Book Five (Psalms 107–150)

Psalm 107

Praise for the Lord’s Great Love

1Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!

His faithful love endures forever.

2Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!

Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.

3For he has gathered the exiles from many lands,

from east and west,

from north and south.*107:3 Hebrew and sea.

4Some wandered in the wilderness,

lost and homeless.

5Hungry and thirsty,

they nearly died.

6“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,

and he rescued them from their distress.

7He led them straight to safety,

to a city where they could live.

8Let them praise the Lord for his great love

and for the wonderful things he has done for them.

9For he satisfies the thirsty

and fills the hungry with good things.

10Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom,

imprisoned in iron chains of misery.

11They rebelled against the words of God,

scorning the counsel of the Most High.

12That is why he broke them with hard labor;

they fell, and no one was there to help them.

13“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,

and he saved them from their distress.

14He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom;

he snapped their chains.

15Let them praise the Lord for his great love

and for the wonderful things he has done for them.

16For he broke down their prison gates of bronze;

he cut apart their bars of iron.

17Some were fools; they rebelled

and suffered for their sins.

18They couldn’t stand the thought of food,

and they were knocking on death’s door.

19“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,

and he saved them from their distress.

20He sent out his word and healed them,

snatching them from the door of death.

21Let them praise the Lord for his great love

and for the wonderful things he has done for them.

22Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving

and sing joyfully about his glorious acts.

23Some went off to sea in ships,

plying the trade routes of the world.

24They, too, observed the Lord’s power in action,

his impressive works on the deepest seas.

25He spoke, and the winds rose,

stirring up the waves.

26Their ships were tossed to the heavens

and plunged again to the depths;

the sailors cringed in terror.

27They reeled and staggered like drunkards

and were at their wits’ end.

28“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,

and he saved them from their distress.

29He calmed the storm to a whisper

and stilled the waves.

30What a blessing was that stillness

as he brought them safely into harbor!

31Let them praise the Lord for his great love

and for the wonderful things he has done for them.

32Let them exalt him publicly before the congregation

and before the leaders of the nation.

33He changes rivers into deserts,

and springs of water into dry, thirsty land.

34He turns the fruitful land into salty wastelands,

because of the wickedness of those who live there.

35But he also turns deserts into pools of water,

the dry land into springs of water.

36He brings the hungry to settle there

and to build their cities.

37They sow their fields, plant their vineyards,

and harvest their bumper crops.

38How he blesses them!

They raise large families there,

and their herds of livestock increase.

39When they decrease in number and become impoverished

through oppression, trouble, and sorrow,

40the Lord pours contempt on their princes,

causing them to wander in trackless wastelands.

41But he rescues the poor from trouble

and increases their families like flocks of sheep.

42The godly will see these things and be glad,

while the wicked are struck silent.

43Those who are wise will take all this to heart;

they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord.

Psalm 108

A Confident Prayer for Victory

A song. A psalm of David.

1My heart is confident in you, O God;

no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!

2Wake up, lyre and harp!

I will wake the dawn with my song.

3I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.

I will sing your praises among the nations.

4For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens.

Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

5Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.

May your glory shine over all the earth.

6Now rescue your beloved people.

Answer and save us by your power.

7God has promised this by his holiness*108:7 Or in his sanctuary.:

“I will divide up Shechem with joy.

I will measure out the valley of Succoth.

8Gilead is mine,

and Manasseh, too.

Ephraim, my helmet, will produce my warriors,

and Judah, my scepter, will produce my kings.

9But Moab, my washbasin, will become my servant,

and I will wipe my feet on Edom

and shout in triumph over Philistia.”

10Who will bring me into the fortified city?

Who will bring me victory over Edom?

11Have you rejected us, O God?

Will you no longer march with our armies?

12Oh, please help us against our enemies,

for all human help is useless.

13With God’s help we will do mighty things,

for he will trample down our foes.

Psalm 109

A Plea for Protection against Curses

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1O God, whom I praise,

don’t stand silent and aloof

2while the wicked slander me

and tell lies about me.

3They surround me with hateful words

and fight against me for no reason.

4I love them, but they try to destroy me with accusations

even as I am praying for them!

5They repay evil for good,

and hatred for my love.

6They say,*109:6 Hebrew lacks They say. “Get an evil person to turn against him.

Send an accuser to bring him to trial.

7When his case comes up for judgment,

let him be pronounced guilty.

Count his prayers as sins.

8Let his years be few;

let someone else take his position.

9May his children become fatherless,

and his wife a widow.

10May his children wander as beggars

and be driven from*109:10 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads and seek. their ruined homes.

11May creditors seize his entire estate,

and strangers take all he has earned.

12Let no one be kind to him;

let no one pity his fatherless children.

13May all his offspring die.

May his family name be blotted out in the next generation.

14May the Lord never forget the sins of his fathers;

may his mother’s sins never be erased from the record.

15May the Lord always remember these sins,

and may his name disappear from human memory.

16For he refused all kindness to others;

he persecuted the poor and needy,

and he hounded the brokenhearted to death.

17He loved to curse others;

now you curse him.

He never blessed others;

now don’t you bless him.

18Cursing is as natural to him as his clothing,

or the water he drinks,

or the rich food he eats.

19Now may his curses return and cling to him like clothing;

may they be tied around him like a belt.”

20May those curses become the Lord’s punishment

for my accusers who speak evil of me.

21But deal well with me, O Sovereign Lord,

for the sake of your own reputation!

Rescue me

because you are so faithful and good.

22For I am poor and needy,

and my heart is full of pain.

23I am fading like a shadow at dusk;

I am brushed off like a locust.

24My knees are weak from fasting,

and I am skin and bones.

25I am a joke to people everywhere;

when they see me, they shake their heads in scorn.

26Help me, O Lord my God!

Save me because of your unfailing love.

27Let them see that this is your doing,

that you yourself have done it, Lord.

28Then let them curse me if they like,

but you will bless me!

When they attack me, they will be disgraced!

But I, your servant, will go right on rejoicing!

29May my accusers be clothed with disgrace;

may their humiliation cover them like a cloak.

30But I will give repeated thanks to the Lord,

praising him to everyone.

31For he stands beside the needy,

ready to save them from those who condemn them.

Psalm 110

Seated at the Right Hand of the Lord

A psalm of David.

1The Lord said to my Lord,*110:1 Or my lord.

“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand

until I humble your enemies,

making them a footstool under your feet.”

2The Lord will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem*110:2 Hebrew Zion.;

you will rule over your enemies.

3When you go to war,

your people will serve you willingly.

You are arrayed in holy garments,

and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew.

4The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow:

“You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

5The Lord stands at your right hand to protect you.

He will strike down many kings when his anger erupts.

6He will punish the nations

and fill their lands with corpses;

he will shatter heads over the whole earth.

7But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way.

He will be victorious.

Psalm 111*111 This psalm is a Hebrew acrostic poem; after the introductory note of praise, each line begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

Praise for the Lord’s Deeds

1Praise the Lord!

I will thank the Lord with all my heart

as I meet with his godly people.

2How amazing are the deeds of the Lord!

All who delight in him should ponder them.

3Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.

His righteousness never fails.

4He causes us to remember his wonderful works.

How gracious and merciful is our Lord!

5He gives food to those who fear him;

he always remembers his covenant.

6He has shown his great power to his people

by giving them the lands of other nations.

7All he does is just and good,

and all his commandments are trustworthy.

8They are forever true,

to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.

9He has paid a full ransom for his people.

He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever.

What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!

10Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.

All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.

Praise him forever!

Psalm 112*112 This psalm is a Hebrew acrostic poem; after the introductory note of praise, each line begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

Blessings for the Godly

1Praise the Lord!

How joyful are those who fear the Lord

and delight in obeying his commands.

2Their children will be successful everywhere;

an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.

3They themselves will be wealthy,

and their good deeds will last forever.

4Light shines in the darkness for the godly.

They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.

5Good comes to those who lend money generously

and conduct their business fairly.

6Such people will not be overcome by evil.

Those who are righteous will be long remembered.

7They do not fear bad news;

they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.

8They are confident and fearless

and can face their foes triumphantly.

9They share freely and give generously to those in need.

Their good deeds will be remembered forever.

They will have influence and honor.

10The wicked will see this and be infuriated.

They will grind their teeth in anger;

they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.

Psalm 113

The Lord Lifts Up the Lowly

1Praise the Lord!

Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord.

Praise the name of the Lord!

2Blessed be the name of the Lord

now and forever.

3Everywhere—from east to west—

praise the name of the Lord.

4For the Lord is high above the nations;

his glory is higher than the heavens.

5Who can be compared with the Lord our God,

who is enthroned on high?

6He stoops to look down

on heaven and on earth.

7He lifts the poor from the dust

and the needy from the garbage dump.

8He sets them among princes,

even the princes of his own people!

9He gives the childless woman a family,

making her a happy mother.

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 114

The Earth Trembles at God’s Presence

1When the Israelites escaped from Egypt—

when the family of Jacob left that foreign land—

2the land of Judah became God’s sanctuary,

and Israel became his kingdom.

3The Red Sea*114:3 Hebrew the sea; also in 114:5. saw them coming and hurried out of their way!

The water of the Jordan River turned away.

4The mountains skipped like rams,

the hills like lambs!

5What’s wrong, Red Sea, that made you hurry out of their way?

What happened, Jordan River, that you turned away?

6Why, mountains, did you skip like rams?

Why, hills, like lambs?

7Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,

at the presence of the God of Jacob.

8He turned the rock into a pool of water;

yes, a spring of water flowed from solid rock.

Psalm 115

Blessings on Those Who Trust the Lord

1Not to us, O Lord, not to us,

but to your name goes all the glory

for your unfailing love and faithfulness.

2Why let the nations say,

“Where is their God?”

3Our God is in the heavens,

and he does as he wishes.

4Their idols are merely things of silver and gold,

shaped by human hands.

5They have mouths but cannot speak,

and eyes but cannot see.

6They have ears but cannot hear,

and noses but cannot smell.

7They have hands but cannot feel,

and feet but cannot walk,

and throats but cannot make a sound.

8And those who make idols are just like them,

as are all who trust in them.

9O Israel, trust the Lord!

He is your helper and your shield.

10O priests, descendants of Aaron, trust the Lord!

He is your helper and your shield.

11All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord!

He is your helper and your shield.

12The Lord remembers us and will bless us.

He will bless the people of Israel

and bless the priests, the descendants of Aaron.

13He will bless those who fear the Lord,

both great and lowly.

14May the Lord richly bless

both you and your children.

15May you be blessed by the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.

16The heavens belong to the Lord,

but he has given the earth to all humanity.

17The dead cannot sing praises to the Lord,

for they have gone into the silence of the grave.

18But we can praise the Lord

both now and forever!

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 116

A Testimony of One Saved from Death

1I love the Lord because he hears my voice

and my prayer for mercy.

2Because he bends down to listen,

I will pray as long as I have breath!

3Death wrapped its ropes around me;

the terrors of the grave*116:3 Hebrew of Sheol. overtook me.

I saw only trouble and sorrow.

4Then I called on the name of the Lord:

“Please, Lord, save me!”

5How kind the Lord is! How good he is!

So merciful, this God of ours!

6The Lord protects those of childlike faith;

I was facing death, and he saved me.

7Let my soul be at rest again,

for the Lord has been good to me.

8He has saved me from death,

my eyes from tears,

my feet from stumbling.

9And so I walk in the Lord’s presence

as I live here on earth!

10I believed in you, so I said,

“I am deeply troubled, Lord.”

11In my anxiety I cried out to you,

“These people are all liars!”

12What can I offer the Lord

for all he has done for me?

13I will lift up the cup of salvation

and praise the Lord’s name for saving me.

14I will keep my promises to the Lord

in the presence of all his people.

15The Lord cares deeply

when his loved ones die.

16O Lord, I am your servant;

yes, I am your servant, born into your household;

you have freed me from my chains.

17I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving

and call on the name of the Lord.

18I will fulfill my vows to the Lord

in the presence of all his people—

19in the house of the Lord

in the heart of Jerusalem.

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 117

Praise the Lord, All You Nations

1Praise the Lord, all you nations.

Praise him, all you people of the earth.

2For his unfailing love for us is powerful;

the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever.

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 118

A Day of Thanksgiving for Victory

1Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!

His faithful love endures forever.

2Let all Israel repeat:

“His faithful love endures forever.”

3Let Aaron’s descendants, the priests, repeat:

“His faithful love endures forever.”

4Let all who fear the Lord repeat:

“His faithful love endures forever.”

5In my distress I prayed to the Lord,

and the Lord answered me and set me free.

6The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.

What can mere people do to me?

7Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me.

I will look in triumph at those who hate me.

8It is better to take refuge in the Lord

than to trust in people.

9It is better to take refuge in the Lord

than to trust in princes.

10Though hostile nations surrounded me,

I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord.

11Yes, they surrounded and attacked me,

but I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord.

12They swarmed around me like bees;

they blazed against me like a crackling fire.

But I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord.

13My enemies did their best to kill me,

but the Lord rescued me.

14The Lord is my strength and my song;

he has given me victory.

15Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly.

The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!

16The strong right arm of the Lord is raised in triumph.

The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!

17I will not die; instead, I will live

to tell what the Lord has done.

18The Lord has punished me severely,

but he did not let me die.

19Open for me the gates where the righteous enter,

and I will go in and thank the Lord.

20These gates lead to the presence of the Lord,

and the godly enter there.

21I thank you for answering my prayer

and giving me victory!

22The stone that the builders rejected

has now become the cornerstone.

23This is the Lord’s doing,

and it is wonderful to see.

24This is the day the Lord has made.

We will rejoice and be glad in it.

25Please, Lord, please save us.

Please, Lord, please give us success.

26Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

We bless you from the house of the Lord.

27The Lord is God, shining upon us.

Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar.

28You are my God, and I will praise you!

You are my God, and I will exalt you!

29Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!

His faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 119*119 This psalm is a Hebrew acrostic poem; there are twenty-two stanzas, one for each successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the eight verses within each stanza begins with the Hebrew letter named in its heading.

Love for the Lord’s Instructions

Aleph

1Joyful are people of integrity,

who follow the instructions of the Lord.

2Joyful are those who obey his laws

and search for him with all their hearts.

3They do not compromise with evil,

and they walk only in his paths.

4You have charged us

to keep your commandments carefully.

5Oh, that my actions would consistently

reflect your decrees!

6Then I will not be ashamed

when I compare my life with your commands.

7As I learn your righteous regulations,

I will thank you by living as I should!

8I will obey your decrees.

Please don’t give up on me!

Beth

9How can a young person stay pure?

By obeying your word.

10I have tried hard to find you—

don’t let me wander from your commands.

11I have hidden your word in my heart,

that I might not sin against you.

12I praise you, O Lord;

teach me your decrees.

13I have recited aloud

all the regulations you have given us.

14I have rejoiced in your laws

as much as in riches.

15I will study your commandments

and reflect on your ways.

16I will delight in your decrees

and not forget your word.

Gimel

17Be good to your servant,

that I may live and obey your word.

18Open my eyes to see

the wonderful truths in your instructions.

19I am only a foreigner in the land.

Don’t hide your commands from me!

20I am always overwhelmed

with a desire for your regulations.

21You rebuke the arrogant;

those who wander from your commands are cursed.

22Don’t let them scorn and insult me,

for I have obeyed your laws.

23Even princes sit and speak against me,

but I will meditate on your decrees.

24Your laws please me;

they give me wise advice.

Daleth

25I lie in the dust;

revive me by your word.

26I told you my plans, and you answered.

Now teach me your decrees.

27Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,

and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.

28I weep with sorrow;

encourage me by your word.

29Keep me from lying to myself;

give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.

30I have chosen to be faithful;

I have determined to live by your regulations.

31I cling to your laws.

Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!

32I will pursue your commands,

for you expand my understanding.

He

33Teach me your decrees, O Lord;

I will keep them to the end.

34Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;

I will put them into practice with all my heart.

35Make me walk along the path of your commands,

for that is where my happiness is found.

36Give me an eagerness for your laws

rather than a love for money!

37Turn my eyes from worthless things,

and give me life through your word.*119:37 Some manuscripts read in your ways.

38Reassure me of your promise,

made to those who fear you.

39Help me abandon my shameful ways;

for your regulations are good.

40I long to obey your commandments!

Renew my life with your goodness.

Waw

41Lord, give me your unfailing love,

the salvation that you promised me.

42Then I can answer those who taunt me,

for I trust in your word.

43Do not snatch your word of truth from me,

for your regulations are my only hope.

44I will keep on obeying your instructions

forever and ever.

45I will walk in freedom,

for I have devoted myself to your commandments.

46I will speak to kings about your laws,

and I will not be ashamed.

47How I delight in your commands!

How I love them!

48I honor and love your commands.

I meditate on your decrees.

Zayin

49Remember your promise to me;

it is my only hope.

50Your promise revives me;

it comforts me in all my troubles.

51The proud hold me in utter contempt,

but I do not turn away from your instructions.

52I meditate on your age-old regulations;

O Lord, they comfort me.

53I become furious with the wicked,

because they reject your instructions.

54Your decrees have been the theme of my songs

wherever I have lived.

55I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord;

therefore, I obey your instructions.

56This is how I spend my life:

obeying your commandments.

Heth

57Lord, you are mine!

I promise to obey your words!

58With all my heart I want your blessings.

Be merciful as you promised.

59I pondered the direction of my life,

and I turned to follow your laws.

60I will hurry, without delay,

to obey your commands.

61Evil people try to drag me into sin,

but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.

62I rise at midnight to thank you

for your just regulations.

63I am a friend to anyone who fears you—

anyone who obeys your commandments.

64O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth;

teach me your decrees.

Teth

65You have done many good things for me, Lord,

just as you promised.

66I believe in your commands;

now teach me good judgment and knowledge.

67I used to wander off until you disciplined me;

but now I closely follow your word.

68You are good and do only good;

teach me your decrees.

69Arrogant people smear me with lies,

but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.

70Their hearts are dull and stupid,

but I delight in your instructions.

71My suffering was good for me,

for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.

72Your instructions are more valuable to me

than millions in gold and silver.

Yodh

73You made me; you created me.

Now give me the sense to follow your commands.

74May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy,

for I have put my hope in your word.

75I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair;

you disciplined me because I needed it.

76Now let your unfailing love comfort me,

just as you promised me, your servant.

77Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live,

for your instructions are my delight.

78Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me;

meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.

79Let me be united with all who fear you,

with those who know your laws.

80May I be blameless in keeping your decrees;

then I will never be ashamed.

Kaph

81I am worn out waiting for your rescue,

but I have put my hope in your word.

82My eyes are straining to see your promises come true.

When will you comfort me?

83I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke,

but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees.

84How long must I wait?

When will you punish those who persecute me?

85These arrogant people who hate your instructions

have dug deep pits to trap me.

86All your commands are trustworthy.

Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.

87They almost finished me off,

but I refused to abandon your commandments.

88In your unfailing love, spare my life;

then I can continue to obey your laws.

Lamedh

89Your eternal word, O Lord,

stands firm in heaven.

90Your faithfulness extends to every generation,

as enduring as the earth you created.

91Your regulations remain true to this day,

for everything serves your plans.

92If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy,

I would have died in my misery.

93I will never forget your commandments,

for by them you give me life.

94I am yours; rescue me!

For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments.

95Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me,

I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.

96Even perfection has its limits,

but your commands have no limit.

Mem

97Oh, how I love your instructions!

I think about them all day long.

98Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,

for they are my constant guide.

99Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,

for I am always thinking of your laws.

100I am even wiser than my elders,

for I have kept your commandments.

101I have refused to walk on any evil path,

so that I may remain obedient to your word.

102I haven’t turned away from your regulations,

for you have taught me well.

103How sweet your words taste to me;

they are sweeter than honey.

104Your commandments give me understanding;

no wonder I hate every false way of life.

Nun

105Your word is a lamp to guide my feet

and a light for my path.

106I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again:

I will obey your righteous regulations.

107I have suffered much, O Lord;

restore my life again as you promised.

108Lord, accept my offering of praise,

and teach me your regulations.

109My life constantly hangs in the balance,

but I will not stop obeying your instructions.

110The wicked have set their traps for me,

but I will not turn from your commandments.

111Your laws are my treasure;

they are my heart’s delight.

112I am determined to keep your decrees

to the very end.

Samekh

113I hate those with divided loyalties,

but I love your instructions.

114You are my refuge and my shield;

your word is my source of hope.

115Get out of my life, you evil-minded people,

for I intend to obey the commands of my God.

116Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live!

Do not let my hope be crushed.

117Sustain me, and I will be rescued;

then I will meditate continually on your decrees.

118But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees.

They are only fooling themselves.

119You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum;

no wonder I love to obey your laws!

120I tremble in fear of you;

I stand in awe of your regulations.

Ayin

121Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies,

for I have done what is just and right.

122Please guarantee a blessing for me.

Don’t let the arrogant oppress me!

123My eyes strain to see your rescue,

to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.

124I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love,

and teach me your decrees.

125Give discernment to me, your servant;

then I will understand your laws.

126Lord, it is time for you to act,

for these evil people have violated your instructions.

127Truly, I love your commands

more than gold, even the finest gold.

128Each of your commandments is right.

That is why I hate every false way.

Pe

129Your laws are wonderful.

No wonder I obey them!

130The teaching of your word gives light,

so even the simple can understand.

131I pant with expectation,

longing for your commands.

132Come and show me your mercy,

as you do for all who love your name.

133Guide my steps by your word,

so I will not be overcome by evil.

134Ransom me from the oppression of evil people;

then I can obey your commandments.

135Look upon me with love;

teach me your decrees.

136Rivers of tears gush from my eyes

because people disobey your instructions.

Tsadhe

137O Lord, you are righteous,

and your regulations are fair.

138Your laws are perfect

and completely trustworthy.

139I am overwhelmed with indignation,

for my enemies have disregarded your words.

140Your promises have been thoroughly tested;

that is why I love them so much.

141I am insignificant and despised,

but I don’t forget your commandments.

142Your justice is eternal,

and your instructions are perfectly true.

143As pressure and stress bear down on me,

I find joy in your commands.

144Your laws are always right;

help me to understand them so I may live.

Qoph

145I pray with all my heart; answer me, Lord!

I will obey your decrees.

146I cry out to you; rescue me,

that I may obey your laws.

147I rise early, before the sun is up;

I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.

148I stay awake through the night,

thinking about your promise.

149In your faithful love, O Lord, hear my cry;

let me be revived by following your regulations.

150Lawless people are coming to attack me;

they live far from your instructions.

151But you are near, O Lord,

and all your commands are true.

152I have known from my earliest days

that your laws will last forever.

Resh

153Look upon my suffering and rescue me,

for I have not forgotten your instructions.

154Argue my case; take my side!

Protect my life as you promised.

155The wicked are far from rescue,

for they do not bother with your decrees.

156Lord, how great is your mercy;

let me be revived by following your regulations.

157Many persecute and trouble me,

yet I have not swerved from your laws.

158Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart,

because they care nothing for your word.

159See how I love your commandments, Lord.

Give back my life because of your unfailing love.

160The very essence of your words is truth;

all your just regulations will stand forever.

Shin

161Powerful people harass me without cause,

but my heart trembles only at your word.

162I rejoice in your word

like one who discovers a great treasure.

163I hate and abhor all falsehood,

but I love your instructions.

164I will praise you seven times a day

because all your regulations are just.

165Those who love your instructions have great peace

and do not stumble.

166I long for your rescue, Lord,

so I have obeyed your commands.

167I have obeyed your laws,

for I love them very much.

168Yes, I obey your commandments and laws

because you know everything I do.

Taw

169O Lord, listen to my cry;

give me the discerning mind you promised.

170Listen to my prayer;

rescue me as you promised.

171Let praise flow from my lips,

for you have taught me your decrees.

172Let my tongue sing about your word,

for all your commands are right.

173Give me a helping hand,

for I have chosen to follow your commandments.

174O Lord, I have longed for your rescue,

and your instructions are my delight.

175Let me live so I can praise you,

and may your regulations help me.

176I have wandered away like a lost sheep;

come and find me,

for I have not forgotten your commands.

Psalm 120

A Prayer of One Far from Jerusalem

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1I took my troubles to the Lord;

I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.

2Rescue me, O Lord, from liars

and from all deceitful people.

3O deceptive tongue, what will God do to you?

How will he increase your punishment?

4You will be pierced with sharp arrows

and burned with glowing coals.

5How I suffer in far-off Meshech.

It pains me to live in distant Kedar.

6I am tired of living

among people who hate peace.

7I search for peace;

but when I speak of peace, they want war!

Psalm 121

The Lord Watches over You

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1I look up to the mountains—

does my help come from there?

2My help comes from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth!

3He will not let you stumble;

the one who watches over you will not slumber.

4Indeed, he who watches over Israel

never slumbers or sleeps.

5The Lord himself watches over you!

The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.

6The sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon at night.

7The Lord keeps you from all harm

and watches over your life.

8The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,

both now and forever.

Psalm 122

A Prayer for Peace in Jerusalem

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David.

1I was glad when they said to me,

“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

2And now here we are,

standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem.

3Jerusalem is a well-built city;

its seamless walls cannot be breached.

4All the tribes of Israel—the Lord’s people—

make their pilgrimage here.

They come to give thanks to the name of the Lord,

as the law requires of Israel.

5Here stand the thrones where judgment is given,

the thrones of the dynasty of David.

6Pray for peace in Jerusalem.

May all who love this city prosper.

7O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls

and prosperity in your palaces.

8For the sake of my family and friends, I will say,

“May you have peace.”

9For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,

I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.

Psalm 123

A Prayer for Mercy

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1I lift my eyes to you,

O God, enthroned in heaven.

2We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy,

just as servants keep their eyes on their master,

as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.

3Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy,

for we have had our fill of contempt.

4We have had more than our fill of the scoffing of the proud

and the contempt of the arrogant.

Psalm 124

Praise for Escape from Enemies

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David.

1What if the Lord had not been on our side?

Let all Israel repeat:

2What if the Lord had not been on our side

when people attacked us?

3They would have swallowed us alive

in their burning anger.

4The waters would have engulfed us;

a torrent would have overwhelmed us.

5Yes, the raging waters of their fury

would have overwhelmed our very lives.

6Praise the Lord,

who did not let their teeth tear us apart!

7We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap.

The trap is broken, and we are free!

8Our help is from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 125

The Lord Surrounds His People

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion;

they will not be defeated but will endure forever.

2Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem,

so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever.

3The wicked will not rule the land of the godly,

for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong.

4O Lord, do good to those who are good,

whose hearts are in tune with you.

5But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O Lord.

Take them away with those who do evil.

May Israel have peace!

Psalm 126

Joy at the Return from Exile

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,*126:1 Hebrew Zion.

it was like a dream!

2We were filled with laughter,

and we sang for joy.

And the other nations said,

“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”

3Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!

What joy!

4Restore our fortunes, Lord,

as streams renew the desert.

5Those who plant in tears

will harvest with shouts of joy.

6They weep as they go to plant their seed,

but they sing as they return with the harvest.

Psalm 127

Children Are a Gift from the Lord

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of Solomon.

1Unless the Lord builds a house,

the work of the builders is wasted.

Unless the Lord protects a city,

guarding it with sentries will do no good.

2It is useless for you to work so hard

from early morning until late at night,

anxiously working for food to eat;

for God gives rest to his loved ones.

3Children are a gift from the Lord;

they are a reward from him.

4Children born to a young man

are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.

5How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!

He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.

Psalm 128

Blessings for Those Who Fear the Lord

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1How joyful are those who fear the Lord—

all who follow his ways!

2You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.

How joyful and prosperous you will be!

3Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,

flourishing within your home.

Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees

as they sit around your table.

4That is the Lord’s blessing

for those who fear him.

5May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.

May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.

6May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.

May Israel have peace!

Psalm 129

A Curse on Those Who Hate Jerusalem

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me.

Let all Israel repeat this:

2From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me,

but they have never defeated me.

3My back is covered with cuts,

as if a farmer had plowed long furrows.

4But the Lord is good;

he has cut me free from the ropes of the ungodly.

5May all who hate Jerusalem*129:5 Hebrew Zion.

be turned back in shameful defeat.

6May they be as useless as grass on a rooftop,

turning yellow when only half grown,

7ignored by the harvester,

despised by the binder.

8And may those who pass by

refuse to give them this blessing:

“The Lord bless you;

we bless you in the Lord’s name.”

Psalm 130

A Call for Help from the Depths of Despair

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1From the depths of despair, O Lord,

I call for your help.

2Hear my cry, O Lord.

Pay attention to my prayer.

3Lord, if you kept a record of our sins,

who, O Lord, could ever survive?

4But you offer forgiveness,

that we might learn to fear you.

5I am counting on the Lord;

yes, I am counting on him.

I have put my hope in his word.

6I long for the Lord

more than sentries long for the dawn,

yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.

7O Israel, hope in the Lord;

for with the Lord there is unfailing love.

His redemption overflows.

8He himself will redeem Israel

from every kind of sin.

Psalm 131

I Have Calmed and Quieted Myself

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David.

1Lord, my heart is not proud;

my eyes are not haughty.

I don’t concern myself with matters too great

or too awesome for me to grasp.

2Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself,

like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk.

Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3O Israel, put your hope in the Lord—

now and always.

Psalm 132

A Plea to Remember the Covenant with David

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1Lord, remember David

and all that he suffered.

2He made a solemn promise to the Lord.

He vowed to the Mighty One of Israel,*132:2 Hebrew of Jacob; also in 132:5. See note on 44:4.

3“I will not go home;

I will not let myself rest.

4I will not let my eyes sleep

nor close my eyelids in slumber

5until I find a place to build a house for the Lord,

a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel.”

6We heard that the Ark was in Ephrathah;

then we found it in the distant countryside of Jaar.

7Let us go to the sanctuary of the Lord;

let us worship at the footstool of his throne.

8Arise, O Lord, and enter your resting place,

along with the Ark, the symbol of your power.

9May your priests be clothed in godliness;

may your loyal servants sing for joy.

10For the sake of your servant David,

do not reject the king you have anointed.

11The Lord swore an oath to David

with a promise he will never take back:

“I will place one of your descendants

on your throne.

12If your descendants obey the terms of my covenant

and the laws that I teach them,

then your royal line

will continue forever and ever.”

13For the Lord has chosen Jerusalem*132:13 Hebrew Zion.;

he has desired it for his home.

14“This is my resting place forever,” he said.

“I will live here, for this is the home I desired.

15I will bless this city and make it prosperous;

I will satisfy its poor with food.

16I will clothe its priests with godliness;

its faithful servants will sing for joy.

17Here I will increase the power of David;

my anointed one will be a light for my people.

18I will clothe his enemies with shame,

but he will be a glorious king.”

Psalm 133

When Brothers Live Together in Harmony

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David.

1How wonderful and pleasant it is

when brothers live together in harmony!

2For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil

that was poured over Aaron’s head,

that ran down his beard

and onto the border of his robe.

3Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon

that falls on the mountains of Zion.

And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing,

even life everlasting.

Psalm 134

Praise in the Lord’s Temple

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1Oh, praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,

you who serve at night in the house of the Lord.

2Lift your hands toward the sanctuary,

and praise the Lord.

3May the Lord, who made heaven and earth,

bless you from Jerusalem.*134:3 Hebrew Zion.

Psalm 135

A Call to Praise the Lord from Zion

1Praise the Lord!

Praise the name of the Lord!

Praise him, you who serve the Lord,

2you who serve in the house of the Lord,

in the courts of the house of our God.

3Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;

celebrate his lovely name with music.

4For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself,

Israel for his own special treasure.

5I know the greatness of the Lord—

that our Lord is greater than any other god.

6The Lord does whatever pleases him

throughout all heaven and earth,

and on the seas and in their depths.

7He causes the clouds to rise over the whole earth.

He sends the lightning with the rain

and releases the wind from his storehouses.

8He destroyed the firstborn in each Egyptian home,

both people and animals.

9He performed miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt

against Pharaoh and all his people.

10He struck down great nations

and slaughtered mighty kings—

11Sihon king of the Amorites,

Og king of Bashan,

and all the kings of Canaan.

12He gave their land as an inheritance,

a special possession to his people Israel.

13Your name, O Lord, endures forever;

your fame, O Lord, is known to every generation.

14For the Lord will give justice to his people

and have compassion on his servants.

15The idols of the nations are merely things of silver and gold,

shaped by human hands.

16They have mouths but cannot speak,

and eyes but cannot see.

17They have ears but cannot hear,

and mouths but cannot breathe.

18And those who make idols are just like them,

as are all who trust in them.

19O Israel, praise the Lord!

O priests—descendants of Aaron—praise the Lord!

20O Levites, praise the Lord!

All you who fear the Lord, praise the Lord!

21The Lord be praised from Zion,

for he lives here in Jerusalem.

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 136

God’s Faithful Love Endures Forever

1Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!

His faithful love endures forever.

2Give thanks to the God of gods.

His faithful love endures forever.

3Give thanks to the Lord of lords.

His faithful love endures forever.