Book Two (Psalms 42–72)

Psalm 42

Longing for God in Sadness

For the choir director: A psalm*42: title Hebrew maskil. This may be a literary or musical term. of the descendants of Korah.

1As the deer longs for streams of water,

so I long for you, O God.

2I thirst for God, the living God.

When can I go and stand before him?

3Day and night I have only tears for food,

while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,

“Where is this God of yours?”

4My heart is breaking

as I remember how it used to be:

I walked among the crowds of worshipers,

leading a great procession to the house of God,

singing for joy and giving thanks

amid the sound of a great celebration!

5Why am I discouraged?

Why is my heart so sad?

I will put my hope in God!

I will praise him again—

my Savior and 6my God!

Now I am deeply discouraged,

but I will remember you—

even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan,

from the land of Mount Mizar.

7I hear the tumult of the raging seas

as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.

8But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me,

and through each night I sing his songs,

praying to God who gives me life.

9“O God my rock,” I cry,

“why have you forgotten me?

Why must I wander around in grief,

oppressed by my enemies?”

10Their taunts break my bones.

They scoff, “Where is this God of yours?”

11Why am I discouraged?

Why is my heart so sad?

I will put my hope in God!

I will praise him again—

my Savior and my God!

Psalm 43

A Prayer for Guidance in Sadness

1Declare me innocent, O God!

Defend me against these ungodly people.

Rescue me from these unjust liars.

2For you are God, my only safe haven.

Why have you tossed me aside?

Why must I wander around in grief,

oppressed by my enemies?

3Send out your light and your truth;

let them guide me.

Let them lead me to your holy mountain,

to the place where you live.

4There I will go to the altar of God,

to God—the source of all my joy.

I will praise you with my harp,

O God, my God!

5Why am I discouraged?

Why is my heart so sad?

I will put my hope in God!

I will praise him again—

my Savior and my God!

Psalm 44

A Lament over Defeat in Battle

For the choir director: A psalm*44: title Hebrew maskil. This may be a literary or musical term. of the descendants of Korah.

1O God, we have heard it with our own ears—

our ancestors have told us

of all you did in their day,

in days long ago:

2You drove out the pagan nations by your power

and gave all the land to our ancestors.

You crushed their enemies

and set our ancestors free.

3They did not conquer the land with their swords;

it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory.

It was your right hand and strong arm

and the blinding light from your face that helped them,

for you loved them.

4You are my King and my God.

You command victories for Israel.*44:4 Hebrew for Jacob. The names “Jacob” and “Israel” are often interchanged throughout the Old Testament, referring sometimes to the individual patriarch and sometimes to the nation.

5Only by your power can we push back our enemies;

only in your name can we trample our foes.

6I do not trust in my bow;

I do not count on my sword to save me.

7You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies;

you disgrace those who hate us.

8O God, we give glory to you all day long

and constantly praise your name.

Interlude

9But now you have tossed us aside in dishonor.

You no longer lead our armies to battle.

10You make us retreat from our enemies

and allow those who hate us to plunder our land.

11You have butchered us like sheep

and scattered us among the nations.

12You sold your precious people for a pittance,

making nothing on the sale.

13You let our neighbors mock us.

We are an object of scorn and derision to those around us.

14You have made us the butt of their jokes;

they shake their heads at us in scorn.

15We can’t escape the constant humiliation;

shame is written across our faces.

16All we hear are the taunts of our mockers.

All we see are our vengeful enemies.

17All this has happened though we have not forgotten you.

We have not violated your covenant.

18Our hearts have not deserted you.

We have not strayed from your path.

19Yet you have crushed us in the jackal’s desert home.

You have covered us with darkness and death.

20If we had forgotten the name of our God

or spread our hands in prayer to foreign gods,

21God would surely have known it,

for he knows the secrets of every heart.

22But for your sake we are killed every day;

we are being slaughtered like sheep.

23Wake up, O Lord! Why do you sleep?

Get up! Do not reject us forever.

24Why do you look the other way?

Why do you ignore our suffering and oppression?

25We collapse in the dust,

lying face down in the dirt.

26Rise up! Help us!

Ransom us because of your unfailing love.

Psalm 45

A Wedding Song for the King

For the choir director: A love song to be sung to the tune “Lilies.” A psalm*45: title Hebrew maskil. This may be a literary or musical term. of the descendants of Korah.

1Beautiful words stir my heart.

I will recite a lovely poem about the king,

for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet.

2You are the most handsome of all.

Gracious words stream from your lips.

God himself has blessed you forever.

3Put on your sword, O mighty warrior!

You are so glorious, so majestic!

4In your majesty, ride out to victory,

defending truth, humility, and justice.

Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds!

5Your arrows are sharp, piercing your enemies’ hearts.

The nations fall beneath your feet.

6Your throne, O God,*45:6 Or Your divine throne. endures forever and ever.

You rule with a scepter of justice.

7You love justice and hate evil.

Therefore God, your God, has anointed you,

pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.

8Myrrh, aloes, and cassia perfume your robes.

In ivory palaces the music of strings entertains you.

9Kings’ daughters are among your noble women.

At your right side stands the queen,

wearing jewelry of finest gold from Ophir!

10Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say.

Forget your people and your family far away.

11For your royal husband delights in your beauty;

honor him, for he is your lord.

12The princess of Tyre*45:12 Hebrew The daughter of Tyre. will shower you with gifts.

The wealthy will beg your favor.

13The bride, a princess, looks glorious

in her golden gown.

14In her beautiful robes, she is led to the king,

accompanied by her bridesmaids.

15What a joyful and enthusiastic procession

as they enter the king’s palace!

16Your sons will become kings like their father.

You will make them rulers over many lands.

17I will bring honor to your name in every generation.

Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever.

Psalm 46

God Is Our Refuge and Strength

For the choir director: A song of the descendants of Korah, to be sung by soprano voices.*46: title Hebrew according to alamoth.

1God is our refuge and strength,

always ready to help in times of trouble.

2So we will not fear when earthquakes come

and the mountains crumble into the sea.

3Let the oceans roar and foam.

Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

Interlude

4A river brings joy to the city of our God,

the sacred home of the Most High.

5God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.

From the very break of day, God will protect it.

6The nations are in chaos,

and their kingdoms crumble!

God’s voice thunders,

and the earth melts!

7The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;

the God of Israel*46:7 Hebrew of Jacob; also in 46:11. See note on 44:4. is our fortress.

Interlude

8Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:

See how he brings destruction upon the world.

9He causes wars to end throughout the earth.

He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;

he burns the shields with fire.

10“Be still, and know that I am God!

I will be honored by every nation.

I will be honored throughout the world.”

11The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;

the God of Israel is our fortress.

Interlude

Psalm 47

God Is King over All the Earth

For the choir director: A psalm of the descendants of Korah.

1Come, everyone! Clap your hands!

Shout to God with joyful praise!

2For the Lord Most High is awesome.

He is the great King of all the earth.

3He subdues the nations before us,

putting our enemies beneath our feet.

4He chose the Promised Land as our inheritance,

the proud possession of Jacob’s descendants, whom he loves.

Interlude

5God has ascended with a mighty shout.

The Lord has ascended with trumpets blaring.

6Sing praises to God, sing praises;

sing praises to our King, sing praises!

7For God is the King over all the earth.

Praise him with a psalm.*47:7 Hebrew maskil. This may be a literary or musical term.

8God reigns above the nations,

sitting on his holy throne.

9The rulers of the world have gathered together

with the people of the God of Abraham.

For all the kings of the earth belong to God.

He is highly honored everywhere.

Psalm 48

The Victory of Mount Zion

A song. A psalm of the descendants of Korah.

1How great is the Lord,

how deserving of praise,

in the city of our God,

which sits on his holy mountain!

2It is high and magnificent;

the whole earth rejoices to see it!

Mount Zion, the holy mountain,*48:2 Or Mount Zion, in the far north; Hebrew reads Mount Zion, the heights of Zaphon.

is the city of the great King!

3God himself is in Jerusalem’s towers,

revealing himself as its defender.

4The kings of the earth joined forces

and advanced against the city.

5But when they saw it, they were stunned;

they were terrified and ran away.

6They were gripped with terror

and writhed in pain like a woman in labor.

7You destroyed them like the mighty ships of Tarshish

shattered by a powerful east wind.

8We had heard of the city’s glory,

but now we have seen it ourselves—

the city of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

It is the city of our God;

he will make it safe forever.

Interlude

9O God, we meditate on your unfailing love

as we worship in your Temple.

10As your name deserves, O God,

you will be praised to the ends of the earth.

Your strong right hand is filled with victory.

11Let the people on Mount Zion rejoice.

Let all the towns of Judah be glad

because of your justice.

12Go, inspect the city of Jerusalem.*48:12 Hebrew Zion.

Walk around and count the many towers.

13Take note of the fortified walls,

and tour all the citadels,

that you may describe them

to future generations.

14For that is what God is like.

He is our God forever and ever,

and he will guide us until we die.

Psalm 49

God Will Redeem My Life from Death

For the choir director: A psalm of the descendants of Korah.

1Listen to this, all you people!

Pay attention, everyone in the world!

2High and low,

rich and poor—listen!

3For my words are wise,

and my thoughts are filled with insight.

4I listen carefully to many proverbs

and solve riddles with inspiration from a harp.

5Why should I fear when trouble comes,

when enemies surround me?

6They trust in their wealth

and boast of great riches.

7Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death*49:7 Some Hebrew manuscripts read no one can redeem the life of another.

by paying a ransom to God.

8Redemption does not come so easily,

for no one can ever pay enough

9to live forever

and never see the grave.

10Those who are wise must finally die,

just like the foolish and senseless,

leaving all their wealth behind.

11The grave*49:11 As in Greek and Syriac versions; Hebrew reads Their inward [thought]. is their eternal home,

where they will stay forever.

They may name their estates after themselves,

12but their fame will not last.

They will die, just like animals.

13This is the fate of fools,

though they are remembered as being wise.*49:13 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

Interlude

14Like sheep, they are led to the grave,*49:14 Hebrew Sheol; also in 49:14b, 15.

where death will be their shepherd.

In the morning the godly will rule over them.

Their bodies will rot in the grave,

far from their grand estates.

15But as for me, God will redeem my life.

He will snatch me from the power of the grave.

Interlude

16So don’t be dismayed when the wicked grow rich

and their homes become ever more splendid.

17For when they die, they take nothing with them.

Their wealth will not follow them into the grave.

18In this life they consider themselves fortunate

and are applauded for their success.

19But they will die like all before them

and never again see the light of day.

20People who boast of their wealth don’t understand;

they will die, just like animals.

Psalm 50

The Lord Summons the People for Judgment

A psalm of Asaph.

1The Lord, the Mighty One, is God,

and he has spoken;

he has summoned all humanity

from where the sun rises to where it sets.

2From Mount Zion, the perfection of beauty,

God shines in glorious radiance.

3Our God approaches,

and he is not silent.

Fire devours everything in his way,

and a great storm rages around him.

4He calls on the heavens above and earth below

to witness the judgment of his people.

5“Bring my faithful people to me—

those who made a covenant with me by giving sacrifices.”

6Then let the heavens proclaim his justice,

for God himself will be the judge.

Interlude

7“O my people, listen as I speak.

Here are my charges against you, O Israel:

I am God, your God!

8I have no complaint about your sacrifices

or the burnt offerings you constantly offer.

9But I do not need the bulls from your barns

or the goats from your pens.

10For all the animals of the forest are mine,

and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.

11I know every bird on the mountains,

and all the animals of the field are mine.

12If I were hungry, I would not tell you,

for all the world is mine and everything in it.

13Do I eat the meat of bulls?

Do I drink the blood of goats?

14Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,

and keep the vows you made to the Most High.

15Then call on me when you are in trouble,

and I will rescue you,

and you will give me glory.”

16But God says to the wicked:

“Why bother reciting my decrees

and pretending to obey my covenant?

17For you refuse my discipline

and treat my words like trash.

18When you see thieves, you approve of them,

and you spend your time with adulterers.

19Your mouth is filled with wickedness,

and your tongue is full of lies.

20You sit around and slander your brother—

your own mother’s son.

21While you did all this, I remained silent,

and you thought I didn’t care.

But now I will rebuke you,

listing all my charges against you.

22Repent, all of you who forget me,

or I will tear you apart,

and no one will help you.

23But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.

If you keep to my path,

I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”

Psalm 51

A Plea for Cleansing from Sin

For the choir director: A psalm of David, regarding the time Nathan the prophet came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

1Have mercy on me, O God,

because of your unfailing love.

Because of your great compassion,

blot out the stain of my sins.

2Wash me clean from my guilt.

Purify me from my sin.

3For I recognize my rebellion;

it haunts me day and night.

4Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;

I have done what is evil in your sight.

You will be proved right in what you say,

and your judgment against me is just.*51:4 Greek version reads and you will win your case in court. Compare Rom 3:4.

5For I was born a sinner—

yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.

6But you desire honesty from the womb,*51:6 Or from the heart; Hebrew reads in the inward parts.

teaching me wisdom even there.

7Purify me from my sins,*51:7 Hebrew Purify me with the hyssop branch. and I will be clean;

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8Oh, give me back my joy again;

you have broken me—

now let me rejoice.

9Don’t keep looking at my sins.

Remove the stain of my guilt.

10Create in me a clean heart, O God.

Renew a loyal spirit within me.

11Do not banish me from your presence,

and don’t take your Holy Spirit*51:11 Or your spirit of holiness. from me.

12Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and make me willing to obey you.

13Then I will teach your ways to rebels,

and they will return to you.

14Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves;

then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.

15Unseal my lips, O Lord,

that my mouth may praise you.

16You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.

You do not want a burnt offering.

17The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.

You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

18Look with favor on Zion and help her;

rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

19Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit—

with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings.

Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar.

Psalm 52

A Taunt against a Lying Enemy

For the choir director: A psalm*52: title Hebrew maskil. This may be a literary or musical term. of David, regarding the time Doeg the Edomite said to Saul, “David has gone to see Ahimelech.”

1Why do you boast about your crimes, great warrior?

Don’t you realize God’s justice continues forever?

2All day long you plot destruction.

Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor;

you’re an expert at telling lies.

3You love evil more than good

and lies more than truth.

Interlude

4You love to destroy others with your words,

you liar!

5But God will strike you down once and for all.

He will pull you from your home

and uproot you from the land of the living.

Interlude

6The righteous will see it and be amazed.

They will laugh and say,

7“Look what happens to mighty warriors

who do not trust in God.

They trust their wealth instead

and grow more and more bold in their wickedness.”

8But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God.

I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.

9I will praise you forever, O God,

for what you have done.

I will trust in your good name

in the presence of your faithful people.

Psalm 53

No One Does Good

For the choir director: A meditation; a psalm*53: title Hebrew According to mahalath; a maskil. These may be literary or musical terms. 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!

2God 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.*53:3 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 God.

5Terror will grip them,

terror like they have never known before.

God will scatter the bones of your enemies.

You will put them to shame, for God has rejected them.

6Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel?

When God restores his people,

Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.

Psalm 54

A Plea for God’s Rescue

For the choir director: A psalm*54: title Hebrew maskil. This may be a literary or musical term. of David, regarding the time the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “We know where David is hiding.” To be accompanied by stringed instruments.

1Come with great power, O God, and rescue me!

Defend me with your might.

2Listen to my prayer, O God.

Pay attention to my plea.

3For strangers are attacking me;

violent people are trying to kill me.

They care nothing for God.

Interlude

4But God is my helper.

The Lord keeps me alive!

5May the evil plans of my enemies be turned against them.

Do as you promised and put an end to them.

6I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you;

I will praise your name, O Lord,

for it is good.

7For you have rescued me from my troubles

and helped me to triumph over my enemies.

Psalm 55

A Plea for Escape from a Betrayer

For the choir director: A psalm*55: title Hebrew maskil. This may be a literary or musical term. of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.

1Listen to my prayer, O God.

Do not ignore my cry for help!

2Please listen and answer me,

for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.

3My enemies shout at me,

making loud and wicked threats.

They bring trouble on me

and angrily hunt me down.

4My heart pounds in my chest.

The terror of death assaults me.

5Fear and trembling overwhelm me,

and I can’t stop shaking.

6Oh, that I had wings like a dove;

then I would fly away and rest!

7I would fly far away

to the quiet of the wilderness.

Interlude

8How quickly I would escape—

far from this wild storm of hatred.

9Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans,

for I see violence and conflict in the city.

10Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders,

but the real danger is wickedness within the city.

11Everything is falling apart;

threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.

12It is not an enemy who taunts me—

I could bear that.

It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me—

I could have hidden from them.

13Instead, it is you—my equal,

my companion and close friend.

14What good fellowship we once enjoyed

as we walked together to the house of God.

15Let death stalk my enemies;

let the grave*55:15 Hebrew let Sheol. swallow them alive,

for evil makes its home within them.

16But I will call on God,

and the Lord will rescue me.

17Morning, noon, and night

I cry out in my distress,

and the Lord hears my voice.

18He ransoms me and keeps me safe

from the battle waged against me,

though many still oppose me.

19God, who has ruled forever,

will hear me and humble them.

Interlude

For my enemies refuse to change their ways;

they do not fear God.

20As for my companion, he betrayed his friends;

he broke his promises.

21His words are as smooth as butter,

but in his heart is war.

His words are as soothing as lotion,

but underneath are daggers!

22Give your burdens to the Lord,

and he will take care of you.

He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

23But you, O God, will send the wicked

down to the pit of destruction.

Murderers and liars will die young,

but I am trusting you to save me.

Psalm 56

Trusting God When Afraid

For the choir director: A psalm*56: title Hebrew miktam. This may be a literary or musical term. of David, regarding the time the Philistines seized him in Gath. To be sung to the tune “Dove on Distant Oaks.”

1O God, have mercy on me,

for people are hounding me.

My foes attack me all day long.

2I am constantly hounded by those who slander me,

and many are boldly attacking me.

3But when I am afraid,

I will put my trust in you.

4I praise God for what he has promised.

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?

What can mere mortals do to me?

5They are always twisting what I say;

they spend their days plotting to harm me.

6They come together to spy on me—

watching my every step, eager to kill me.

7Don’t let them get away with their wickedness;

in your anger, O God, bring them down.

8You keep track of all my sorrows.*56:8 Or my wanderings.

You have collected all my tears in your bottle.

You have recorded each one in your book.

9My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.

This I know: God is on my side!

10I praise God for what he has promised;

yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised.

11I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?

What can mere mortals do to me?

12I will fulfill my vows to you, O God,

and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.

13For you have rescued me from death;

you have kept my feet from slipping.

So now I can walk in your presence, O God,

in your life-giving light.

Psalm 57

A Confident Prayer for Protection

For the choir director: A psalm*57: title Hebrew miktam. This may be a literary or musical term. of David, regarding the time he fled from Saul and went into the cave. To be sung to the tune “Do Not Destroy!”

1Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy!

I look to you for protection.

I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings

until the danger passes by.

2I cry out to God Most High,*57:2 Hebrew Elohim-Elyon.

to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.

3He will send help from heaven to rescue me,

disgracing those who hound me.

Interlude

My God will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness.

4I am surrounded by fierce lions

who greedily devour human prey—

whose teeth pierce like spears and arrows,

and whose tongues cut like swords.

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

May your glory shine over all the earth.

6My enemies have set a trap for me.

I am weary from distress.

They have dug a deep pit in my path,

but they themselves have fallen into it.

Interlude

7My heart is confident in you, O God;

my heart is confident.

No wonder I can sing your praises!

8Wake up, my heart!

Wake up, O lyre and harp!

I will wake the dawn with my song.

9I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.

I will sing your praises among the nations.

10For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.

Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

11Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.

May your glory shine over all the earth.

Psalm 58

A Plea for Vengeance on Unjust Rulers

For the choir director: A psalm*58: title Hebrew miktam. This may be a literary or musical term. of David, to be sung to the tune “Do Not Destroy!”

1Justice—do you rulers*58:1 Or you gods. know the meaning of the word?

Do you judge the people fairly?

2No! You plot injustice in your hearts.

You spread violence throughout the land.

3These wicked people are born sinners;

even from birth they have lied and gone their own way.

4They spit venom like deadly snakes;

they are like cobras that refuse to listen,

5ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers,

no matter how skillfully they play.

6Break off their fangs, O God!

Smash the jaws of these lions, O Lord!

7May they disappear like water into thirsty ground.

Make their weapons useless in their hands.*58:7 Or Let them be trodden down and wither like grass. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

8May they be like snails that dissolve into slime,

like a stillborn child who will never see the sun.

9God will sweep them away, both young and old,

faster than a pot heats over burning thorns.

10The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged.

They will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.

11Then at last everyone will say,

“There truly is a reward for those who live for God;

surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.”

Psalm 59

A Plea for Escape from Ambush

For the choir director: A psalm*59: title Hebrew miktam. This may be a literary or musical term. of David, regarding the time Saul sent soldiers to watch David’s house in order to kill him. To be sung to the tune “Do Not Destroy!”

1Rescue me from my enemies, O God.

Protect me from those who have come to destroy me.

2Rescue me from these criminals;

save me from these murderers.

3They have set an ambush for me.

Fierce enemies are out there waiting, Lord,

though I have not sinned or offended them.

4I have done nothing wrong,

yet they prepare to attack me.

Wake up! See what is happening and help me!

5O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel,

wake up and punish those hostile nations.

Show no mercy to wicked traitors.

Interlude

6They come out at night,

snarling like vicious dogs

as they prowl the streets.

7Listen to the filth that comes from their mouths;

their words cut like swords.

“After all, who can hear us?” they sneer.

8But Lord, you laugh at them.

You scoff at all the hostile nations.

9You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me,

for you, O God, are my fortress.

10In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me.

He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies.

11Don’t kill them, for my people soon forget such lessons;

stagger them with your power, and bring them to their knees,

O Lord our shield.

12Because of the sinful things they say,

because of the evil that is on their lips,

let them be captured by their pride,

their curses, and their lies.

13Destroy them in your anger!

Wipe them out completely!

Then the whole world will know

that God reigns in Israel.*59:13 Hebrew in Jacob. See note on 44:4.

Interlude

14My enemies come out at night,

snarling like vicious dogs

as they prowl the streets.

15They scavenge for food

but go to sleep unsatisfied.*59:15 Or and growl if they don’t get enough.

16But as for me, I will sing about your power.

Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.

For you have been my refuge,

a place of safety when I am in distress.

17O my Strength, to you I sing praises,

for you, O God, are my refuge,

the God who shows me unfailing love.

Psalm 60

A Prayer for Victory over Israel’s Neighbors

For the choir director: A psalm*60: title Hebrew miktam. This may be a literary or musical term. of David useful for teaching, regarding the time David fought Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and killed 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. To be sung to the tune “Lily of the Testimony.”

1You have rejected us, O God, and broken our defenses.

You have been angry with us; now restore us to your favor.

2You have shaken our land and split it open.

Seal the cracks, for the land trembles.

3You have been very hard on us,

making us drink wine that sent us reeling.

4But you have raised a banner for those who fear you—

a rallying point in the face of attack.

Interlude

5Now rescue your beloved people.

Answer and save us by your power.

6God has promised this by his holiness*60:6 Or in his sanctuary.:

“I will divide up Shechem with joy.

I will measure out the valley of Succoth.

7Gilead is mine,

and Manasseh, too.

Ephraim, my helmet, will produce my warriors,

and Judah, my scepter, will produce my kings.

8But Moab, my washbasin, will become my servant,

and I will wipe my feet on Edom

and shout in triumph over Philistia.”

9Who will bring me into the fortified city?

Who will bring me victory over Edom?

10Have you rejected us, O God?

Will you no longer march with our armies?

11Oh, please help us against our enemies,

for all human help is useless.

12With God’s help we will do mighty things,

for he will trample down our foes.

Psalm 61

A Prayer for the King’s Safety

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

1O God, listen to my cry!

Hear my prayer!

2From the ends of the earth,

I cry to you for help

when my heart is overwhelmed.

Lead me to the towering rock of safety,

3for you are my safe refuge,

a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.

4Let me live forever in your sanctuary,

safe beneath the shelter of your wings!

Interlude

5For you have heard my vows, O God.

You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.

6Add many years to the life of the king!

May his years span the generations!

7May he reign under God’s protection forever.

May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him.

8Then I will sing praises to your name forever

as I fulfill my vows each day.

Psalm 62

God Alone Is My Rock and My Salvation

For Jeduthun, the choir director: A psalm of David.

1I wait quietly before God,

for my victory comes from him.

2He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress where I will never be shaken.

3So many enemies against one man—

all of them trying to kill me.

To them I’m just a broken-down wall

or a tottering fence.

4They plan to topple me from my high position.

They delight in telling lies about me.

They praise me to my face

but curse me in their hearts.

Interlude

5Let all that I am wait quietly before God,

for my hope is in him.

6He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress where I will not be shaken.

7My victory and honor come from God alone.

He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.

8O my people, trust in him at all times.

Pour out your heart to him,

for God is our refuge.

Interlude

9Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind,

and the powerful are not what they appear to be.

If you weigh them on the scales,

together they are lighter than a breath of air.

10Don’t make your living by extortion

or put your hope in stealing.

And if your wealth increases,

don’t make it the center of your life.

11God has spoken plainly,

and I have heard it many times:

Power, O God, belongs to you;

12unfailing love, O Lord, is yours.

Surely you repay all people

according to what they have done.

Psalm 63

Longing for God in the Wilderness

A psalm of David, regarding a time when David was in the wilderness of Judah.

1O God, you are my God;

I earnestly search for you.

My soul thirsts for you;

my whole body longs for you

in this parched and weary land

where there is no water.

2I have seen you in your sanctuary

and gazed upon your power and glory.

3Your unfailing love is better than life itself;

how I praise you!

4I will praise you as long as I live,

lifting up my hands to you in prayer.

5You satisfy me more than the richest feast.

I will praise you with songs of joy.

6I lie awake thinking of you,

meditating on you through the night.

7Because you are my helper,

I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.

8I cling to you;

your strong right hand holds me securely.

9But those plotting to destroy me will come to ruin.

They will go down into the depths of the earth.

10They will die by the sword

and become the food of jackals.

11But the king will rejoice in God.

All who swear to tell the truth will praise him,

while liars will be silenced.

Psalm 64

A Lament over Violent Words

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1O God, listen to my complaint.

Protect my life from my enemies’ threats.

2Hide me from the plots of this evil mob,

from this gang of wrongdoers.

3They sharpen their tongues like swords

and aim their bitter words like arrows.

4They shoot from ambush at the innocent,

attacking suddenly and fearlessly.

5They encourage each other to do evil

and plan how to set their traps in secret.

“Who will ever notice?” they ask.

6As they plot their crimes, they say,

“We have devised the perfect plan!”

Yes, the human heart and mind are cunning.

7But God himself will shoot them with his arrows,

suddenly striking them down.

8Their own tongues will ruin them,

and all who see them will shake their heads in scorn.

9Then everyone will be afraid;

they will proclaim the mighty acts of God

and realize all the amazing things he does.

10The godly will rejoice in the Lord

and find shelter in him.

And those who do what is right

will praise him.

Psalm 65

Praise for God’s Care of the Earth

For the choir director: A song. A psalm of David.

1What mighty praise, O God,

belongs to you in Zion.

We will fulfill our vows to you,

2for you answer our prayers.

All of us must come to you.

3Though we are overwhelmed by our sins,

you forgive them all.

4What joy for those you choose to bring near,

those who live in your holy courts.

What festivities await us

inside your holy Temple.

5You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,

O God our savior.

You are the hope of everyone on earth,

even those who sail on distant seas.

6You formed the mountains by your power

and armed yourself with mighty strength.

7You quieted the raging oceans

with their pounding waves

and silenced the shouting of the nations.

8Those who live at the ends of the earth

stand in awe of your wonders.

From where the sun rises to where it sets,

you inspire shouts of joy.

9You take care of the earth and water it,

making it rich and fertile.

The river of God has plenty of water;

it provides a bountiful harvest of grain,

for you have ordered it so.

10You drench the plowed ground with rain,

melting the clods and leveling the ridges.

You soften the earth with showers

and bless its abundant crops.

11You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;

even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.

12The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture,

and the hillsides blossom with joy.

13The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep,

and the valleys are carpeted with grain.

They all shout and sing for joy!

Psalm 66

Praise for God’s Care for His People

For the choir director: A song. A psalm.

1Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth!

2Sing about the glory of his name!

Tell the world how glorious he is.

3Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!

Your enemies cringe before your mighty power.

4Everything on earth will worship you;

they will sing your praises,

shouting your name in glorious songs.”

Interlude

5Come and see what our God has done,

what awesome miracles he performs for people!

6He made a dry path through the Red Sea,*66:6 Hebrew the sea.

and his people went across on foot.

There we rejoiced in him.

7For by his great power he rules forever.

He watches every movement of the nations;

let no rebel rise in defiance.

Interlude

8Let the whole world bless our God

and loudly sing his praises.

9Our lives are in his hands,

and he keeps our feet from stumbling.

10You have tested us, O God;

you have purified us like silver.

11You captured us in your net

and laid the burden of slavery on our backs.

12Then you put a leader over us.*66:12 Or You made people ride over our heads.

We went through fire and flood,

but you brought us to a place of great abundance.

13Now I come to your Temple with burnt offerings

to fulfill the vows I made to you—

14yes, the sacred vows that I made

when I was in deep trouble.

15That is why I am sacrificing burnt offerings to you—

the best of my rams as a pleasing aroma,

and a sacrifice of bulls and male goats.

Interlude

16Come and listen, all you who fear God,

and I will tell you what he did for me.

17For I cried out to him for help,

praising him as I spoke.

18If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,

the Lord would not have listened.

19But God did listen!

He paid attention to my prayer.

20Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer

or withdraw his unfailing love from me.

Psalm 67

May the Nations Praise God

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

1May God be merciful and bless us.

May his face smile with favor on us.

Interlude

2May your ways be known throughout the earth,

your saving power among people everywhere.

3May the nations praise you, O God.

Yes, may all the nations praise you.

4Let the whole world sing for joy,

because you govern the nations with justice

and guide the people of the whole world.

Interlude

5May the nations praise you, O God.

Yes, may all the nations praise you.

6Then the earth will yield its harvests,

and God, our God, will richly bless us.

7Yes, God will bless us,

and people all over the world will fear him.

Psalm 68

From Mount Sinai to Mount Zion

For the choir director: A song. A psalm of David.

1Rise up, O God, and scatter your enemies.

Let those who hate God run for their lives.

2Blow them away like smoke.

Melt them like wax in a fire.

Let the wicked perish in the presence of God.

3But let the godly rejoice.

Let them be glad in God’s presence.

Let them be filled with joy.

4Sing praises to God and to his name!

Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds.*68:4 Or rides through the deserts.

His name is the Lord—

rejoice in his presence!

5Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—

this is God, whose dwelling is holy.

6God places the lonely in families;

he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.

But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

7O God, when you led your people out from Egypt,

when you marched through the dry wasteland,

Interlude

8the earth trembled, and the heavens poured down rain

before you, the God of Sinai,

before God, the God of Israel.

9You sent abundant rain, O God,

to refresh the weary land.

10There your people finally settled,

and with a bountiful harvest, O God,

you provided for your needy people.

11The Lord gives the word,

and a great army*68:11 Or a host of women. brings the good news.

12Enemy kings and their armies flee,

while the women of Israel divide the plunder.

13Even those who lived among the sheepfolds found treasures—

doves with wings of silver

and feathers of gold.

14The Almighty scattered the enemy kings

like a blowing snowstorm on Mount Zalmon.

15The mountains of Bashan are majestic,

with many peaks stretching high into the sky.

16Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountains,

at Mount Zion, where God has chosen to live,

where the Lord himself will live forever?

17Surrounded by unnumbered thousands of chariots,

the Lord came from Mount Sinai into his sanctuary.

18When you ascended to the heights,

you led a crowd of captives.

You received gifts from the people,

even from those who rebelled against you.

Now the Lord God will live among us there.

19Praise the Lord; praise God our savior!

For each day he carries us in his arms.

Interlude

20Our God is a God who saves!

The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death.

21But God will smash the heads of his enemies,

crushing the skulls of those who love their guilty ways.

22The Lord says, “I will bring my enemies down from Bashan;

I will bring them up from the depths of the sea.

23You, my people, will wash*68:23 As in Greek and Syriac versions; Hebrew reads shatter. your feet in their blood,

and even your dogs will get their share!”

24Your procession has come into view, O God—

the procession of my God and King as he goes into the sanctuary.

25Singers are in front, musicians behind;

between them are young women playing tambourines.

26Praise God, all you people of Israel;

praise the Lord, the source of Israel’s life.

27Look, the little tribe of Benjamin leads the way.

Then comes a great throng of rulers from Judah

and all the rulers of Zebulun and Naphtali.

28Summon your might, O God.*68:28 As in some Hebrew manuscripts and Greek and Syriac versions; most Hebrew manuscripts read Your God has commanded your strength.

Display your power, O God, as you have in the past.

29The kings of the earth are bringing tribute

to your Temple in Jerusalem.

30Rebuke these enemy nations—

these wild animals lurking in the reeds,

this herd of bulls among the weaker calves.

Make them bring bars of silver in humble tribute.

Scatter the nations that delight in war.

31Let Egypt come with gifts of precious metals*68:31a Or of rich cloth.;

let Ethiopia*68:31b Hebrew Cush. bring tribute to God.

32Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth.

Sing praises to the Lord.

Interlude

33Sing to the one who rides across the ancient heavens,

his mighty voice thundering from the sky.

34Tell everyone about God’s power.

His majesty shines down on Israel;

his strength is mighty in the heavens.

35God is awesome in his sanctuary.

The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.

Praise be to God!

Psalm 69

A Plea for Rescue from Deep Waters

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

1Save me, O God,

for the floodwaters are up to my neck.

2Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire;

I can’t find a foothold.

I am in deep water,

and the floods overwhelm me.

3I am exhausted from crying for help;

my throat is parched.

My eyes are swollen with weeping,

waiting for my God to help me.

4Those who hate me without cause

outnumber the hairs on my head.

Many enemies try to destroy me with lies,

demanding that I give back what I didn’t steal.

5O God, you know how foolish I am;

my sins cannot be hidden from you.

6Don’t let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me,

O Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated,

O God of Israel.

7For I endure insults for your sake;

humiliation is written all over my face.

8Even my own brothers pretend they don’t know me;

they treat me like a stranger.

9Passion for your house has consumed me,

and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.

10When I weep and fast,

they scoff at me.

11When I dress in burlap to show sorrow,

they make fun of me.

12I am the favorite topic of town gossip,

and all the drunks sing about me.

13But I keep praying to you, Lord,

hoping this time you will show me favor.

In your unfailing love, O God,

answer my prayer with your sure salvation.

14Rescue me from the mud;

don’t let me sink any deeper!

Save me from those who hate me,

and pull me from these deep waters.

15Don’t let the floods overwhelm me,

or the deep waters swallow me,

or the pit of death devour me.

16Answer my prayers, O Lord,

for your unfailing love is wonderful.

Take care of me,

for your mercy is so plentiful.

17Don’t hide from your servant;

answer me quickly, for I am in deep trouble!

18Come and redeem me;

free me from my enemies.

19You know of my shame, scorn, and disgrace.

You see all that my enemies are doing.

20Their insults have broken my heart,

and I am in despair.

If only one person would show some pity;

if only one would turn and comfort me.

21But instead, they give me poison*69:21 Or gall. for food;

they offer me sour wine for my thirst.

22Let the bountiful table set before them become a snare

and their prosperity become a trap.*69:22 Greek version reads Let their bountiful table set before them become a snare, / a trap that makes them think all is well. / Let their blessings cause them to stumble, / and let them get what they deserve. Compare Rom 11:9.

23Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see,

and make their bodies shake continually.*69:23 Greek version reads and let their backs be bent forever. Compare Rom 11:10.

24Pour out your fury on them;

consume them with your burning anger.

25Let their homes become desolate

and their tents be deserted.

26To the one you have punished, they add insult to injury;

they add to the pain of those you have hurt.

27Pile their sins up high,

and don’t let them go free.

28Erase their names from the Book of Life;

don’t let them be counted among the righteous.

29I am suffering and in pain.

Rescue me, O God, by your saving power.

30Then I will praise God’s name with singing,

and I will honor him with thanksgiving.

31For this will please the Lord more than sacrificing cattle,

more than presenting a bull with its horns and hooves.

32The humble will see their God at work and be glad.

Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.

33For the Lord hears the cries of the needy;

he does not despise his imprisoned people.

34Praise him, O heaven and earth,

the seas and all that move in them.

35For God will save Jerusalem*69:35 Hebrew Zion.

and rebuild the towns of Judah.

His people will live there

and settle in their own land.

36The descendants of those who obey him will inherit the land,

and those who love him will live there in safety.

Psalm 70

An Urgent Plea for Help

For the choir director: A psalm of David, asking God to remember him.

1Please, God, rescue me!

Come quickly, Lord, and help me.

2May those who try to kill me

be humiliated and put to shame.

May those who take delight in my trouble

be turned back in disgrace.

3Let them be horrified by their shame,

for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!”

4But may all who search for you

be filled with joy and gladness in you.

May those who love your salvation

repeatedly shout, “God is great!”

5But as for me, I am poor and needy;

please hurry to my aid, O God.

You are my helper and my savior;

O Lord, do not delay.

Psalm 71

A Prayer of Lifelong Trust

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

don’t let me be disgraced.

2Save me and rescue me,

for you do what is right.

Turn your ear to listen to me,

and set me free.

3Be my rock of safety

where I can always hide.

Give the order to save me,

for you are my rock and my fortress.

4My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked,

from the clutches of cruel oppressors.

5O Lord, you alone are my hope.

I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.

6Yes, you have been with me from birth;

from my mother’s womb you have cared for me.

No wonder I am always praising you!

7My life is an example to many,

because you have been my strength and protection.

8That is why I can never stop praising you;

I declare your glory all day long.

9And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside.

Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.

10For my enemies are whispering against me.

They are plotting together to kill me.

11They say, “God has abandoned him.

Let’s go and get him,

for no one will help him now.”

12O God, don’t stay away.

My God, please hurry to help me.

13Bring disgrace and destruction on my accusers.

Humiliate and shame those who want to harm me.

14But I will keep on hoping for your help;

I will praise you more and more.

15I will tell everyone about your righteousness.

All day long I will proclaim your saving power,

though I am not skilled with words.*71:15 Or though I cannot count it.

16I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord.

I will tell everyone that you alone are just.

17O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood,

and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.

18Now that I am old and gray,

do not abandon me, O God.

Let me proclaim your power to this new generation,

your mighty miracles to all who come after me.

19Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens.

You have done such wonderful things.

Who can compare with you, O God?

20You have allowed me to suffer much hardship,

but you will restore me to life again

and lift me up from the depths of the earth.

21You will restore me to even greater honor

and comfort me once again.

22Then I will praise you with music on the harp,

because you are faithful to your promises, O my God.

I will sing praises to you with a lyre,

O Holy One of Israel.

23I will shout for joy and sing your praises,

for you have ransomed me.

24I will tell about your righteous deeds

all day long,

for everyone who tried to hurt me

has been shamed and humiliated.

Psalm 72

A Prayer for a Godly Ruler

A psalm of Solomon.

1Give your love of justice to the king, O God,

and righteousness to the king’s son.

2Help him judge your people in the right way;

let the poor always be treated fairly.

3May the mountains yield prosperity for all,

and may the hills be fruitful.

4Help him to defend the poor,

to rescue the children of the needy,

and to crush their oppressors.

5May they fear you*72:5 Greek version reads May they endure. as long as the sun shines,

as long as the moon remains in the sky.

Yes, forever!

6May the king’s rule be refreshing like spring rain on freshly cut grass,

like the showers that water the earth.

7May all the godly flourish during his reign.

May there be abundant prosperity until the moon is no more.

8May he reign from sea to sea,

and from the Euphrates River*72:8 Hebrew the river. to the ends of the earth.

9Desert nomads will bow before him;

his enemies will fall before him in the dust.

10The western kings of Tarshish and other distant lands

will bring him tribute.

The eastern kings of Sheba and Seba

will bring him gifts.

11All kings will bow before him,

and all nations will serve him.

12He will rescue the poor when they cry to him;

he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them.

13He feels pity for the weak and the needy,

and he will rescue them.

14He will redeem them from oppression and violence,

for their lives are precious to him.

15Long live the king!

May the gold of Sheba be given to him.

May the people always pray for him

and bless him all day long.

16May there be abundant grain throughout the land,

flourishing even on the hilltops.

May the fruit trees flourish like the trees of Lebanon,

and may the people thrive like grass in a field.

17May the king’s name endure forever;

may it continue as long as the sun shines.

May all nations be blessed through him

and bring him praise.

18Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel,

who alone does such wonderful things.

19Praise his glorious name forever!

Let the whole earth be filled with his glory.

Amen and amen!

20(This ends the prayers of David son of Jesse.)

Book Three (Psalms 73–89)

Psalm 73

The Foolishness of Envying the Proud

A psalm of Asaph.

1Truly God is good to Israel,

to those whose hearts are pure.

2But as for me, I almost lost my footing.

My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.

3For I envied the proud

when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.

4They seem to live such painless lives;

their bodies are so healthy and strong.

5They don’t have troubles like other people;

they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else.

6They wear pride like a jeweled necklace

and clothe themselves with cruelty.

7These fat cats have everything

their hearts could ever wish for!

8They scoff and speak only evil;

in their pride they seek to crush others.

9They boast against the very heavens,

and their words strut throughout the earth.

10And so the people are dismayed and confused,

drinking in all their words.

11“What does God know?” they ask.

“Does the Most High even know what’s happening?”

12Look at these wicked people—

enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.

13Did I keep my heart pure for nothing?

Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?

14I get nothing but trouble all day long;

every morning brings me pain.

15If I had really spoken this way to others,

I would have been a traitor to your people.

16So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper.

But what a difficult task it is!

17Then I went into your sanctuary, O God,

and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.

18Truly, you put them on a slippery path

and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.

19In an instant they are destroyed,

completely swept away by terrors.

20When you arise, O Lord,

you will laugh at their silly ideas

as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.

21Then I realized that my heart was bitter,

and I was all torn up inside.

22I was so foolish and ignorant—

I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.

23Yet I still belong to you;

you hold my right hand.

24You guide me with your counsel,

leading me to a glorious destiny.

25Whom have I in heaven but you?

I desire you more than anything on earth.

26My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,

but God remains the strength of my heart;

he is mine forever.

27Those who desert him will perish,

for you destroy those who abandon you.

28But as for me, how good it is to be near God!

I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,

and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

Psalm 74

A Plea for God to Remember His Promises

A psalm*74: title Hebrew maskil. This may be a literary or musical term. of Asaph.

1O God, why have you rejected us so long?

Why is your anger so intense against the sheep of your own pasture?

2Remember that we are the people you chose long ago,

the tribe you redeemed as your own special possession!

And remember Jerusalem,*74:2 Hebrew Mount Zion. your home here on earth.

3Walk through the awful ruins of the city;

see how the enemy has destroyed your sanctuary.

4There your enemies shouted their victorious battle cries;

there they set up their battle standards.

5They swung their axes

like woodcutters in a forest.

6With axes and picks,

they smashed the carved paneling.

7They burned your sanctuary to the ground.

They defiled the place that bears your name.