them back and humiliate those who want to harm me.

5Blow them away like chaff in the wind—

a wind sent by the angel of the Lord.

6Make their path dark and slippery,

with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.

7I did them no wrong, but they laid a trap for me.

I did them no wrong, but they dug a pit to catch me.

8So let sudden ruin come upon them!

Let them be caught in the trap they set for me!

Let them be destroyed in the pit they dug for me.

9Then I will rejoice in the Lord.

I will be glad because he rescues me.

10With every bone in my body I will praise him:

“Lord, who can compare with you?

Who else rescues the helpless from the strong?

Who else protects the helpless and poor from those who rob them?”

11Malicious witnesses testify against me.

They accuse me of crimes I know nothing about.

12They repay me evil for good.

I am sick with despair.

13Yet when they were ill, I grieved for them.

I denied myself by fasting for them,

but my prayers returned unanswered.

14I was sad, as though they were my friends or family,

as if I were grieving for my own mother.

15But they are glad now that I am in trouble;

they gleefully join together against me.

I am attacked by people I don’t even know;

they slander me constantly.

16They mock me and call me names;

they snarl at me.

17How long, O Lord, will you look on and do nothing?

Rescue me from their fierce attacks.

Protect my life from these lions!

18Then I will thank you in front of the great assembly.

I will praise you before all the people.

19Don’t let my treacherous enemies rejoice over my defeat.

Don’t let those who hate me without cause gloat over my sorrow.

20They don’t talk of peace;

they plot against innocent people who mind their own business.

21They shout, “Aha! Aha!

With our own eyes we saw him do it!”

22O Lord, you know all about this.

Do not stay silent.

Do not abandon me now, O Lord.

23Wake up! Rise to my defense!

Take up my case, my God and my Lord.

24Declare me not guilty, O Lord my God, for you give justice.

Don’t let my enemies laugh about me in my troubles.

25Don’t let them say, “Look, we got what we wanted!

Now we will eat him alive!”

26May those who rejoice at my troubles

be humiliated and disgraced.

May those who triumph over me

be covered with shame and dishonor.

27But give great joy to those who came to my defense.

Let them continually say, “Great is the Lord,

who delights in blessing his servant with peace!”

28Then I will proclaim your justice,

and I will praise you all day long.

Psalm 36

The Lord’s Unfailing Love

For the choir director: A psalm of David, the servant of the Lord.

1Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts.*36:1 As in some Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac version, which read in his heart. Masoretic Text reads in my heart.

They have no fear of God at all.