1

1 The truly happy person doesn't follow wicked advice, doesn't stand on the road of sinners, and doesn't sit with the disrespectful.

2 Instead of doing those things, these persons love the LORD's Instruction, and they recite God's Instruction day and night!

3 They are like a tree replanted by streams of water, which bears fruit at just the right time and whose leaves don't fade. Whatever they do succeeds.

4 That's not true for the wicked! They are like dust that the wind blows away.

5 And that's why the wicked will have no standing in the court of justice-- neither will sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 The LORD is intimately acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked is destroyed.

2

1 Why do the nations rant? Why do the peoples rave uselessly?

2 The earth's rulers take their stand; the leaders scheme together against the LORD and against his anointed one.

3 "Come!" they say. "We will tear off their ropes and throw off their chains!"

4 The one who rules in heaven laughs; my Lord makes fun of them.

5 But then God speaks to them angrily; then he terrifies them with his fury:

6 "I hereby appoint my king on Zion, my holy mountain!"

7 I will announce the LORD's decision: He said to me, "You are my son, today I have become your father.

8 Just ask me, and I will make the nations your possession; the far corners of the earth will be your property.

9 You will smash them with an iron rod; you will shatter them like a pottery jar."

10 So kings, wise up! Be warned, you rulers of the earth!

11 Serve the LORD reverently-- trembling,

12 kiss his feet or else he will become angry, and your way will be destroyed because his anger ignites in an instant. But all who take refuge in the LORD are truly happy!

3

1 LORD, I have so many enemies! So many are standing against me.

2 So many are talking about me: "Even God won't help him."Selah

3 But you, LORD, are my shield! You are my glory! You are the one who restores me.

4 I cry out loud to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. Selah

5 I lie down, sleep, and wake up because the LORD helps me.

6 I won't be afraid of thousands of people surrounding me on all sides.

7 Stand up, LORD! Save me, my God! In fact, hit all my enemies on the jaw; shatter the teeth of the wicked!

8 Rescue comes from the LORD! May your blessing be on your people! Selah 4 For the music leader. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

4

1 Answer me when I cry out, my righteous God! Set me free from my troubles! Have mercy on me! Listen to my prayer!

2 How long, you people, will my reputation be insulted? How long will you continue to love what is worthless and go after lies? Selah

3 Know this: the LORD takes personal care of the faithful. The LORD will hear me when I cry out to him.

4 So be afraid, and don't sin! Think hard about it in your bed and weep over it! Selah

5 Bring righteous offerings, and trust the LORD!

6 Many people say, "We can't find goodness anywhere. The light of your face has left us, LORD!"

7 But you have filled my heart with more joy than when their wheat and wine are everywhere!

8 I will lie down and fall asleep in peace because you alone, LORD, let me live in safety.

5

1 Hear my words, LORD! Consider my groans!

2 Pay attention to the sound of my cries, my king and my God, because I am praying to you!

3 LORD, in the morning you hear my voice. In the morning I lay it all out before you. Then I wait expectantly.

4 Because you aren't a God who enjoys wickedness; evil doesn't live with you.

5 Arrogant people won't last long in your sight; you hate all evildoers;

6 you destroy liars. The LORD despises people who are violent and dishonest.

7 But me? I will enter your house because of your abundant, faithful love; I will bow down at your holy temple, honoring you.

8 LORD, because of many enemies, please lead me in your righteousness. Make your way clear, right in front of me.

9 Because there's no truth in my enemies' mouths, all they have inside them is destruction. Their throats are open graves; their tongues slick with talk.

10 Condemn them, God! Let them fail by their own plans. Throw them out for their many sins because they've rebelled against you.

11 But let all who take refuge in you celebrate. Let them sing out loud forever! Protect them so that all who love your name can rejoice in you.

12 Because you, LORD, bless the righteous. You cover them with favor like a shield.

6

1 Please, LORD, don't punish me when you are angry; don't discipline me when you are furious.

2 Have mercy on me, LORD, because I'm frail. Heal me, LORD, because my bones are shaking in terror!

3 My whole body is completely terrified! But you, LORD! How long will this last?

4 Come back to me, LORD! Deliver me! Save me for the sake of your faithful love!

5 No one is going to praise you when they are dead. Who gives you thanks from the grave?

6 I'm worn out from groaning. Every night, I drench my bed with tears; I soak my couch all the way through.

7 My vision fails because of my grief; it's weak because of all my distress.

8 Get away from me, all you evildoers, because the LORD has heard me crying!

9 The LORD has listened to my request. The LORD accepts my prayer.

10 All my enemies will be ashamed and completely terrified; they will be defeated and ashamed instantly.

7

1 I take refuge in you, LORD, my God. Save me from all who chase me! Rescue me!

2 Otherwise, they will rip me apart, dragging me off with no chance of rescue.

3 LORD, my God, if I have done this-- if my hands have done anything wrong,

4 if I have repaid a friend with evil or oppressed a foe for no reason--

5 then let my enemy not only chase but catch me, trampling my life into the ground, laying my reputation in the dirt. Selah

6 Get up, LORD; get angry! Stand up against the fury of my foes! Wake up, my God; you command that justice be done!

7 Let the assembled peoples surround you. Rule them from on high!

8 The LORD will judge the peoples. Establish justice for me, LORD, according to my righteousness and according to my integrity.

9 Please let the evil of the wicked be over, but set the righteous firmly in place because you, the righteous God, are the one who examines hearts and minds.

10 God is my shield; he saves those whose heart is right.

11 God is a righteous judge, a God who is angry at evil every single day.

12 If someone doesn't change their ways, God will sharpen his sword, will bend his bow, will string an arrow.

13 God has deadly weapons in store for those who won't change; he gets his flaming arrows ready!

14 But look how the wicked hatch evil, conceive trouble, give birth to lies!

15 They make a pit, dig it all out, and then fall right into the hole that they've made!

16 The trouble they cause will come back on their own heads; the violence they commit will come down on their own skulls.

17 But I will thank the LORD for his righteousness; I will sing praises to the name of the LORD Most High.

8

1 LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name throughout the earth! You made your glory higher than heaven!

2 From the mouths of nursing babies you have laid a strong foundation because of your foes, in order to stop vengeful enemies.

3 When I look up at your skies, at what your fingers made-- the moon and the stars that you set firmly in place--

4 what are human beings that you think about them; what are human beings that you pay attention to them?

5 You've made them only slightly less than divine, crowning them with glory and grandeur.

6 You've let them rule over your handiwork, putting everything under their feet--

7 all sheep and all cattle, the wild animals too,

8 the birds in the sky, the fish of the ocean, everything that travels the pathways of the sea.

9 LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name throughout the earth! 9 For the music leader. According to Muth-labben. n A psalm of David.

9

1 I will thank you, LORD, with all my heart; I will talk about all your wonderful acts.

2 I will celebrate and rejoice in you; I will sing praises to your name, Most High.

3 When my enemies turn and retreat, they fall down and die right in front of you

4 because you have established justice for me and my claim, because you rule from the throne, establishing justice rightly.

5 You've denounced the nations, destroyed the wicked. You've erased their names for all time.

6 Every enemy is wiped out, like something ruined forever. You've torn down their cities-- even the memory of them is dead.

7 But the LORD rules forever! He assumes his throne for the sake of justice.

8 He will establish justice in the world rightly; he will judge all people fairly.

9 The LORD is a safe place for the oppressed-- a safe place in difficult times.

10 Those who know your name trust you because you have not abandoned any who seek you, LORD.

11 Sing praises to the LORD, who lives in Zion! Proclaim his mighty acts among all people!

12 Because the one who avenges bloodshed remembers those who suffer; the LORD hasn't forgotten their cries for help.

13 Have mercy on me, LORD! Just look how I suffer because of those who hate me. But you are the one who brings me back from the very gates of death

14 so I can declare all your praises, so I can rejoice in your salvation in the gates of Daughter Zion.

15 The nations have fallen into the hole they themselves made! Their feet are caught in the very net they themselves hid!

16 The LORD is famous for the justice he has done; it's his own doing that the wicked are trapped. Higgayon. Selah

17 Let the wicked go straight to the grave, the same for every nation that forgets God.

18 Because the poor won't be forgotten forever, the hope of those who suffer won't be lost for all time.

19 Get up, LORD! Don't let people prevail! Let the nations be judged before you.

20 Strike them with fear, LORD. Let the nations know they are only human. Selah

10

1 Why do you stand so far away, LORD, hiding yourself in troubling times?

2 Meanwhile, the wicked are proudly in hot pursuit of those who suffer. Let them get caught in the very same schemes they've thought up!

3 The wicked brag about their body's cravings; the greedy reject the LORD, cursing.

4 At the peak of their wrath, the wicked don't seek God: There's no God-- that's what they are always thinking.

5 Their ways are always twisted. Your rules are too lofty for them. They snort at all their foes.

6 They think to themselves, We'll never stumble. We'll never encounter any resistance.

7 Their mouths are filled with curses, dishonesty, violence. Under their tongues lie troublemaking and wrongdoing.

8 They wait in a place perfect for ambush; from their hiding places they kill innocent people; their eyes spot those who are helpless.

9 They lie in ambush in secret places, like a lion in its lair. They lie in ambush so they can seize those who suffer! They seize the poor, all right, dragging them off in their nets.

10 Their helpless victims are crushed; they collapse, falling prey to the strength of the wicked.

11 The wicked think to themselves: God has forgotten. God has hidden his face. God never sees anything!

12 Get up, LORD! Get your fist ready, God! Don't forget the ones who suffer!

13 Why do the wicked reject God? Why do they think to themselves that you won't find out?

14 But you do see! You do see troublemaking and grief, and you do something about it! The helpless leave it all to you. You are the orphan's helper.

15 Break the arms of those who are wicked and evil. Seek out their wickedness until there's no more to find.

16 The LORD rules forever and always! The nations will vanish from his land.

17 LORD, you listen to the desires of those who suffer. You steady their hearts; you listen closely to them,

18 to establish justice for the orphan and the oppressed, so that people of the land will never again be terrified.

11

1 I have taken refuge in the LORD. So how can you say to me, "Flee to the hills like a bird

2 because the wicked have already bent their bows; they've already strung their arrows; they are ready to secretly shoot those whose heart is right"?

3 When the very bottom of things falls out, what can a righteous person possibly accomplish?

4 But the LORD is in his holy temple. The LORD! His throne is in heaven. His eyes see-- his vision examines all of humanity.

5 The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked; his very being hates anyone who loves violence.

6 God will rain fiery coals and sulfur on the wicked; their cups will be filled with nothing but a scorching hot wind

7 because the LORD is righteous! He loves righteous deeds. Those whose heart is right will see God's face.

12

1 Help, LORD, because the godly are all gone; the faithful have completely disappeared from the human race!

2 Everyone tells lies to everyone else; they talk with slick speech and divided hearts.

3 Let the LORD cut off all slick-talking lips and every tongue that brags and brags,

4 that says, "We're unbeatable with our tongues! Who could get the best of us with lips like ours?"

5 But the LORD says, "Because the poor are oppressed, because of the groans of the needy, I'm now standing up. I will provide the help they are gasping for."

6 The LORD's promises are pure, like silver that's been refined in an oven, purified seven times over!

7 You, LORD, will keep us, protecting us from this generation forever.

8 The wicked roam all over the place, while depravity is praised by human beings.

13

1 How long will you forget me, LORD? Forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

2 How long will I be left to my own wits, agony filling my heart? Daily? How long will my enemy keep defeating me?

3 Look at me! Answer me, LORD my God! Restore sight to my eyes! Otherwise, I'll sleep the sleep of death,

4 and my enemy will say, "I won!" My foes will rejoice over my downfall.

5 But I have trusted in your faithful love. My heart will rejoice in your salvation.

6 Yes, I will sing to the LORD because he has been good to me.

14

1 Fools say in their hearts, There is no God. They are corrupt and do evil things; not one of them does anything good.

2 The LORD looks down from heaven on humans to see if anyone is wise, to see if anyone seeks God,

3 but all of them have turned bad. Everyone is corrupt. No one does good-- not even one person!

4 Are they dumb, all these evildoers, devouring my people like they are eating bread but never calling on the LORD?

5 Count on it: they will be in utter panic because God is with the righteous generation.

6 You evildoers may humiliate the plans of those who suffer, but the LORD is their refuge.

7 Let Israel's salvation come out of Zion! When the LORD changes his people's circumstances for the better, Jacob will rejoice; Israel will celebrate!

15

1 Who can live in your tent, LORD? Who can dwell on your holy mountain?

2 The person who lives free of blame, does what is right, and speaks the truth sincerely;

3 who does no damage with their talk, does no harm to a friend, doesn't insult a neighbor;

4 someone who despises those who act wickedly, but who honors those who honor the LORD; someone who keeps their promise even when it hurts;

5 someone who doesn't lend money with interest, who won't accept a bribe against any innocent person. Whoever does these things will never stumble.

16

1 Protect me, God, because I take refuge in you.

2 I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord. Apart from you, I have nothing good."

3 Now as for the "holy ones" in the land, the "magnificent ones" that I was so happy about;

4 let their suffering increase because they hurried after a different god. I won't participate in their blood offerings; I won't let their names cross my lips.

5 You, LORD, are my portion, my cup; you control my destiny.

6 The property lines have fallen beautifully for me; yes, I have a lovely home.

7 I will bless the LORD who advises me; even at night I am instructed in the depths of my mind.

8 I always put the LORD in front of me; I will not stumble because he is on my right side.

9 That's why my heart celebrates and my mood is joyous; yes, my whole body will rest in safety

10 because you won't abandon my life to the grave; you won't let your faithful follower see the pit.

11 You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration. Beautiful things are always in your right hand.

17

1 Listen to what's right, LORD; pay attention to my cry! Listen closely to my prayer; it's spoken by lips that don't lie!

2 My justice comes from you; let your eyes see what is right!

3 You have examined my heart, testing me at night. You've looked me over closely, but haven't found anything wrong. My mouth doesn't sin.

4 But these other people's deeds? I have avoided such violent ways by the command from your lips.

5 My steps are set firmly on your paths; my feet haven't slipped.

6 I cry out to you because you answer me. So tilt your ears toward me now-- listen to what I'm saying!

7 Manifest your faithful love in amazing ways because you are the one who saves those who take refuge in you, saving them from their attackers by your strong hand.

8 Watch me with the very pupil of your eye! Hide me in the protection of your wings,

9 away from the wicked who are out to get me, away from my deadly enemies who are all around me!

10 They have no pity; their mouths speak arrogantly.

11 They track me down-- suddenly, they surround me! They make their plans to put me in the dirt.

12 They are like a lion eager to rip its prey; they are like a strong young lion lying in wait.

13 Get up, LORD! Confront them! Bring them down! Rescue my life from the wicked-- use your sword!

14 Rescue me from these people-- use your own hands, LORD! Rescue me from these people whose only possession is their fleeting life. But fill the stomachs of your cherished ones; let their children be filled full so that they have leftovers enough for their babies.

15 But me? I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be filled full by seeing your image.

18

1 He said: I love you, LORD, my strength.

2 The LORD is my solid rock, my fortress, my rescuer. My God is my rock-- I take refuge in him!-- he's my shield, my salvation's strength, my place of safety.

3 Because he is praiseworthy, I cried out to the LORD, and I was saved from my enemies.

4 Death's cords were wrapped around me; rivers of wickedness terrified me.

5 The cords of the grave surrounded me; death's traps held me tight.

6 In my distress I cried out to the LORD; I called to my God for help. God heard my voice from his temple; I called to him for help, and my call reached his ears.

7 The earth rocked and shook; the bases of the mountains trembled and reeled because of God's anger.

8 Smoke went up from God's nostrils; out of his mouth came a devouring fire; flaming coals blazed out in front of him!

9 God parted the skies and came down; thick darkness was beneath his feet.

10 God mounted the heavenly creatures and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind.

11 God made darkness cloak him; his covering was dark water and dense cloud.

12 God's clouds went ahead of the brightness before him; hail and coals of fire went too.

13 The LORD thundered in heaven; the Most High made his voice heard with hail and coals of fire.

14 God shot his arrows, scattering the enemy; he sent the lightning and threw them into confusion.

15 The seabeds were exposed; the earth's foundations were laid bare at your rebuke, LORD, at the angry blast of air coming from your nostrils.

16 From on high God reached down and grabbed me; he took me out of all that water.

17 God saved me from my powerful enemy, saved me from my foes, who were too much for me.

18 They came at me on the very day of my distress, but the LORD was my support.

19 He brought me out to wide-open spaces; he pulled me out safe because he is pleased with me.

20 The LORD rewarded me for my righteousness; he restored me because my hands are clean,

21 because I have kept the LORD's ways. I haven't acted wickedly against my God.

22 All his rules are right in front of me; I haven't turned away from any of his laws.

23 I have lived with integrity before him; I've kept myself from wrongdoing.

24 And so the LORD restored me for my righteousness because my hands are clean in his eyes.

25 You deal faithfully with the faithful; you show integrity toward the one who has integrity.

26 You are pure toward the pure, but toward the crooked, you are tricky.

27 You are the one who saves people who suffer and brings down those with proud eyes.

28 You are the one who lights my lamp-- the LORD my God illumines my darkness.

29 With you I can charge into battle; with my God I can leap over a wall.

30 God! His way is perfect; the LORD's word is tried and true. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

31 Now really, who is divine except the LORD? And who is a rock but our God?

32 Only God! The God who equips me with strength and makes my way perfect,

33 who makes my step as sure as the deer's, who lets me stand securely on the heights,

34 who trains my hands for war so my arms can bend a bronze bow.

35 You've given me the shield of your salvation; your strong hand has supported me; your help has made me great.

36 You've let me walk fast and safe, without even twisting an ankle.

37 I chased my enemies and caught them! I didn't come home until I finished them off.

38 I struck them down; they couldn't get up again; they fell under my feet.

39 You equipped me with strength for war; you brought my adversaries down underneath me.

40 You made my enemies turn tail from me; I destroyed my foes.

41 They cried for help, but there was no one to save them. They cried for help to the LORD, but he wouldn't answer them.

42 I crushed them like dust blown away by the wind; I threw them out like mud dumped in the streets.

43 You delivered me from struggles with many people; you appointed me the leader of many nations. Strangers come to serve me.

44 After hearing about me, they obey me; foreigners grovel before me.

45 Foreigners lose their nerve; they come trembling out of their fortresses.

46 The LORD lives! Bless God, my rock! Let the God of my salvation be lifted high!

47 This is the God who avenges on my behalf, who subdues people before me,

48 who delivers me from my enemies. Yes, you lifted me high above my adversaries; you delivered me from violent people.

49 That's why I thank you, LORD, in the presence of the nations. That's why I sing praises to your name.

50 You are the one who gives great victories to your king, who shows faithful love to your anointed one-- to David and to his descendants forever.

19

1 Heaven is declaring God's glory; the sky is proclaiming his handiwork.

2 One day gushes the news to the next, and one night informs another what needs to be known.

3 Of course, there's no speech, no words-- their voices can't be heard--

4 but their sound extends throughout the world; their words reach the ends of the earth. God has made a tent in heaven for the sun.

5 The sun is like a groom coming out of his honeymoon suite; like a warrior, it thrills at running its course.

6 It rises in one end of the sky; its circuit is complete at the other. Nothing escapes its heat.

7 The LORD's Instruction is perfect, reviving one's very being. The LORD's laws are faithful, making naive people wise.

8 The LORD's regulations are right, gladdening the heart. The LORD's commands are pure, giving light to the eyes.

9 Honoring the LORD is correct, lasting forever. The LORD's judgments are true. All of these are righteous!

10 They are more desirable than gold-- than tons of pure gold!-- and they are sweeter than honey-- even dripping off the honeycomb!

11 No doubt about it: your servant is enlightened by them; there is great reward in keeping them.

12 But can anyone know what they've accidentally done wrong? Clear me of any unknown sin

13 and save your servant from willful sins. Don't let them rule me. Then I'll be completely blameless; I'll be innocent of great wrongdoing.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

20

1 I pray that the LORD answers you whenever you are in trouble. Let the name of Jacob's God protect you.

2 Let God send help to you from the sanctuary and support you from Zion.

3 Let God recall your many grain offerings; let him savor your entirely burned offerings. Selah

4 Let God grant what is in your heart and fulfill all your plans.

5 Then we will rejoice that you've been helped. We will fly our flags in the name of our God. Let the LORD fulfill all your requests!

6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed one; God answers his anointed one from his heavenly sanctuary, answering with mighty acts of salvation achieved by his strong hand.

7 Some people trust in chariots, others in horses; but we praise the LORD's name.

8 They will collapse and fall, but we will stand up straight and strong.

9 LORD, save the king! Let him answer us when we cry out!

21

1 The king celebrates your strength, LORD; look how happy he is about your saving help!

2 You've given him what his heart desires; you haven't denied what his lips requested. Selah

3 You bring rich blessings right to him; you put a crown of pure gold on his head.

4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him, all right-- long days, forever and always!

5 The king's reputation is great because of your saving help; you've conferred on him glory and grandeur.

6 You grant him blessings forever; you make him happy with the joy of your presence.

7 Because the king trusts the LORD, and because of the Most High's faithful love, he will not stumble.

8 Your hand will catch all your enemies; your strong hand will catch all who hate you.

9 When you appear, LORD, you will light them up like an oven on fire. God will eat them whole in his anger; fire will devour them.

10 You will destroy their offspring from the land; destroy their descendants from the human race.

11 Because they sought to do you harm, they devised a wicked plan--but they will fail!

12 Because you will make them turn and run when you aim your bow straight at their faces!

13 Be exalted, LORD, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power!

22

1 My God! My God, why have you left me all alone? Why are you so far from saving me-- so far from my anguished groans?

2 My God, I cry out during the day, but you don't answer; even at nighttime I don't stop.

3 You are the holy one, enthroned. You are Israel's praise.

4 Our ancestors trusted you-- they trusted you and you rescued them;

5 they cried out to you and they were saved; they trusted you and they weren't ashamed.

6 But I'm just a worm, less than human; insulted by one person, despised by another.

7 All who see me make fun of me-- they gape, shaking their heads:

8 "He committed himself to the LORD, so let God rescue him; let God deliver him because God likes him so much."

9 But you are the one who pulled me from the womb, placing me safely at my mother's breasts.

10 I was thrown on you from birth; you've been my God since I was in my mother's womb.

11 Please don't be far from me, because trouble is near and there's no one to help.

12 Many bulls surround me; mighty bulls from Bashan encircle me.

13 They open their mouths at me like a lion ripping and roaring!

14 I'm poured out like water. All my bones have fallen apart. My heart is like wax; it melts inside me.

15 My strength is dried up like a piece of broken pottery. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you've set me down in the dirt of death.

16 Dogs surround me; a pack of evil people circle me like a lion-- oh, my poor hands and feet!

17 I can count all my bones! Meanwhile, they just stare at me, watching me.

18 They divvy up my garments among themselves; they cast lots for my clothes.

19 But you, LORD! Don't be far away! You are my strength! Come quick and help me!

20 Deliver me from the sword. Deliver my life from the power of the dog.

21 Save me from the mouth of the lion. From the horns of the wild oxen you have answered me!

22 I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; I will praise you in the very center of the congregation!

23 All of you who revere the LORD--praise him! All of you who are Jacob's descendants--honor him! All of you who are all Israel's offspring-- stand in awe of him!

24 Because he didn't despise or detest the suffering of the one who suffered-- he didn't hide his face from me. No, he listened when I cried out to him for help.

25 I offer praise in the great congregation because of you; I will fulfill my promises in the presence of those who honor God.

26 Let all those who are suffering eat and be full! Let all who seek the LORD praise him! I pray your hearts live forever!

27 Every part of the earth will remember and come back to the LORD; every family among all the nations will worship you.

28 Because the right to rule belongs to the LORD, he rules all nations.

29 Indeed, all the earth's powerful will worship him; all who are descending to the dust will kneel before him; my being also lives for him.

30 Future descendants will serve him; generations to come will be told about my Lord.

31 They will proclaim God's righteousness to those not yet born, telling them what God has done.

23

1 The LORD is my shepherd. I lack nothing.

2 He lets me rest in grassy meadows; he leads me to restful waters;

3 he keeps me alive. He guides me in proper paths for the sake of his good name.

4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger because you are with me. Your rod and your staff-- they protect me.

5 You set a table for me right in front of my enemies. You bathe my head in oil; my cup is so full it spills over!

6 Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the LORD's house as long as I live.

24

1 The earth is the LORD's and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants too.

2 Because God is the one who established it on the seas; God set it firmly on the waters.

3 Who can ascend the LORD's mountain? Who can stand in his holy sanctuary?

4 Only the one with clean hands and a pure heart; the one who hasn't made false promises, the one who hasn't sworn dishonestly.

5 That kind of person receives blessings from the LORD and righteousness from the God who saves.

6 And that's how things are with the generation that seeks him-- that seeks the face of Jacob's God. Selah

7 Mighty gates: lift up your heads! Ancient doors: rise up high! So the glorious king can enter!

8 Who is this glorious king? The LORD--strong and powerful! The LORD--powerful in battle!

9 Mighty gates: lift up your heads! Ancient doors: rise up high! So the glorious king can enter!

10 Who is this glorious king? The LORD of heavenly forces-- he is the glorious king! Selah

25

1 I offer my life to you, LORD.

2 My God, I trust you. Please don't let me be put to shame! Don't let my enemies rejoice over me!

3 For that matter, don't let anyone who hopes in you be put to shame; instead, let those who are treacherous without excuse be put to shame.

4 Make your ways known to me, LORD; teach me your paths.

5 Lead me in your truth--teach it to me-- because you are the God who saves me. I put my hope in you all day long.

6 LORD, remember your compassion and faithful love-- they are forever!

7 But don't remember the sins of my youth or my wrongdoing. Remember me only according to your faithful love for the sake of your goodness, LORD.

8 The LORD is good and does the right thing; he teaches sinners which way they should go.

9 God guides the weak to justice, teaching them his way.

10 All the LORD's paths are loving and faithful for those who keep his covenant and laws.

11 Please, for the sake of your good name, LORD, forgive my sins, which are many!

12 Where are the ones who honor the LORD? God will teach them which path to take.

13 They will live a good life, and their descendants will possess the land.

14 The LORD counsels those who honor him; he makes his covenant known to them.

15 My eyes are always looking to the LORD because he will free my feet from the net.

16 Turn to me, God, and have mercy on me because I'm alone and suffering.

17 My heart's troubles keep getting bigger-- set me free from my distress!

18 Look at my suffering and trouble-- forgive all my sins!

19 Look at how many enemies I have and how violently they hate me!

20 Please protect my life! Deliver me! Don't let me be put to shame because I take refuge in you.

21 Let integrity and virtue guard me because I hope in you.

22 Please, God, save Israel from all its troubles!

26

1 Establish justice for me, LORD, because I have walked with integrity. I've trusted the LORD without wavering.

2 Examine me, LORD; put me to the test! Purify my mind and my heart.

3 Because your faithful love is right in front of me-- I walk in your truth!

4 I don't spend time with people up to no good; I don't keep company with liars.

5 I detest the company of evildoers, and I don't sit with wicked people.

6 I wash my hands--they are innocent! I walk all around your altar, LORD,

7 proclaiming out loud my thanks, declaring all your wonderful deeds!

8 I love the beauty of your house, LORD; I love the place where your glory resides.

9 Don't gather me up with the sinners, taking my life along with violent people

10 in whose hands are evil schemes, whose strong hands are full of bribes.

11 But me? I walk with integrity. Save me! Have mercy on me!

12 My feet now stand on level ground. I will bless the LORD in the great congregation.

27

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone? The LORD is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything?

2 When evildoers come at me trying to eat me up-- it's they, my foes and my enemies, who stumble and fall!

3 If an army camps against me, my heart won't be afraid. If war comes up against me, I will continue to trust in this:

4 I have asked one thing from the LORD-- it's all I seek-- to live in the LORD's house all the days of my life, seeing the LORD's beauty and constantly adoring his temple.

5 Because he will shelter me in his own dwelling during troubling times; he will hide me in a secret place in his own tent; he will set me up high, safe on a rock.

6 Now my head is higher than the enemies surrounding me, and I will offer sacrifices in God's tent-- sacrifices with shouts of joy! I will sing and praise the LORD.

7 LORD, listen to my voice when I cry out-- have mercy on me and answer me!

8 Come, my heart says, seek God's face. LORD, I do seek your face!

9 Please don't hide it from me! Don't push your servant aside angrily-- you have been my help! God who saves me, don't neglect me! Don't leave me all alone!

10 Even if my father and mother left me all alone, the LORD would take me in.

11 LORD, teach me your way; because of my opponents, lead me on a good path.

12 Don't give me over to the desires of my enemies, because false witnesses and violent accusers have taken their stand against me.

13 But I have sure faith that I will experience the LORD's goodness in the land of the living!

14 Hope in the LORD! Be strong! Let your heart take courage! Hope in the LORD!

28

1 I cry out to you, LORD. You are my rock; don't refuse to hear me. If you won't talk to me, I'll be just like those going down to the pit.

2 Listen to my request for mercy when I cry out to you, when I lift up my hands to your holy inner sanctuary.

3 Don't drag me off with the wicked and those who do evil; the type who talk nice to their friends while evil thoughts are in their hearts!

4 Pay them back for what they've done! Pay them back for their evil deeds! Pay them back for their handiwork! Give back to them exactly what they deserve!

5 Because they have no regard for what the LORD has done, no regard for his handiwork, God will tear them down and never rebuild!

6 Bless the LORD because he has listened to my request for mercy!

7 The LORD is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts him. I was helped, my heart rejoiced, and I thank him with my song.

8 The LORD is his people's strength; he is a fortress of protection for his anointed one.

9 Save your people, God! Bless your possession! Shepherd them and carry them for all time!

29

1 You, divine beings! Give to the LORD-- give to the LORD glory and power!

2 Give to the LORD the glory due his name! Bow down to the LORD in holy splendor!

3 The LORD's voice is over the waters; the glorious God thunders; the LORD is over the mighty waters.

4 The LORD's voice is strong; the LORD's voice is majestic.

5 The LORD's voice breaks cedar trees-- yes, the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon.

6 He makes Lebanon jump around like a young bull, makes Sirion jump around like a young wild ox.

7 The LORD's voice unleashes fiery flames;

8 the LORD's voice shakes the wilderness-- yes, the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

9 The LORD's voice convulses the oaks, strips the forests bare, but in his temple everyone shouts, "Glory!"

10 The LORD sits enthroned over the floodwaters; the LORD sits enthroned--king forever!

11 Let the LORD give strength to his people! Let the LORD bless his people with peace!

30

1 I exalt you, LORD, because you pulled me up; you didn't let my enemies celebrate over me.

2 LORD, my God, I cried out to you for help, and you healed me.

3 LORD, you brought me up from the grave, brought me back to life from among those going down to the pit.

4 You who are faithful to the LORD, sing praises to him; give thanks to his holy name!

5 His anger lasts for only a second, but his favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay all night, but by morning, joy!

6 When I was comfortable, I said, "I will never stumble."

7 Because it pleased you, LORD, you made me a strong mountain. But then you hid your presence. I was terrified.

8 I cried out to you, LORD. I begged my Lord for mercy:

9 "What is to be gained by my spilled blood, by my going down into the pit? Does dust thank you? Does it proclaim your faithfulness?

10 LORD, listen and have mercy on me! LORD, be my helper!"

11 You changed my mourning into dancing. You took off my funeral clothes and dressed me up in joy

12 so that my whole being might sing praises to you and never stop. LORD, my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

31

1 I take refuge in you, LORD. Please never let me be put to shame. Rescue me by your righteousness!

2 Listen closely to me! Deliver me quickly; be a rock that protects me; be a strong fortress that saves me!

3 You are definitely my rock and my fortress. Guide me and lead me for the sake of your good name!

4 Get me out of this net that's been set for me because you are my protective fortress.

5 I entrust my spirit into your hands; you, LORD, God of faithfulness-- you have saved me.

6 I hate those who embrace what is completely worthless. I myself trust the LORD.

7 I rejoice and celebrate in your faithful love because you saw my suffering-- you were intimately acquainted with my deep distress.

8 You didn't hand me over to the enemy, but set my feet in wide-open spaces.

9 Have mercy on me, LORD, because I'm depressed. My vision fails because of my grief, as do my spirit and my body.

10 My life is consumed with sadness; my years are consumed with groaning. Strength fails me because of my suffering; my bones dry up.

11 I'm a joke to all my enemies, still worse to my neighbors. I scare my friends, and whoever sees me in the street runs away!

12 I am forgotten, like I'm dead, completely out of mind; I am like a piece of pottery, destroyed.

13 Yes, I've heard all the gossiping, terror all around; so many gang up together against me, they plan to take my life!

14 But me? I trust you, LORD! I affirm, "You are my God."

15 My future is in your hands. Don't hand me over to my enemies, to all who are out to get me!

16 Shine your face on your servant; save me by your faithful love!

17 LORD, don't let me be put to shame because I have cried out to you. Let the wicked be put to shame; let them be silenced in death's domain!

18 Let their lying lips be shut up whenever they speak arrogantly against the righteous with pride and contempt!

19 How great is the goodness that you've reserved for those who honor you, that you commit to those who take refuge in you-- in the sight of everyone!

20 You hide them in the shelter of your wings, safe from human scheming. You conceal them in a shelter, safe from accusing tongues.

21 Bless the LORD, because he has wondrously revealed his faithful love to me when I was like a city under siege!

22 When I was panicked, I said, "I'm cut off from your eyes!" But you heard my request for mercy when I cried out to you for help.

23 All you who are faithful, love the LORD! The LORD protects those who are loyal, but he pays the proud back to the fullest degree.

24 All you who wait for the LORD, be strong and let your heart take courage.

32

1 The one whose wrongdoing is forgiven, whose sin is covered over, is truly happy!

2 The one the LORD doesn't consider guilty-- in whose spirit there is no dishonesty-- that one is truly happy!

3 When I kept quiet, my bones wore out; I was groaning all day long-- every day, every night!--

4 because your hand was heavy upon me. My energy was sapped as if in a summer drought. Selah

5 So I admitted my sin to you; I didn't conceal my guilt. "I'll confess my sins to the LORD, " is what I said. Then you removed the guilt of my sin. Selah

6 That's why all the faithful should pray to you during troubled times, so that a great flood of water won't reach them.

7 You are my secret hideout! You protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of rescue! Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you about the direction you should go. I'll advise you and keep my eye on you.

9 Don't be like some senseless horse or mule, whose movement must be controlled with a bit and a bridle. Don't be anything like that!

10 The pain of the wicked is severe, but faithful love surrounds the one who trusts the LORD.

11 You who are righteous, rejoice in the LORD and be glad! All you whose hearts are right, sing out in joy!

33

1 All you who are righteous, shout joyfully to the LORD! It's right for those who do right to praise God.

2 Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre! Sing praises to him with the ten-stringed harp!

3 Sing to him a new song! Play your best with joyful shouts!

4 Because the LORD's word is right, his every act is done in good faith.

5 He loves righteousness and justice; the LORD's faithful love fills the whole earth.

6 The skies were made by the LORD's word, all their starry multitude by the breath of his mouth.

7 He gathered the ocean waters into a heap; he put the deep seas into storerooms.

8 All the earth honors the LORD; all the earth's inhabitants stand in awe of him.

9 Because when he spoke, it happened! When he commanded, there it was!

10 The LORD overrules what the nations plan; he frustrates what the peoples intend to do.

11 But the LORD's plan stands forever; what he intends to do lasts from one generation to the next.

12 The nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom God has chosen as his possession, is truly happy!

13 The LORD looks down from heaven; he sees every human being.

14 From his dwelling place God observes all who live on earth.

15 God is the one who made all their hearts, the one who knows everything they do.

16 Kings aren't saved by the strength of their armies; warriors aren't rescued by how much power they have.

17 A warhorse is a bad bet for victory; it can't save despite its great strength.

18 But look here: the LORD's eyes watch all who honor him, all who wait for his faithful love,

19 to deliver their lives from death and keep them alive during a famine.

20 We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield.

21 Our heart rejoices in God because we trust his holy name.

22 LORD, let your faithful love surround us, because we wait for you.

34

1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise will always be in my mouth.

2 I praise the LORD-- let the suffering listen and rejoice.

3 Magnify the LORD with me! Together let us lift his name up high!

4 I sought the LORD and he answered me. He delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to God will shine; their faces are never ashamed.

6 This suffering person cried out: the LORD listened and saved him from every trouble.

7 On every side, the LORD's messenger protects those who honor God; and he delivers them.

8 Taste and see how good the LORD is! The one who takes refuge in him is truly happy!

9 You who are the LORD's holy ones, honor him, because those who honor him don't lack a thing.

10 Even strong young lions go without and get hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

11 Come, children, listen to me. Let me teach you how to honor the LORD:

12 Do you love life; do you relish the chance to enjoy good things?

13 Then you must keep your tongue from evil and keep your lips from speaking lies!

14 Turn away from evil! Do good! Seek peace and go after it!

15 The LORD's eyes watch the righteous, his ears listen to their cries for help.

16 But the LORD's face is set against those who do evil, to eliminate even the memory of them from the earth.

17 When the righteous cry out, the LORD listens; he delivers them from all their troubles.

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those whose spirits are crushed.

19 The righteous have many problems, but the LORD delivers them from every one.

20 He protects all their bones; not even one will be broken.

21 But just one problem will kill the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be held responsible.

22 The LORD saves his servants' lives; all those who take refuge in him won't be held responsible for anything.

35

1 LORD, argue with those who argue with me; fight with those who fight against me!

2 Grab a shield and armor; stand up and help me!

3 Use your spear and ax against those who are out to get me! Say to me: "I'm your salvation!"

4 Let those who want me dead be humiliated and put to shame. Let those who intend to hurt me be thoroughly frustrated and disgraced.

5 Let them be like dust on the wind-- and let the LORD's messenger be the one who does the blowing!

6 Let their path be dark and slippery-- and let the LORD's messenger be the one who does the chasing!

7 Because they hid their net for me for no reason, they dug a pit for me for no reason.

8 Let disaster come to them when they don't suspect it. Let the net they hid catch them instead! Let them fall into it--to their disaster!

9 But I will rejoice in the LORD; I will celebrate his salvation.

10 All my bones will say, "LORD, who could compare to you? You rescue the weak from those who overpower them; you rescue the weak and the needy from those who plunder them."

11 Violent witnesses stand up. They question me about things I know nothing about.

12 They pay me back evil for good, leaving me stricken with grief.

13 But when they were sick, I wore clothes for grieving, and I kept a strict fast. When my prayer came back unanswered,

14 I would wander around like I was grieving a friend or a brother. I was weighed down, sad, like I was a mother in mourning.

15 But when I stumbled, they celebrated and gathered together-- they gathered together against me! Strangers I didn't know tore me to pieces and wouldn't quit.

16 They ridiculed me over and over again, like godless people would do, grinding their teeth at me.

17 How long, my Lord, will you watch this happen? Rescue me from their attacks; rescue my precious life from these predatory lions!

18 Then I will thank you in the great assembly; I will praise you in a huge crowd of people.

19 Don't let those who are my enemies without cause celebrate over me; don't let those who hate me for no reason wink at my demise.

20 They don't speak the truth; instead, they plot false accusations against innocent people in the land.

21 They speak out against me, saying, "Yes! Oh, yes! We've seen it with our own eyes!"

22 But you've seen it too, LORD. Don't keep quiet about it. Please don't be far from me, my Lord.

23 Wake up! Get up and do justice for me; argue my case, my Lord and my God!

24 Establish justice for me according to your righteousness, LORD, my God. Don't let them celebrate over me.

25 Don't let them say to themselves, Yes! Exactly what we wanted! Don't let them say, "We ate him up!"

26 Let all those who celebrate my misfortune be disgraced and put to shame! Let those who exalt themselves over me be dressed up in shame and dishonor!

27 But let those who want things to be set right for me shout for joy and celebrate! Let them constantly say, "The LORD is great-- God wants his servant to be at peace."

28 Then my tongue will talk all about your righteousness; it will talk about your praise all day long.

36

1 I know the sinful utterance of the wicked: No fear of God confronts their own eyes,

2 because in their own eyes they are slick with talk about their guilt ever being found out and despised.

3 The words of their mouths are evil and dishonest. They have stopped being wise and stopped doing good.

4 They plot evil even while resting in bed! They commit themselves to a path that is no good. They don't reject what is evil.

5 But your loyal love, LORD, extends to the skies; your faithfulness reaches the clouds.

6 Your righteousness is like the strongest mountains; your justice is like the deepest sea. LORD, you save both humans and animals.

7 Your faithful love is priceless, God! Humanity finds refuge in the shadow of your wings.

8 They feast on the bounty of your house; you let them drink from your river of pure joy.

9 Within you is the spring of life. In your light, we see light.

10 Extend your faithful love to those who know you; extend your righteousness to those whose heart is right.

11 Don't let the feet of arrogant people walk all over me; don't let the hands of the wicked drive me off.

12 Look--right there is where the evildoers have fallen, pushed down, unable to get up!

37

1 Don't get upset over evildoers; don't be jealous of those who do wrong,

2 because they will fade fast, like grass; they will wither like green vegetables.

3 Trust the LORD and do good; live in the land, and farm faithfulness.

4 Enjoy the LORD, and he will give what your heart asks.

5 Commit your way to the LORD! Trust him! He will act

6 and will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like high noon.

7 Be still before the LORD, and wait for him. Don't get upset when someone gets ahead-- someone who invents evil schemes.

8 Let go of anger and leave rage behind! Don't get upset--it will only lead to evil.

9 Because evildoers will be eliminated, but those who hope in the LORD-- they will possess the land.

10 In just a little while the wicked won't exist! If you go looking around their place, they won't be there.

11 But the weak will inherit the land; they will enjoy a surplus of peace.

12 The wicked plot against the righteous, grinding their teeth at them.

13 But my Lord just laughs at them because he knows that their day is coming.

14 The wicked draw their swords and bend their bows to bring down the weak and the needy, to slaughter those whose way is right.

15 But the sword of the wicked will enter their own hearts! Their bows will be broken!

16 Better is the little that the righteous have than the overabundant wealth of the wicked.

17 The arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD supports the righteous.

18 The LORD is intimately acquainted with the lives of the blameless; their heritage will last forever.

19 They won't be ashamed in troubling times, and in a period of famine they will eat their fill.

20 But the wicked will die, the LORD's enemies will disappear-- disappear like the beauty of a meadow--in smoke.

21 The wicked borrow and don't pay it back, but the righteous are generous and giving.

22 Those blessed by God will possess the land, but those cursed by God will be cut off.

23 A person's steps are made secure by the LORD when they delight in his way.

24 Though they trip up, they won't be thrown down, because the LORD holds their hand.

25 I was young and now I'm old, but I have never seen the righteous left all alone, have never seen their children begging for bread.

26 They are always gracious and generous. Their children are a blessing.

27 Turn away from evil! Do good! Then you will live in the land forever.

28 The LORD loves justice. He will never leave his faithful all alone. They are guarded forever, but the children of the wicked are eliminated.

29 The righteous will possess the land; they will live on it forever.

30 The mouths of the righteous recite wisdom; their tongues discuss justice.

31 The Instruction of their God is in their hearts; they don't miss a step.

32 The wicked, on the other hand, target the righteous, seeking to kill them.

33 But the LORD won't leave the righteous to the power of the wicked, and won't let the righteous be found guilty when they are judged.

34 Hope in the LORD and keep his way! He will lift you up so you can possess the land. When the wicked are eliminated, you will see it for yourself!

35 I myself have seen wicked powerful people, exalting themselves like a stately cedar.

36 But when I came back, they were gone! I looked all over for them, but they couldn't be found!

37 Observe those who have integrity and watch those whose heart is right because the future belongs to persons of peace.

38 But wrongdoers will be destroyed all together; the future of the wicked will be cut short.

39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their refuge in times of trouble.

40 The LORD will help themand rescue them-- rescue them from the wicked--and he will save them because they have taken refuge in him.

38

1 Please, LORD, don't punish me when you are mad; don't discipline me when you are furious.

2 Your arrows have pierced me; your fist has come down hard on me.

3 There's nothing in my body that isn't broken because of your rage; there's no health in my bones because of my sin.

4 My wrongdoings are stacked higher than my head; they are a weight that's way too heavy for me.

5 My wounds reek; they are all infected because of my stupidity.

6 I am hunched over, completely down; I wander around all day long, sad.

7 My insides are burning up; there's nothing in my body that isn't broken.

8 I'm worn out, completely crushed; I groan because of my miserable heart.

9 Everything I long for is laid out before you, my Lord; my sighs aren't hidden from you.

10 My heart pounds; my strength abandons me. Even the light of my eyes is gone.

11 My loved ones and friends keep their distance from me in my sickness; those who were near me now stay far away.

12 Those who want me dead lay traps; those who want me harmed utter threats, muttering lies all day long.

13 But I'm like someone who is deaf, who can't hear; like someone who can't speak, whose mouth won't open.

14 I've become like a person who doesn't hear what is being said, whose mouth has no good comeback.

15 But I wait for you, LORD! You will answer, my Lord, my God!

16 Because I prayed: "Don't let them celebrate over me or exalt themselves over me when my foot slips,"

17 because I'm very close to falling, and my pain is always with me.

18 Yes, I confess my wrongdoing; I'm worried about my sin.

19 But my mortal enemies are so strong; those who hate me for no reason seem countless.

20 Those who give, repay good with evil; they oppose me for pursuing good.

21 Don't leave me all alone, LORD! Please, my God, don't be far from me!

22 Come quickly and help me, my Lord, my salvation!

39

1 I promised I would watch my steps so as not to sin with my tongue; promised to keep my mouth shut as long as the wicked were in my presence.

2 So I was completely quiet, silent. I kept my peace, but it did no good. My pain got worse.

3 My heart got hot inside me; while stewing over it, the fire burned. Then I spoke out with my tongue:

4 "Let me know my end, LORD. How many days do I have left? I want to know how brief my time is."

5 You've made my days so short; my lifetime is like nothing in your eyes. Yes, a human life is nothing but a puff of air! Selah

6 Yes, people wander around like shadows; yes, they hustle and bustle, but pointlessly; they don't even know who will get the wealth they've amassed.

7 So now, Lord, what should I be waiting for? My hope is set on you.

8 Deliver me from all my sins; don't make me some foolish person's joke.

9 I am completely silent; I won't open my mouth because you have acted.

10 Get this plague of yours off me! I'm being destroyed by the blows from your fist.

11 You discipline people for their sin, punishing them; like a moth, you ruin what they treasure. Yes, a human life is just a puff of air! Selah

12 Hear my prayer, LORD! Listen closely to my cry for help! Please don't ignore my tears! I'm just a foreigner-- an immigrant staying with you, just like all my ancestors were.

13 Look away from me so I can be happy again before I pass away and am gone.

40

1 I put all my hope in the LORD. He leaned down to me; he listened to my cry for help.

2 He lifted me out of the pit of death, out of the mud and filth, and set my feet on solid rock. He steadied my legs.

3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise for our God. Many people will learn of this and be amazed; they will trust the LORD.

4 Those who put their trust in the LORD, who pay no attention to the proud or to those who follow lies, are truly happy!

5 You, LORD my God! You've done so many things-- your wonderful deeds and your plans for us-- no one can compare with you! If I were to proclaim and talk about all of them, they would be too numerous to count!

6 You don't relish sacrifices or offerings; you don't require entirely burned offerings or compensation offerings-- but you have given me ears!

7 So I said, "Here I come! I'm inscribed in the written scroll.

8 I want to do your will, my God. Your Instruction is deep within me."

9 I've told the good news of your righteousness in the great assembly. I didn't hold anything back-- as you well know, LORD!

10 I didn't keep your righteousness only to myself. I declared your faithfulness and your salvation. I didn't hide your loyal love and trustworthiness from the great assembly.

11 So now you, LORD-- don't hold back any of your compassion from me. Let your loyal love and faithfulness always protect me,

12 because countless evils surround me. My wrongdoings have caught up with me-- I can't see a thing! There's more of them than hairs on my head-- my courage leaves me.

13 Favor me, LORD, and deliver me! LORD, come quickly and help me!

14 Let those who seek my life, who want me dead, be disgraced and put to shame. Let those who want to do me harm be thoroughly frustrated and humiliated.

15 Let those who say to me, "Yes! Oh, yes!" be destroyed by their shame.

16 But let all who seek you celebrate and rejoice in you. Let those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD is great!"

17 But me? I'm weak and needy. Let my Lord think of me. You are my help and my rescuer. My God, don't wait any longer!

41

1 Those who pay close attention to the poor are truly happy! The LORD rescues them during troubling times.

2 The LORD protects them and keeps them alive; they are widely regarded throughout the land as happy people. You won't hand them over to the will of their enemies.

3 The LORD will strengthen them when they are lying in bed, sick. You will completely transform the place where they lie ill.

4 But me? I said, "LORD, have mercy on me! Heal me because I have sinned against you."

5 My enemies speak maliciously about me: "When will he die and his name disappear?"

6 Whenever they come to visit, they say nothing of value. Their hearts collect evil gossip; once they leave, they tell it to everybody.

7 All of those who hate me talk about me, whispering to each other, plotting evil against me:

8 "Some horrible thing has been poured into him; the next time he lies down, he won't get up.

9 Even my good friend, the one I trusted, who shared my food, has kicked me with his heel--a betrayer!

10 But you, LORD, please have mercy on me and lift me up so I can pay them back!

11 Then I'll know you are pleased with me because my enemy won't be shouting in triumph over me.

12 You support me in my integrity; you put me in your presence forever.

13 Bless the LORD, the God of Israel, from forever to forever! Amen and Amen!

42

1 Just like a deer that craves streams of water, my whole being craves you, God.

2 My whole being thirsts for God, for the living God. When will I come and see God's face?

3 My tears have been my food both day and night, as people constantly questioned me, "Where's your God now?"

4 But I remember these things as I bare my soul: how I made my way to the mighty one's abode, to God's own house, with joyous shouts and thanksgiving songs-- a huge crowd celebrating the festival!

5 Why, I ask myself, are you so depressed? Why are you so upset inside? Hope in God! Because I will again give him thanks, my saving presence and my God.

6 My whole being is depressed. That's why I remember you from the land of Jordan and Hermon, from Mount Mizar.

7 Deep called to deep at the noise of your waterfalls; all your massive waves surged over me.

8 By day the LORD commands his faithful love; by night his song is with me-- a prayer to the God of my life.

9 I will say to God, my solid rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why do I have to walk around, sad, oppressed by enemies?"

10 With my bones crushed, my foes make fun of me, constantly questioning me: "Where's your God now?"

11 Why, I ask myself, are you so depressed? Why are you so upset inside? Hope in God! Because I will again give him thanks, my saving presence and my God.

43

1 Establish justice for me, God! Argue my case against ungodly people! Rescue me from the dishonest and unjust!

2 Because you are my God, my protective fortress! Why have you rejected me? Why do I have to walk around, sad, oppressed by enemies?

3 Send your light and truth--those will guide me! Let them bring me to your holy mountain, to your dwelling place.

4 Let me come to God's altar-- let me come to God, my joy, my delight-- then I will give you thanks with the lyre, God, my God!

5 Why, I ask myself, are you so depressed? Why are you so upset inside? Hope in God! Because I will again give him thanks, my saving presence and my God.

44

1 We have heard it, God, with our own ears; our ancestors told us about it: about the deeds you did in their days, in days long past.

2 You, by your own hand, removed all the nations, but you planted our ancestors. You crushed all the peoples, but you set our ancestors free.

3 No, not by their own swords did they take possession of the land-- their own arms didn't save them-- no, it was your strong hand, your arm, and the light of your face because you were pleased with them.

4 It's you, God! You who are my king, the one who orders salvation for Jacob.

5 We've pushed our foes away by your help; we've trampled our enemies by your name.

6 No, I won't trust in my bow; my sword won't save me

7 because it's you who saved us from our foes, you who put those who hate us to shame.

8 So we glory in God at all times and give thanks to your name forever. Selah

9 But now you've rejected and humiliated us. You no longer accompany our armies.

10 You make us retreat from the enemy; our adversaries plunder us.

11 You've handed us over like sheep for butchering; you've scattered us among the nations.

12 You've sold your people for nothing, not even bothering to set a decent price.

13 You've made us a joke to all our neighbors; we're mocked and ridiculed by everyone around us.

14 You've made us a bad joke to the nations, something to be laughed at by all peoples.

15 All day long my disgrace confronts me, and shame covers my face

16 because of the voices of those who make fun of me and bad-mouth me, because of the enemy who is out for revenge.

17 All this has come upon us, but we haven't forgotten you or broken your covenant.

18 Our hearts haven't turned away, neither have our steps strayed from your way.

19 But you've crushed us in the place where jackals live, covering us with deepest darkness.

20 If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to some strange deity,

21 wouldn't God have discovered it? After all, God knows every secret of the heart.

22 No, God, it's because of you that we are getting killed every day-- it's because of you that we are considered sheep ready for slaughter.

23 Wake up! Why are you sleeping, Lord? Get up! Don't reject us forever!

24 Why are you hiding your face, forgetting our suffering and oppression?

25 Look: we're going down to the dust; our stomachs are flat on the ground!

26 Stand up! Help us! Save us for the sake of your faithful love.

45

1 A marvelous word has stirred my heart as I mention my works to the king. My tongue is the pen of a skillful scribe.

2 You are the most handsome of men; grace has been poured out on your lips. No wonder God has blessed you forever!

3 Strap on your sword, great warrior, with your glory and grandeur.

4 Go and succeed in your grandeur! Ride out on behalf of truth, humility, and righteousness! Let your strong hand perform awesome deeds.

5 Let the peoples fall beneath you. May your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king's enemies.

6 Your divine throne is eternal and everlasting. Your royal scepter is a scepter of justice.

7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness. No wonder God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy more than all your companions!

8 All your clothes have the pleasing scent of myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. The music of stringed instruments coming from ivory palaces entertains you.

9 The royal princess is standing in your precious jewels; the queen stands at your right, dressed in the gold of Ophir.

10 Listen, daughter; pay attention, and listen closely! Forget your people and your father's house.

11 Let the king desire your beauty. Because he is your master, bow down to him now.

12 The city of Tyre, the wealthiest of all, will seek your favor with gifts,

13 with riches of every sort for the royal princess, dressed in pearls, her robe embroidered with gold.

14 In robes of many colors, she is led to the king. Her attendants, the young women servants following her, are presented to you as well.

15 As they enter the king's palace, they are led in with celebration and joy.

16 Your sons, great king, will succeed your fathers; you will appoint them as princes throughout the land.

17 I will perpetuate your name from one generation to the next so the peoples will praise you forever and always.

46

1 God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble.

2 That's why we won't be afraid when the world falls apart, when the mountains crumble into the center of the sea,

3 when its waters roar and rage, when the mountains shake because of its surging waves. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams gladden God's city, the holiest dwelling of the Most High.

5 God is in that city. It will never crumble. God will help it when morning dawns.

6 Nations roar; kingdoms crumble. God utters his voice; the earth melts.

7 The LORD of heavenly forces is with us! The God of Jacob is our place of safety. Selah

8 Come, see the LORD's deeds, what devastation he has imposed on the earth--

9 bringing wars to an end in every corner of the world, breaking the bow and shattering the spear, burning chariots with fire.

10 "That's enough! Now know that I am God! I am exalted among all nations; I am exalted throughout the world!

11 The LORD of heavenly forces is with us! The God of Jacob is our place of safety.

47

1 Clap your hands, all you people! Shout joyfully to God with a joyous shout!

2 Because the LORD Most High is awesome, he is the great king of the whole world.

3 He subdues the nations under us, subdues all people beneath our feet.

4 He chooses our inheritance for us: the heights of Jacob, which he loves. Selah

5 God has gone up with a joyous shout-- the LORD with the blast of the ram's horn.

6 Sing praises to God! Sing praises! Sing praises to our king! Sing praises

7 because God is king of the whole world! Sing praises with a song of instruction!

8 God is king over the nations. God sits on his holy throne.

9 The leaders of all people are gathered with the people of Abraham's God because the earth's guardians belong to God; God is exalted beyond all.

48

1 In the city belonging to our God, the LORD is great and so worthy of praise! His holy mountain

2 is a beautiful summit, the joy of the whole world. Mount Zion, in the far north, is the city of the great king.

3 God is in its fortifications, revealing himself as a place of safety.

4 Look: the kings assembled themselves, advancing all together--

5 when they saw it, they were stunned; they panicked and ran away frightened.

6 Trembling took hold of them right there-- like a woman giving birth,

7 or like the east wind when it smashes the ships of Tarshish.

8 Just like we had heard, now we've seen it for ourselves in the city of the LORD of heavenly forces, in the city of our God. May God make it secure forever! Selah

9 We dwell on your faithful love, God, in your temple.

10 Your praise, God, just like your reputation, extends to the far corners of the earth. Your strong hand is filled with righteousness.

11 Let Mount Zion be glad; let the towns of Judah rejoice because of your acts of justice!

12 Walk around Zion; go all the way around it; count its towers.

13 Examine its defenses closely; tour its fortifications so that you may tell future generations:

14 "This is God, our God, forever and always! He is the one who will lead us even to the very end."

49

1 Listen to this, all you people! Listen closely, all you citizens of the world--

2 people of every kind, rich and poor alike!

3 My mouth speaks wisdom; my heart's meditation is full of insight.

4 I will pay close attention to a proverb; I will explain my riddle on the lyre.

5 Why should I be afraid in times of trouble, when the wrongdoing of my bullies engulfs me--

6 those people who trust in their fortunes and boast of their fantastic wealth?

7 Wealth? It can't save a single person! It can't pay a life's ransom-price to God.

8 The price to save someone's life is too high-- wealth will never be enough--

9 no one can live forever without experiencing the pit.

10 Everyone knows that the wise die too, just like foolish and stupid people do, all of them leaving their fortunes to others.

11 Their graves are their eternal homes, the place they live for all generations, even if they had counties named after them!

12 People won't live any longer because of wealth; they're just like the animals that pass away.

13 That's how it goes for those who are foolish, as well as for those who follow their lead, pleased with their talk. Selah

14 Like sheep, they're headed straight for the grave. Death will be their shepherd-- but those who do right in their hearts will rule over them come morning!-- their forms wasting away in the grave rather than having some dignified residence.

15 But God will save my life from the power of the grave, because he will take me. Selah

16 Don't be overly impressed when someone becomes rich, their house swelling to fantastic proportions,

17 because when they die, they won't take any of it with them. Their fantastic things won't accompany them down under.

18 Though they consider themselves blessed during their lives, and even thank you when you deal well with them,

19 they too will join the ancestors who've gone ahead; they too will never see the light again.

20 Wealthy people? They just don't understand; they're just like the animals that pass away.

50

1 From the rising of the sun to where it sets, God, the LORD God, speaks, calling out to the earth.

2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines brightly.

3 Our God is coming; he won't keep quiet. A devouring fire is before him; a storm rages all around him.

4 God calls out to the skies above and to the earth in order to judge his people:

5 "Bring my faithful to me, those who made a covenant with me by sacrifice."

6 The skies proclaim his righteousness because God himself is the judge. Selah

7 "Listen, my people, I will now speak; Israel, I will now testify against you. I am God--your God!

8 I'm not punishing you for your sacrifices or for your entirely burned offerings, which are always before me.

9 I won't accept bulls from your house or goats from your corrals

10 because every forest animal already belongs to me, as do the cattle on a thousand hills.

11 I know every mountain bird; even the insects in the fields are mine.

12 Even if I were hungry, I wouldn't tell you because the whole world and everything in it already belong to me.

13 Do I eat bulls' meat? Do I drink goats' blood?

14 Offer God a sacrifice of thanksgiving! Fulfill the promisesyou made to the Most High!

15 Cry out to me whenever you are in trouble; I will deliver you, then you will honor me."

16 But to the wicked God says, "Why do you talk about my laws? Why do you even mention my covenant?

17 You hate discipline, and you toss my words behind your back.

18 You make friends with thieves whenever you see one; you spend your time with adulterers.

19 You set your mouth free to do evil, then harness your tongue to tell lies.

20 You sit around, talking about your own siblings; you find fault with the children of your very own mother.

21 You've done these things and I've kept quiet. You thought I was just like you! But now I'm punishing you; I'm laying it all out, right in front of your face.

22 So consider this carefully, all you who forget God, or I'll rip you to pieces with no one to deliver you:

23 The one who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving is the one who honors me. And it is to the one who charts the correct path that I will show divine salvation."

51

1 Have mercy on me, God, according to your faithful love! Wipe away my wrongdoings according to your great compassion!

2 Wash me completely clean of my guilt; purify me from my sin!

3 Because I know my wrongdoings, my sin is always right in front of me.

4 I've sinned against you--you alone. I've committed evil in your sight. That's why you are justified when you render your verdict, completely correct when you issue your judgment.

5 Yes, I was born in guilt, in sin, from the moment my mother conceived me.

6 And yes, you want truth in the most hidden places; you teach me wisdom in the most secret space.

7 Purify me with hyssop and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and celebration again; let the bones you crushed rejoice once more.

9 Hide your face from my sins; wipe away all my guilty deeds!

10 Create a clean heart for me, God; put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me!

11 Please don't throw me out of your presence; please don't take your holy spirit away from me.

12 Return the joy of your salvation to me and sustain me with a willing spirit.

13 Then I will teach wrongdoers your ways, and sinners will come back to you.

14 Deliver me from violence, God, God of my salvation, so that my tongue can sing of your righteousness.

15 Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will proclaim your praise.

16 You don't want sacrifices. If I gave an entirely burned offering, you wouldn't be pleased.

17 A broken spirit is my sacrifice, God. You won't despise a heart, God, that is broken and crushed.

18 Do good things for Zion by your favor. Rebuild Jerusalem's walls.

19 Then you will again want sacrifices of righteousness-- entirely burned offerings and complete offerings. Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar.

52

1 Hey, powerful person! Why do you brag about evil? God's faithful love lasts all day long.

2 Your tongue devises destruction: it's like a sharpened razor, causing deception.

3 You love evil more than good; you love lying more than speaking what is right. Selah

4 You love all destructive words; you love the deceiving tongue.

5 But God will take you down permanently; he will snatch you up, tear you out of your tent, and uproot you from the land of the living! Selah

6 The righteous will see and be in awe; they will laugh at those people:

7 "Look at them! They didn't make God their refuge. Instead, they trusted in their own great wealth. They sought refuge in it--to their own destruction!"

8 But I am like a green olive tree in God's house; I trust in God's faithful love forever and always.

9 I will give thanks to you, God, forever, because you have acted. In the presence of your faithful people, I will hope in your name because it's so good.

53

1 Fools say in their hearts, There's no God. They are corrupt and do horrible deeds; not one of them does anything good.

2 God looks down from heaven on humans to see if anyone is wise, to see if anyone seeks God.

3 But all have turned away. Everyone is corrupt. No one does good-- not even one person!

4 Are they dumb--these evildoers-- devouring my people like they are eating bread but never calling on God?

5 There, where there was nothing to fear, they will be in utter panic because God will scatter the bones of those who attacked you. You will put them to shame because God has rejected them.

6 Let Israel's salvation come out of Zion! When God changes his people's circumstances for the better, Jacob will rejoice; Israel will celebrate!

54

1 God! Save me by your name; defend me by your might!

2 God! Hear my prayer; listen to the words of my mouth!

3 The proud have come up against me; violent people want me dead. They pay no attention to God. Selah

4 But look here: God is my helper; my Lord sustains my life.

5 He will bring disaster on my opponents. By your faithfulness, God, destroy them!

6 I will sacrifice to you freely; I will give thanks to your name, LORD, because it's so good,

7 and because God has delivered me from every distress. My eyes have seen my enemies' defeat.

55

1 God, listen to my prayer; don't avoid my request!

2 Pay attention! Answer me! I can't sit still while complaining. I'm beside myself

3 over the enemy's noise, at the wicked person's racket, because they bring disaster on me and harass me furiously.

4 My heart pounds in my chest because death's terrors have reached me.

5 Fear and trembling have come upon me; I'm shaking all over.

6 I say to myself, I wish I had wings like a dove! I'd fly away and rest.

7 I'd run so far away! I'd live in the desert. Selah

8 I'd hurry to my hideout, far from the rushing wind and storm.

9 Baffle them, my Lord! Confuse their language because I see violence and conflict in the city.

10 Day and night they make their rounds on its walls, and evil and misery live inside it.

11 Disaster lives inside it; oppression and fraud never leave the town square.

12 It's not an enemy that is insulting me-- I could handle that. It's not someone who hates me who is exalted over me-- I could hide from them.

13 No. It's you, my equal, my close companion, my good friend!

14 It was so pleasant when together we entered God's house with the crowd.

15 Let death devastate my enemies; let them go to the grave alive because evil lives with them-- even inside them!

16 But I call out to God, and the LORD will rescue me.

17 At evening, morning, and midday I complain and moan so that God will hear my voice.

18 He saves me, unharmed, from my struggle, though there are many who are out to get me.

19 God, who is enthroned from ancient days, will hear and humble them Selah because they don't change and they don't worship God.

20 My friend attacked his allies, breaking his covenant.

21 Though his talk is smoother than butter, war is in his heart; though his words are more silky than oil, they are really drawn swords:

22 "Cast your burden on the LORD-- he will support you! God will never let the righteous be shaken!"

23 But you, God, bring the wicked down to the deepest pit. Let bloodthirsty and treacherous people not live out even half their days. But me? I trust in you!

56

1 God, have mercy on me because I'm being trampled. All day long the enemy oppresses me.

2 My attackers trample me all day long because I have so many enemies. Exalted one,

3 whenever I'm afraid, I put my trust in you--

4 in God, whose word I praise. I trust in God; I won't be afraid. What can mere flesh do to me?

5 All day long they frustrate my pursuits; all their thoughts are evil against me.

6 They get together and set an ambush-- they are watching my steps, hoping for my death.

7 Don't rescue them for any reason! In wrath bring down the people, God!

8 You yourself have kept track of my misery. Put my tears into your bottle-- aren't they on your scroll already?

9 Then my enemies will retreat when I cry out. I know this because God is mine.

10 God: whose word I praise. The LORD: whose word I praise.

11 I trust in God; I won't be afraid. What can anyone do to me?

12 I will fulfill my promises to you, God. I will present thanksgiving offerings to you

13 because you have saved my life from death, saved my feet from stumbling so that I can walk before God in the light of life.

57

1 Have mercy on me, God; have mercy on me because I have taken refuge in you. I take refuge in the shadow of your wings until destruction passes by.

2 I call out to God Most High-- to God, who comes through for me.

3 He sends orders from heaven and saves me, rebukes the one who tramples me. Selah God sends his loyal love and faithfulness.

4 My life is in the middle of a pack of lions. I lie down among those who devour humans. Their teeth are spears and arrows; their tongues are sharpened swords.

5 Exalt yourself, God, higher than heaven! Let your glory be over all the earth!

6 They laid a net for my feet to bring me down; they dug a pit for me, but they fell into it instead! Selah

7 My heart is unwavering, God-- my heart is unwavering. I will sing and make music.

8 Wake up, my glory! Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake the dawn itself!

9 I will give thanks to you, my Lord, among all the peoples; I will make music to you among the nations

10 because your faithful love is as high as heaven; your faithfulness reaches the clouds.

11 Exalt yourself, God, higher than heaven! Let your glory be over all the earth!

58

1 Do you really speak what is right, you gods? Do you really judge humans fairly?

2 No: in your hearts you plan injustice; your hands do violence on the earth.

3 The wicked backslide from the womb; liars go astray from birth.

4 Their venom is like a snake's venom-- like a deaf cobra's--one that shuts its ears

5 so it can't hear the snake charmer's voice or the spells of a skillful enchanter.

6 God, break their teeth out of their mouths! Tear out the lions' jawbones, LORD!

7 Let them dissolve like water flowing away. When they bend the bow, let their arrows be like headless shafts.

8 Like the snail that dissolves into slime, like a woman's stillborn child, let them never see the sun.

9 Before your pots feel the thorns, whether green or burned up, God will sweep them away!

10 But the righteous will rejoice when they see vengeance done, when they wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.

11 Then it will be said: "Yes, there is a reward for the righteous! Yes, there is a God who judges people on the earth."

59

1 Oh, my God, deliver me from my enemies; put me out of reach from those who rise up against me.

2 Deliver me from evildoers; save me from the bloodthirsty.

3 Look at how they lie in ambush for my life! Powerful people are attacking me, LORD-- but not because of any error or sin of mine.

4 They run and take their stand-- but not because of any fault of mine. Get up when I cry out to you! Look at what's happening!

5 You are the LORD God of heavenly forces, the God of Israel! Wake up and punish all the nations! Grant no mercy to any wicked traitor! Selah

6 They come back every evening, growling like dogs, prowling around the city.

7 See what they belch out with their mouths: swords are between their lips! Who can listen to them?

8 But you, LORD, laugh at them. You mock all the nations.

9 I keep looking for you, my strength, because God is my stronghold.

10 My loving God will come to meet me. God will allow me to look down on my enemies.

11 Don't kill them, or my people might forget; instead, by your power shake them up and bring them down, you who are our shield and my Lord.

12 For the sin of their mouths, the words that they speak, let them be captured in their pride. For the curses and lies they repeat,

13 finish them off in anger; finish them off until they are gone! Then let it be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Selah

14 They come back every evening, growling like dogs, prowling around the city.

15 They roam about for food, and if they don't get their fill, they stay all night.

16 But me? I will sing of your strength! In the morning I will shout out loud about your faithful love because you have been my stronghold, my shelter when I was distraught.

17 I will sing praises to you, my strength, because God is my stronghold, my loving God.

60

1 God, you have rejected us-- shattered us. You've been so angry. Now restore us!

2 You've made the ground quake, splitting it open. Now repair its cracks because it's shaking apart!

3 You've made your people suffer hardship; you've given us wine and we stagger.

4 Give a flag to those who honor you, so they can rally around it, safe from attack. Selah

5 Save us by your power and answer us so that the people you love might be rescued.

6 God has spoken in his sanctuary: "I will celebrate as I divide up Shechem and portion out the Succoth Valley.

7 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet; Judah is my scepter.

8 But Moab is my washbowl; I'll throw my shoe at Edom. I shout in triumph over Philistia!

9 I wish someone would bring me to a fortified city! I wish someone would lead meto Edom!"

10 But you have rejected us, God, haven't you? God, you no longer accompany our armies.

11 Give us help against the enemy; human help is worthless.

12 With God we will triumph; he's the one who will trample our adversaries.

61

1 God, listen to my cry; pay attention to my prayer!

2 When my heart is weak, I cry out to you from the very ends of the earth. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I am

3 because you have been my refuge, a tower of strength in the face of the enemy.

4 Please let me live in your tent forever! Please let me take refuge in the shelter of your wings! Selah

5 Because you, God, have heard my promises; you've given me the same possession as those who honor your name.

6 Add days to the king's life! Let his years extend for many generations!

7 Let him be enthroned forever before God! Make it so love and faithfulness watch over him!

8 Then I will sing praises to your name forever, and I will do what I promised every single day.

62

1 Only in God do I find rest; my salvation comes from him.

2 Only God is my rock and my salvation-- my stronghold!--I won't be shaken anymore.

3 How long will all of you attack others; how long will you tear them down as if they were leaning walls or broken-down fences?

4 The only desire of this people is to bring others down low; they delight in deception. With their mouths they bless, but inside they are cursing. Selah

5 Oh, I must find rest in God only, because my hope comes from him!

6 Only God is my rock and my salvation-- my stronghold!--I will not be shaken.

7 My deliverance and glory depend on God. God is my strong rock. My refuge is in God.

8 All you people: Trust in him at all times! Pour out your hearts before him! God is our refuge! Selah

9 Human beings are nothing but a breath. Human beings are nothing but lies. They don't even register on a scale; taken all together they are lighter than a breath!

10 Don't trust in violence; don't set false hopes in robbery. When wealth bears fruit, don't set your heart on it.

11 God has spoken one thing-- make it two things-- that I myself have heard: that strength belongs to God,

12 and faithful love comes from you, my Lord-- and that you will repay everyone according to their deeds.

63

1 God! My God! It's you-- I search for you! My whole being thirsts for you! My body desires you in a dry and tired land, no water anywhere.

2 Yes, I've seen you in the sanctuary; I've seen your power and glory.

3 My lips praise you because your faithful love is better than life itself!

4 So I will bless you as long as I'm alive; I will lift up my hands in your name.

5 I'm fully satisfied-- as with a rich dinner. My mouth speaks praise with joy on my lips--

6 whenever I ponder you on my bed, whenever I meditate on you in the middle of the night--

7 because you've been a help to me and I shout for joy in the protection of your wings.

8 My whole being clings to you; your strong hand upholds me.

9 But what about those people who want to destroy me? Let them go into the bowels of the earth!

10 Let their blood flow by the sword! Let them be food for wild jackals!

11 But the king should rejoice in God; everyone who swears by God should give praise when the mouths of liars are shut for good.

64

1 Listen to me when I complain, God! Protect my life from the enemy's terror!

2 Hide me from the secret plots of wicked people; hide me from the schemes of evildoers

3 who sharpen their tongues like swords. They aim their arrow--a cruel word--

4 from their hiding places so as to shoot an innocent person. They shoot without warning and without fear.

5 They encourage themselves with evil words. They plan on laying traps in secret. "Who will be able to see them?" they ask.

6 "Let someone try to expose our crimes! We've devised a perfect plot! It's deep within the human mind and heart."

7 But God will shoot them with an arrow! Without warning, they will be wounded!

8 The LORD will make them trip over their own tongues; everyone who sees them will just shake their heads.

9 Then all people will honor God, will announce the act of God, will understand it was God's work.

10 Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD; let them take refuge in him; let everyone whose heart is in the right place give praise!

65

1 God of Zion, to you even silence is praise. Promises made to you are kept--

2 you listen to prayer-- and all living things come to you.

3 When wrongdoings become too much for me, you forgive our sins.

4 How happy is the one you choose to bring close, the one who lives in your courtyards! We are filled full by the goodness of your house, by the holiness of your temple.

5 In righteousness you answer us, by your awesome deeds, God of our salvation-- you, who are the security of all the far edges of the earth, even the distant seas;

6 you establish the mountains by your strength; you are dressed in raw power;

7 you calm the roaring seas; calm the roaring waves, calm the noise of the nations.

8 Those who dwell on the far edges stand in awe of your acts. You make the gateways of morning and evening sing for joy.

9 You visit the earth and make it abundant, enriching it greatly by God's stream, full of water. You provide people with grain because that is what you've decided.

10 Drenching the earth's furrows, leveling its ridges, you soften it with rain showers; you bless its growth.

11 You crown the year with your goodness; your paths overflow with rich food.

12 Even the desert pastures drip with it, and the hills are dressed in pure joy.

13 The meadowlands are covered with flocks, the valleys decked out in grain-- they shout for joy; they break out in song!

66

1 Shout joyfully to God, all the earth!

2 Sing praises to the glory of God's name! Make glorious his praise!

3 Say to God: "How awesome are your works! Because of your great strength, your enemies cringe before you.

4 All the earth worships you, sings praises to you, sings praises to your name!"Selah

5 Come and see God's deeds; his works for human beings are awesome:

6 He turned the sea into dry land so they could cross the river on foot. Right there we rejoiced in him!

7 God rules with power forever; keeps a good eye on the nations. So don't let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah

8 All you nations, bless our God! Let the sound of his praise be heard!

9 God preserved us among the living; he didn't let our feet slip a bit.

10 But you, God, have tested us-- you've refined us like silver,

11 trapped us in a net, laid burdens on our backs,

12 let other people run right over our heads-- we've been through fire and water. But you brought us out to freedom!

13 So I'll enter your house with entirely burned offerings. I'll keep the promises I made to you,

14 the ones my lips uttered, the ones my mouth spoke when I was in deep trouble.

15 I will offer the best burned offerings to you along with the smoke of sacrificed rams. I will offer both bulls and goats. Selah

16 Come close and listen, all you who honor God; I will tell you what God has done for me:

17 My mouth cried out to him with praise on my tongue.

18 If I had cherished evil in my heart, my Lord would not have listened.

19 But God definitely listened. He heard the sound of my prayer.

20 Bless God! He didn't reject my prayer; he didn't withhold his faithful love from me.

67

1 Let God grant us grace and bless us; let God make his face shine on us, Selah

2 so that your way becomes known on earth, so that your salvation becomes known among all the nations.

3 Let the people thank you, God! Let all the people thank you!

4 Let the people celebrate and shout with joy because you judge the nations fairly and guide all nations on the earth. Selah

5 Let the people thank you, God! Let all the people thank you!

6 The earth has yielded its harvest. God blesses us--our God blesses us!

7 Let God continue to bless us; let the far ends of the earth honor him.

68

1 Let God rise up; let his enemies scatter; let those who hate him run scared before him!

2 Like smoke is driven away, drive them away! Like wax melting before fire, let the wicked perish before God!

3 But let the righteous be glad and celebrate before God. Let them rejoice with gladness!

4 Sing to God! Sing praises to his name! Exalt the one who rides the clouds! The LORD is his name. Celebrate before him!

5 Father of orphans and defender of widows is God in his holy habitation.

6 God settles the lonely in their homes; he sets prisoners free with happiness, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

7 When you went forth before your people, God, when you marched through the wasteland, Selah

8 the earth shook! Yes, heaven poured down before God, the one from Sinai-- before God, the God of Israel!

9 You showered down abundant rain, God; when your inheritance grew weary, you restored it yourself,

10 and your creatures settled in it. In your goodness, God, you provided for the poor.

11 My Lord gives the command-- many messengers are bringing good news:

12 "The kings of armies are on the run! The women back home divide the spoil.

13 Even if you lie down among the sheepfolds, there are wings of a dove covered with silver; its pinions covered in precious gold."

14 When the Almighty scattered the kings there, snow fell on Mount Zalmon.

15 Mighty mountain, Mount Bashan; many-peaked mountain, Mount Bashan!

16 You many-peaked mountain: Why do you look with envy at the mountain God desired for his dwelling, the mountain where the LORD dwells forever?

17 God's chariots are twice ten thousand-- countless thousands! My Lord came from Sinai into the sanctuary.

18 You ascended the heights, leading away your captives, receiving tribute from people, even from those who rebel against the LORD God's dwelling there.

19 Bless the Lord! The God of our salvation supports us day after day! Selah

20 Our God is the God of salvation, and escape from certain death comes through God my LORD.

21 Yes, God will shatter the heads of his enemies-- the very skulls of those who walk in guilt.

22 My Lord has spoken: "From Bashan I will bring those people back. I will bring them back from the ocean's depths

23 so that you can wash your feet in their blood, so that your dogs' tongues can lap up their share of your enemies."

24 They saw your procession, God-- the procession of my God, my king, into the sanctuary.

25 First came the singers, then the musicians; between them the young women were playing hand drums:

26 "Bless God in the great congregation; bless the LORD from Israel's fountain!"

27 There's Benjamin leading them, though he's little; then the princes of Judah, their speaker; then the princes of Zebulun and the princes of Naphtali.

28 Summon your strength, God! Show how strong you are, God, just as you've done for us before,

29 from your temple above Jerusalem, where kings bring you gifts.

30 Rebuke the wild animals of the marshland, the herd of bulls among the calves of the peoples. Trample those who delight in money; scatter the peoples who take pleasure in battles.

31 Let ambassadors come from Egypt; let Cush stretch out its hands to God.

32 Sing to God, all kingdoms of the earth! Sing praises to my Lord. Selah

33 Sing to the one who rides through heaven, the most ancient heaven. Look! God sends forth his voice, his mighty voice.

34 Recognize how strong God is! His majesty extends over Israel; his strength is in the clouds.

35 You are awesome, God, in your sanctuaries-- the God of Israel who gives strength and power to his people! Bless God!

69

1 Save me, God, because the waters have reached my neck!

2 I have sunk into deep mud. My feet can't touch the bottom! I have entered deep water; the flood has swept me up.

3 I am tired of crying. My throat is hoarse. My eyes are exhausted with waiting for my God.

4 More numerous than the hairs on my head are those who hate me for no reason. My treacherous enemies, those who would destroy me, are countless. Must I now give back what I didn't steal in the first place?

5 God, you know my foolishness; my wrongdoings aren't hidden from you.

6 LORD God of heavenly forces!-- don't let those who hope in you be put to shame because of me. God of Israel!-- don't let those who seek you be disgraced because of me.

7 I am insulted because of you. Shame covers my face.

8 I have become a stranger to my own brothers, an immigrant to my mother's children.

9 Because passion for your house has consumed me, the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me!

10 I wept while I fasted-- even for that I was insulted.

11 When I wore funeral clothes, people made fun of me.

12 Those who sit at the city gate muttered things about me; drunkards made up rude songs.

13 But me? My prayer reaches you, LORD, at just the right time. God, in your great and faithful love, answer me with your certain salvation!

14 Save me from the mud! Don't let me drown! Let me be saved from those who hate me and from these watery depths!

15 Don't let me be swept away by the floodwaters! Don't let the abyss swallow me up! Don't let the pit close its mouth over me!

16 Answer me, LORD, for your faithful love is good! Turn to me in your great compassion!

17 Don't hide your face from me, your servant, because I'm in deep trouble. Answer me quickly!

18 Come close to me! Redeem me! Save me because of my enemies!

19 You know full well the insults I've received; you know my shame and my disgrace. All my adversaries are right there in front of you.

20 Insults have broken my heart. I'm sick about it. I hoped for sympathy, but there wasn't any; I hoped for comforters, but couldn't find any.

21 They gave me poison for food. To quench my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

22 Let the table before them become a trap, their offerings a snare.

23 Let their eyes grow too dim to see; make their insides tremble constantly.

24 Pour out your anger on them-- let your burning fury catch them.

25 Let their camp be devastated; let no one dwell in their tents.

26 Because they go after those you've already struck; they talk about the pain of those you've already pierced.

27 Pile guilt on top of their guilt! Don't let them come into your righteousness!

28 Let them be wiped out of the scroll of life! Let them not be recorded along with the righteous!

29 And me? I'm afflicted. I'm full of pain. Let your salvation keep me safe, God!

30 I will praise God's name with song; I will magnify him with thanks

31 because that is more pleasing to the LORD than an ox, more pleasing than a young bull with full horns and hooves.

32 Let the afflicted see it and be glad! You who seek God-- let your hearts beat strong again

33 because the LORD listens to the needy and doesn't despise his captives.

34 Let heaven and earth praise God, the oceans too, and all that moves within them!

35 God will most certainly save Zion and will rebuild Judah's cities so that God's servants can live there and possess it.

36 The offspring of God's servants will inherit Zion, and those who love God's name will dwell there.

70

1 Hurry, God, to deliver me; hurry, LORD, to help me!

2 Let those who seek my life be ashamed and humiliated! Let them fall back and be disgraced-- those people who delight in my downfall!

3 Let those who say, "Aha! Aha!" stop because of their shameful behavior.

4 But let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you, and let those who love your saving help say again and again: "God is great!"

5 But me? I'm poor and needy. Hurry to me, God! You are my helper and my deliverer. Oh, LORD, don't delay!

71

1 I've taken refuge in you, LORD. Don't let me ever be put to shame!

2 Deliver me and rescue me by your righteousness! Bend your ear toward me and save me!

3 Be my rock of refuge where I can always escape. You commanded that my life be saved because you are my rock and my fortress.

4 My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked; rescue me from the grip of the wrongdoer and the oppressor

5 because you are my hope, Lord. You, LORD, are the one I've trusted since childhood.

6 I've depended on you from birth-- you cut the cord when I came from my mother's womb. My praise is always about you.

7 I've become an example to many people because you are my strong refuge.

8 My mouth is filled with your praise, glorifying you all day long.

9 Don't cast me off in old age. Don't abandon me when my strength is used up!

10 Yes, my enemies have been talking about me; those who stalk me plot together:

11 "God has abandoned him! Pursue him! Grab him because no one will deliver him!"

12 Don't be far from me, God! My God, hurry to help me!

13 Let my accusers be put to shame, completely finished off! Let those who seek my downfall be dressed in insults and disgrace!

14 But me? I will hope. Always. I will add to all your praise.

15 My mouth will repeat your righteous acts and your saving deeds all day long. I don't even know how many of those there are!

16 I will dwell on your mighty acts, my Lord. LORD, I will help others remember nothing but your righteous deeds.

17 You've taught me since my youth, God, and I'm still proclaiming your wondrous deeds!

18 So, even in my old age with gray hair, don't abandon me, God! Not until I tell generations about your mighty arm, tell all who are yet to come about your strength,

19 and about your ultimate righteousness, God, because you've done awesome things! Who can compare to you, God?

20 You, who have shown me many troubles and calamities, will revive me once more. From the depths of the earth, you will raise me up one more time.

21 Please increase my honor and comfort me all around.

22 Then I'll give you thanks with a harp-- I will thank you for your faithfulness, my God. I will make music for you with the lyre, holy one of Israel.

23 My lips will rejoice aloud when I make music for you; my whole being, which you saved, will do the same.

24 My tongue, also, will tell of your righteousness all day long, because those who seek my downfall have been put to shame and disgraced.

72

1 God, give your judgments to the king. Give your righteousness to the king's son.

2 Let him judge your people with righteousness and your poor ones with justice.

3 Let the mountains bring peace to the people; let the hills bring righteousness.

4 Let the king bring justice to people who are poor; let him save the children of those who are needy, but let him crush oppressors!

5 Let the king live as long as the sun, as long as the moon, generation to generation.

6 Let him fall like rain upon fresh-cut grass, like showers that water the earth.

7 Let the righteous flourish throughout their lives, and let peace prosper until the moon is no more.

8 Let the king rule from sea to sea, from the river to the ends of the earth.

9 Let the desert dwellers bow low before him; let his enemies lick the dust.

10 Let the kings of Tarshish and the islands bring tribute; let the kings of Sheba and Seba present gifts.

11 Let all the kings bow down before him; let all the nations serve him.

12 Let it be so, because he delivers the needy who cry out, the poor, and those who have no helper.

13 He has compassion on the weak and the needy; he saves the lives of those who are in need.

14 He redeems their lives from oppression and violence; their blood is precious in his eyes.

15 Let the king live long! Let Sheba's gold be given to him! Let him be prayed for always! Let him be blessed all day long!

16 Let there be abundant grain in the land. Let it wave on the mountaintops. Let its fruit flourish like Lebanon. Let it thrive like grass on the land.

17 Let the king's name last forever. Let his name endure as long as the sun. Let all the nations be blessed through him and call him happy.

18 Bless the LORD God, the God of Israel-- the only one who does wondrous things!

19 Bless God's glorious name forever; let his glory fill all the earth! Amen and Amen!

20 The prayers of David, Jesse's son, are ended.

73

1 Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure of heart.

2 But me? My feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped

3 because I envied the arrogant; I observed how the wicked are well off:

4 They suffer no pain; their bodies are fit and strong.

5 They are never in trouble; they aren't weighed down like other people.

6 That's why they wear arrogance like a necklace, why violence covers them like clothes.

7 Their eyes bulge out from eating so well; their hearts overflow with delusions.

8 They scoff and talk so cruel; from their privileged positions they plan oppression.

9 Their mouths dare to speak against heaven! Their tongues roam the earth!

10 That's why people keep going back to them, keep approving what they say.

11 And what they say is this: "How could God possibly know! Does the Most High know anything at all!"

12 Look at these wicked ones, always relaxed, piling up the wealth!

13 Meanwhile, I've kept my heart pure for no good reason; I've washed my hands to stay innocent for nothing.

14 I'm weighed down all day long. I'm punished every morning.

15 If I said, "I will talk about all this," I would have been unfaithful to your children.

16 But when I tried to understand these things, it just seemed like hard work

17 until I entered God's sanctuary and understood what would happen to the wicked.

18 You will definitely put them on a slippery path; you will make them fall into ruin!

19 How quickly they are devastated, utterly destroyed by terrors!

20 As quickly as a dream departs from someone waking up, my Lord, when you are stirred up, you make them disappear.

21 When my heart was bitter, when I was all cut up inside,

22 I was stupid and ignorant. I acted like nothing but an animal toward you.

23 But I was still always with you! You held my strong hand!

24 You have guided me with your advice; later you will receive me with glory.

25 Do I have anyone else in heaven? There's nothing on earth I desire except you.

26 My body and my heart fail, but God is my heart's rock and my share forever.

27 Look! Those far from you die; you annihilate all those who are unfaithful to you.

28 But me? It's good for me to be near God. I have taken my refuge in you, my LORD God, so I can talk all about your works!

74

1 God, why have you abandoned us forever? Why does your anger smolder at the sheep of your own pasture?

2 Remember your congregation that you took as your own long ago, that you redeemed to be the tribe of your own possession-- remember Mount Zion, where you dwell.

3 March to the unending ruins, to all that the enemy destroyed in the sanctuary.

4 Your enemies roared in your own meeting place; they set up their own signs there!

5 It looked like axes raised against a thicket of trees.

6 And then all its carvings they hacked down with hatchet and pick.

7 They set fire to your sanctuary, burned it to the ground; they defiled the dwelling place of your name.

8 They said in their hearts, We'll kill all of them together! They burned all of God's meeting places in the land.

9 We don't see our own signs anymore. No prophet is left. And none of us know how long it will last.

10 How long, God, will foes insult you? Are enemies going to abuse your name forever?

11 Why do you pull your hand back? Why do you hold your strong hand close to your chest?

12 Yet God has been my king from ancient days-- God, who makes salvation happen in the heart of the earth!

13 You split the sea with your power. You shattered the heads of the sea monsters on the water.

14 You crushed Leviathan's heads. You gave it to the desert dwellers for food!

15 You split open springs and streams; you made strong-flowing rivers dry right up.

16 The day belongs to you! The night too! You established both the moon and the sun.

17 You set all the boundaries of the earth in place. Summer and winter? You made them!

18 So remember this, LORD: how enemies have insulted you, how unbelieving fools have abused your name.

19 Don't deliver the life of your dove to wild animals! Don't forget the lives of your afflicted people forever!

20 Consider the covenant! Because the land's dark places are full of violence.

21 Don't let the oppressed live in shame. No, let the poor and needy praise your name!

22 God, rise up! Make your case! Remember how unbelieving fools insult you all day long.

23 Don't forget the voices of your enemies, the racket of your adversaries that never quits.

75

1 We give thanks to you, God. Yes, we give thanks! Your name is near. Your marvelous deeds are declared.

2 God says, "When I decide the time is right, I will establish justice just so.

3 The earth and all its inhabitants will melt, but I will keep its pillars steady."Selah

4 I said to the arrogant, "Don't be arrogant!" To the wicked I said, "Don't exalt your strength!

5 Don't exalt your strength so highly. Don't speak so arrogantly against the rock."

6 Because what exalts someone doesn't come from the east or west; it's not from the south either.

7 Rather it is God who is the judge. He brings this person down, but that person he lifts up.

8 Indeed, there's a cup in the LORD's hand full of foaming wine, mixed with spice. He will pour it out, and all of the earth's wicked people must drink it; they must drink every last drop!

9 But I will rejoice always; I will sing praises to Jacob's God!

10 God says: "I will demolish every bit of the wicked's power, but the strength of the righteous will be lifted up."

76

1 God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

2 His dwelling place became Salem; his habitation was Zion.

3 It was there that he broke the fiery shafts of the bow, the shield, the sword--even the battle itself! Selah

4 You are ablaze with light, mightier than the mountains that give food.

5 The bravehearted lie plundered. They sank into deep lethargy. All the strong troops couldn't even lift their hands!

6 At your rebuke, Jacob's God, both chariot and horse were stopped dead-still.

7 You! You are awesome! Who can stand before you when you are angry?

8 You have announced judgment from heaven. The earth grew afraid and fell silent

9 when God rose up to establish justice, when God rose up to save all of the earth's poor. Selah

10 Even human rage will turn to your praise when you dress yourself with whatever remains of your wrath.

11 Make promises to the LORD your God and keep them! Let all around him bring gifts to the awesome one.

12 He breaks the spirit of princes. He is terrifying to all the kings of the earth.

77

1 I cry out loud to God-- out loud to God so that he can hear me!

2 During the day when I'm in trouble I look for my Lord. At night my hands are still outstretched and don't grow numb; my whole being refuses to be comforted.

3 I remember God and I moan. I complain, and my spirit grows tired. Selah

4 You've kept my eyelids from closing. I'm so upset I can't even speak.

5 I think about days long past; I remember years that seem an eternity in the past.

6 I meditate with my heart at night; I complain, and my spirit keeps searching:

7 "Will my Lord reject me forever? Will he never be pleased again?

8 Has his faithful love come to a complete end? Is his promise over for future generations?

9 Has God forgotten how to be gracious? Has he angrily stopped up his compassion?"Selah

10 It's my misfortune, I thought, that the strong hand of the Most High is different now.

11 But I will remember the LORD's deeds; yes, I will remember your wondrous acts from times long past.

12 I will meditate on all your works; I will ponder your deeds.

13 God, your way is holiness! Who is as great a god as you, God?

14 You are the God who works wonders; you have demonstrated your strength among all peoples.

15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people; redeemed the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

16 The waters saw you, God-- the waters saw you and reeled! Even the deep depths shook!

17 The clouds poured water, the skies cracked thunder; your arrows were flying all around!

18 The crash of your thunder was in the swirling storm; lightning lit up the whole world; the earth shook and quaked.

19 Your way went straight through the sea; your pathways went right through the mighty waters. But your footprints left no trace!

20 You led your people like sheep under the care of Moses and Aaron.

78

1 Listen, my people, to my teaching; tilt your ears toward the words of my mouth.

2 I will open my mouth with a proverb. I'll declare riddles from days long gone--

3 ones that we've heard and learned about, ones that our ancestors told us.

4 We won't hide them from their descendants; we'll tell the next generation all about the praise due the LORD and his strength-- the wondrous works God has done.

5 He established a law for Jacob and set up Instruction for Israel, ordering our ancestors to teach them to their children.

6 This is so that the next generation and children not yet born will know these things, and so they can rise up and tell their children

7 to put their hope in God-- never forgetting God's deeds, but keeping God's commandments--

8 and so that they won't become like their ancestors: a rebellious, stubborn generation, a generation whose heart wasn't set firm and whose spirit wasn't faithful to God.

9 The children of Ephraim, armed with bows, retreated on the day of battle.

10 They didn't keep God's covenant; they refused to walk in his Instruction.

11 They forgot God's deeds as well as the wondrous works he showed them.

12 But God performed wonders in their ancestors' presence-- in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.

13 God split the sea and led them through, making the waters stand up like a wall.

14 God led them with the cloud by day; by the lightning all through the night.

15 God split rocks open in the wilderness, gave them plenty to drink-- as if from the deep itself!

16 God made streams flow from the rock, made water run like rivers.

17 But they continued to sin against God, rebelling against the Most High in the desert.

18 They tested God in their hearts, demanded food for their stomachs.

19 They spoke against God! "Can God set a dinner table in the wilderness?" they asked.

20 "True, God struck the rock and water gushed and streams flowed, but can he give bread too? Can he provide meat for his people?"

21 When the LORD heard this, he became furious. A fire was ignited against Jacob; wrath also burned against Israel

22 because they had no faith in God, because they didn't trust his saving power.

23 God gave orders to the skies above, opened heaven's doors,

24 and rained manna on them so they could eat. He gave them the very grain of heaven!

25 Each person ate the bread of the powerful ones; God sent provisions to satisfy them.

26 God set the east wind moving across the skies and drove the south wind by his strength.

27 He rained meat on them as if it were dust in the air; he rained as many birds as the sand on the seashore!

28 God brought the birds down in the center of their camp, all around their dwellings.

29 So they ate and were completely satisfied; God gave them exactly what they had craved.

30 But they didn't stop craving-- even with the food still in their mouths!

31 So God's anger came up against them: he killed the most hearty of them; he cut down Israel's youth in their prime.

32 But in spite of all that, they kept sinning and had no faith in God's wondrous works.

33 So God brought their days to an end, like a puff of air, and their years in total ruin.

34 But whenever God killed them, they went after him! They would turn and earnestly search for God.

35 They would remember that God was their rock, that the Most High was their redeemer.

36 But they were just flattering him with lip service. They were lying to him with their tongues.

37 Their hearts weren't firmly set on him; they weren't faithful to his covenant.

38 But God, being compassionate, kept forgiving their sins, kept avoiding destruction; he took back his anger so many times, wouldn't stir up all his wrath!

39 God kept remembering that they were just flesh, just breath that passes and doesn't come back.

40 How often they rebelled against God in the wilderness and distressed him in the desert!

41 Time and time again they tested God, provoking the holy one of Israel.

42 They didn't remember God's power-- the day when he saved them from the enemy;

43 how God performed his signs in Egypt, his marvelous works in the field of Zoan.

44 God turned their rivers into blood; they couldn't drink from their own streams.

45 God sent swarms against them to eat them up, frogs to destroy them.

46 God handed over their crops to caterpillars, their land's produce to locusts.

47 God killed their vines with hail, their sycamore trees with frost.

48 God delivered their cattle over to disease, their herds to plagues.

49 God unleashed his burning anger against them-- fury, indignation, distress, a troop of evil messengers.

50 God blazed a path for his wrath. He didn't save them from death, but delivered their lives over to disease.

51 God struck down all of Egypt's oldest males; in Ham's tents, he struck their pride and joy.

52 God led his own people out like sheep, guiding them like a flock in the wilderness.

53 God led them in safety--they were not afraid! But the sea engulfed their enemies!

54 God brought them to his holy territory, to the mountain that his own strong hand had acquired.

55 God drove out the nations before them and apportioned property for them; he settled Israel's tribes in their tents.

56 But they tested and defied the Most High God; they didn't pay attention to his warnings.

57 They turned away, became faithless just like their ancestors; they twisted away like a defective bow.

58 They angered God with their many shrines; they angered him with their idols.

59 God heard and became enraged; he rejected Israel utterly.

60 God abandoned the sanctuary at Shiloh, the tent where he had lived with humans.

61 God let his power be held captive, let his glory go to the enemy's hand.

62 God delivered his people up to the sword; he was enraged at his own possession.

63 Fire devoured his young men, and his young women had no wedding songs.

64 God's priests were killed by the sword, and his widows couldn't even cry.

65 But then my Lord woke up-- as if he'd been sleeping! Like a warrior shaking off wine,

66 God beat back his foes; he made them an everlasting disgrace.

67 God rejected the tent of Joseph and didn't choose the tribe of Ephraim.

68 Instead, he chose the tribe of Judah, the mountain of Zion, which he loves.

69 God built his sanctuary like the highest heaven and like the earth, which he established forever.

70 And God chose David, his servant, taking him from the sheepfolds.

71 God brought him from shepherding nursing ewes to shepherd his people Jacob, to shepherd his inheritance, Israel.

72 David shepherded them with a heart of integrity; he led them with the skill of his hands.

79

1 The nations have come into your inheritance, God! They've defiled your holy temple. They've made Jerusalem a bunch of ruins.

2 They've left your servants' bodies as food for the birds; they've left the flesh of your faithful to the wild animals of the earth.

3 They've poured out the blood of the faithful like water all around Jerusalem, and there's no one left to bury them.

4 We've become a joke to our neighbors, nothing but objects of ridicule and disapproval to those around us.

5 How long will you rage, LORD? Forever? How long will your anger burn like fire?

6 Pour out your wrath on the nations who don't know you, on the kingdoms that haven't called on your name.

7 They've devoured Jacob and demolished his pasture.

8 Don't remember the iniquities of past generations; let your compassion hurry to meet us because we've been brought so low.

9 God of our salvation, help us for the glory of your name! Deliver us and cover our sins for the sake of your name!

10 Why should the nations say, "Where's their God now?" Let vengeance for the spilled blood of your servants be known among the nations before our very eyes!

11 Let the prisoners' groaning reach you. With your powerful arm spare those who are destined to die.

12 Pay back our neighbors seven times over, right where it hurts, for the insults they used on you, Lord.

13 We are, after all, your people and the sheep of your very own pasture. We will give you thanks forever; we will proclaim your praises from one generation to the next.

80

1 Shepherd of Israel, listen! You, the one who leads Joseph as if he were a sheep. You, who are enthroned upon the winged heavenly creatures. Show yourself

2 before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh! Wake up your power! Come to save us!

3 Restore us, God! Make your face shine so that we can be saved!

4 LORD God of heavenly forces, how long will you fume against your people's prayer?

5 You've fed them bread made of tears; you've given them tears to drink three times over!

6 You've put us at odds with our neighbors; our enemies make fun of us.

7 Restore us, God of heavenly forces! Make your face shine so that we can be saved!

8 You brought a vine out of Egypt. You drove out the nations and planted it.

9 You cleared the ground for it; then it planted its roots deep, filling the land.

10 The mountains were covered by its shade; the mighty cedars were covered by its branches.

11 It sent its branches all the way to the sea; its shoots went all the way to the Euphrates River.

12 So why have you now torn down its walls so that all who come along can pluck its fruit,

13 so that any boar from the forest can tear it up, so that the bugs can feed on it?

14 Please come back, God of heavenly forces! Look down from heaven and perceive it! Attend to this vine,

15 this root that you planted with your strong hand, this son whom you secured as your very own.

16 It is burned with fire. It is chopped down. They die at the rebuke coming from you.

17 Let your hand be with the one on your right side-- with the one whom you secured as your own--

18 then we will not turn away from you! Revive us so that we can call on your name.

19 Restore us, LORD God of heavenly forces! Make your face shine so that we can be saved!

81

1 Rejoice out loud to God, our strength! Shout for joy to Jacob's God!

2 Take up a song and strike the drum! Sweet lyre along with harp!

3 Blow the horn on the new moon, at the full moon, for our day of celebration!

4 Because this is the law for Israel; this is a rule of Jacob's God.

5 He made it a decree for Joseph when he went out against the land of Egypt, when I heard a language I did not yet know:

6 "I lifted the burden off your shoulders; your hands are free of the brick basket!

7 In distress you cried out, so I rescued you. I answered you in the secret of thunder. I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah

8 Listen, my people, I'm warning you! If only you would listen to me, Israel.

9 There must be no foreign god among you. You must not bow down to any strange deity.

10 I am the LORD your God, who brought you up from Egypt's land. Open your mouth wide--I will fill it up!

11 But my people wouldn't listen to my voice. Israel simply wasn't agreeable toward me.

12 So I sent them off to follow their willful hearts; they followed their own advice.

13 How I wish my people would listen to me! How I wish Israel would walk in my ways!

14 Then I would subdue their enemies in a second; I would turn my hand against their foes.

15 Those who hate the LORD would grovel before me, and their doom would last forever!

16 But I would feed you with the finest wheat. I would satisfy you with honey from the rock."

82

1 God takes his stand in the divine council; he gives judgment among the gods:

2 "How long will you judge unjustly by granting favor to the wicked? Selah

3 Give justice to the lowly and the orphan; maintain the right of the poor and the destitute!

4 Rescue the lowly and the needy. Deliver them from the power of the wicked!

5 They don't know; they don't understand; they wander around in the dark. All the earth's foundations shake.

6 I hereby declare, "You are gods, children of the Most High--all of you!

7 But you will die like mortals; you will fall down like any prince."

8 Rise up, God! Judge the earth because you hold all nations in your possession!

83

1 God, don't be silent! Don't be quiet or sit still, God,

2 because--look!--your enemies are growling; those who hate you are acting arrogantly.

3 They concoct crafty plans against your own people; they plot against the people you favor.

4 "Come on," they say, "let's wipe them out as a nation! Let the name Israel be remembered no more!"

5 They plot with a single-minded heart; they make a covenant against you.

6 They are the clans of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites,

7 Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia along with the citizens of Tyre.

8 Assyria too has joined them-- they are the strong arm for Lot's children. Selah

9 Do to them what you did to Midian, to Sisera, and to Jabin at the Kishon River.

10 They were destroyed at Endor; they become fertilizer for the ground.

11 Make their officials like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna--

12 those who said, "Let's take God's pastures for ourselves."

13 My God, make them like tumbleweeds, like chaff blown by wind.

14 Just like a fire consumes a forest, just like flames set mountains ablaze,

15 pursue them with your storm, terrify them with your hurricane.

16 Cover their faces with shame, LORD, so that they might seek your name.

17 Let them be shamed and terrified forever. Let them die in disgrace.

18 Let them know that you-- your name is the LORD!-- you alone are Most High over all the earth.

84

1 How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD of heavenly forces!

2 My very being longs, even yearns, for the LORD's courtyards. My heart and my body will rejoice out loud to the living God!

3 Yes, the sparrow too has found a home there; the swallow has found herself a nest where she can lay her young beside your altars, LORD of heavenly forces, my king, my God!

4 Those who live in your house are truly happy; they praise you constantly. Selah

5 Those who put their strength in you are truly happy; pilgrimage is in their hearts.

6 As they pass through the Baca Valley, they make it a spring of water. Yes, the early rain covers it with blessings.

7 They go from strength to strength, until they see the supreme God in Zion.

8 LORD God of heavenly forces, hear my prayer; listen closely, Jacob's God! Selah

9 Look at our shield, God; pay close attention to the face of your anointed one!

10 Better is a single day in your courtyards than a thousand days anywhere else! I would prefer to stand outside the entrance of my God's house than live comfortably in the tents of the wicked!

11 The LORD is a sun and shield; God is favor and glory. The LORD gives--doesn't withhold!--good things to those who walk with integrity.

12 LORD of heavenly forces, those who trust in you are truly happy!

85

1 LORD, you've been kind to your land; you've changed Jacob's circumstances for the better.

2 You've forgiven your people's wrongdoing; you've covered all their sins. Selah

3 You've stopped being furious; you've turned away from your burning anger.

4 You, the God who can save us, restore us! Stop being angry with us!

5 Will you be mad at us forever? Will you prolong your anger from one generation to the next?

6 Won't you bring us back to life again so that your people can rejoice in you?

7 Show us your faithful love, LORD! Give us your salvation!

8 Let me hear what the LORD God says, because he speaks peace to his people and to his faithful ones. Don't let them return to foolish ways.

9 God's salvation is very close to those who honor him so that his glory can live in our land.

10 Faithful love and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed.

11 Truth springs up from the ground; righteousness gazes down from heaven.

12 Yes, the LORD gives what is good, and our land yields its produce.

13 Righteousness walks before God, making a road for his steps.

86

1 LORD, listen closely to me and answer me, because I am poor and in need.

2 Guard my life because I am faithful. Save your servant who trusts in you--you! My God!

3 Have mercy on me, Lord, because I cry out to you all day long.

4 Make your servant's life happy again because, my Lord, I offer my life to you,

5 because, my Lord, you are good and forgiving, full of faithful love for all those who cry out to you.

6 Listen closely to my prayer, LORD; pay close attention to the sound of my requests for mercy.

7 Whenever I am in trouble, I cry out to you, because you will answer me.

8 My Lord! There is no one like youamong the gods! There is nothing that can compare to your works!

9 All the nations that you've made will come and bow down before you, Lord; they will glorify your name,

10 because you are awesome and a wonder-worker. You are God. Just you.

11 Teach me your way, LORD, so that I can walk in your truth. Make my heart focused only on honoring your name.

12 I give thanks to you, my Lord, my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify your name forever,

13 because your faithful love toward me is awesome and because you've rescued my life from the lowest part of hell.

14 The arrogant rise up against me, God. A gang of violent people want me dead. They don't give a thought for you.

15 But you, my Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy; you are very patient and full of faithful love.

16 Come back to me! Have mercy on me! Give your servant your strength; save this child of your servant!

17 Show me a sign of your goodness so that those who hate me will see it and be put to shame-- show a sign that you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

87

1 God's foundation is set on the holy mountains.

2 The LORD loves Zion's gates more than all of Jacob's houses combined.

3 Glorious things are said about you, the city of God! Selah

4 I count Rahab and Babel among those who know me; also Philistia and Tyre, along with Cush-- each of these was born there.

5 And of Zion it is said: "Each person was born in it, but the one who will establish it is the Most High."

6 The LORD makes a record as he registers the peoples: "Each one was born there."Selah

7 And while they dance, people sing: "The source of my life comes from you."

88

1 LORD, God of my salvation, by day I cry out, even at night, before you--

2 let my prayer reach you! Turn your ear to my outcry

3 because my whole being is filled with distress; my life is at the very brink of hell.

4 I am considered as one of those plummeting into the pit. I am like those who are beyond help,

5 drifting among the dead lying in the grave, like dead bodies-- those you don't remember anymore, those who are cut off from your power.

6 You placed me down in the deepest pit, in places dark and deep.

7 Your anger smothers me; you subdue me with it, wave after wave. Selah

8 You've made my friends distant. You've made me disgusting to them. I can't escape. I'm trapped!

9 My eyes are tired of looking at my suffering. I've been calling out to you every day, LORD-- I've had my hands outstretched to you!

10 Do you work wonders for the dead? Do ghosts rise up and give you thanks? Selah

11 Is your faithful love proclaimed in the grave, your faithfulness in the underworld?

12 Are your wonders known in the land of darkness, your righteousness in the land of oblivion?

13 But I cry out to you, LORD! My prayer meets youfirst thing in the morning!

14 Why do you reject my very being, LORD? Why do you hide your face from me?

15 Since I was young I've been afflicted, I've been dying. I've endured your terrors. I'm lifeless.

16 Your fiery anger has overwhelmed me; your terrors have destroyed me.

17 They surround me all day long like water; they engulf me completely.

18 You've made my loved ones and companions distant. My only friend is darkness.

89

1 I will sing of the LORD's loyal love forever. I will proclaim your faithfulness with my own mouth from one generation to the next.

2 That's why I say, "Your loyal love is rightly built--forever! You establish your faithfulness in heaven."

3 You said, "I made a covenant with my chosen one; I promised my servant David:

4 'I will establish your offspring forever; I will build up your throne from one generation to the next.'"Selah

5 Heaven thanks you for your wondrous acts, LORD-- for your faithfulness too-- in the assembly of the holy ones.

6 Is there any in the sky who could compare to the LORD? Who among the gods is equal to the LORD?

7 God is respected in the council of the holy ones; God is awesome and revered more than all those around him.

8 Who is like you, LORD God of heavenly forces? Mighty LORD, your faithfulness surrounds you!

9 You rule over the surging sea: When its waves rise up, it's you who makes them still.

10 It's you who crushed Rahab like a dead body; you scattered your enemies with your strong arm.

11 Heaven is yours! The earth too! The world and all that fills it-- you made all of it! North and south--you created them!

12 The mountains Tabor and Hermon shout praises to your name.

13 You have a powerful arm; your hand is strong; your strong hand is raised high!

14 Your throne is built on righteousness and justice; loyal love and faithfulness stand in front of you.

15 The people who know the celebratory shout are truly happy! They walk in the light of your presence, LORD!

16 They rejoice in your name all day long and are uplifted by your righteousness

17 because you are the splendor of their strength. By your favor you make us strong

18 because our shield is the LORD's own; our king belongs to the holy one of Israel!

19 Once you spoke in a vision to your faithful servants: I placed a crown on a strong man. I raised up someone specially chosen from the people.

20 I discovered my servant David. I anointed him with my holy oil.

21 My hand will sustain him-- yes, my arm will strengthen him!

22 No enemy will oppress him; no wicked person will make him suffer.

23 I will crush all his foes in front of him. I will strike down all those who hate him.

24 My faithfulness and my loyal love will be with him. He will be strengthened by my name.

25 I will set his hand on the sea. I will set his strong hand on the rivers.

26 He will cry out to me: "You are my father, my God, the rock of my salvation."

27 Yes, I'll make him the one born first-- I'll make him the high king of all earth's kings.

28 I will always guard my loyal love toward him. My covenant with him will last forever.

29 I will establish his dynasty for all time. His throne will last as long as heaven does.

30 But if his children ever abandon my Instruction, stop following my rules--

31 if they treat my statutes like dirt, stop keeping my commandments--

32 then I will punish their sin with a stick, and I will punish their wrongdoing with a severe beating.

33 But even then I won't withdraw my loyal love from him. I won't betray my faithfulness.

34 I won't break my covenant. I won't renege on what crossed my lips.

35 By my own holiness I've sworn one thing: I will not lie to David.

36 His dynasty will last forever. His throne will be like the sun, always before me.

37 It will be securely established forever; like the moon, a faithful witness in the sky. Selah

38 But you, God, have rejected and despised him. You've become infuriated with your anointed one.

39 You've canceled the covenant with your servant. You've thrown his crown in the dirt.

40 You've broken through all his walls. You've made his strongholds a pile of ruins.

41 All those who pass by plunder him. He's nothing but a joke to his neighbors.

42 You lifted high his foes' strong hand. You gave all his enemies reason to celebrate.

43 Yes, you dulled the edge of his sword and didn't support him in battle.

44 You've put an end to his splendor. You've thrown his throne to the ground.

45 You've shortened the prime of his life. You've wrapped him up in shame. Selah

46 How long will it last, LORD? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your wrath burn like fire?

47 Remember how short my life is! Have you created humans for no good reason?

48 Who lives their life without seeing death? Who is ever rescued from the grip of the grave? Selah

49 Where now are your loving acts from long ago, my Lord-- the same ones you promised to David by your own faithfulness?

50 Remember your servant's abuse, my Lord! Remember how I bear in my heart all the insults of the nations,

51 the ones your enemies, LORD, use-- the ones they use to abuse every step your anointed one takes.

52 Bless the LORD forever! Amen and Amen!

90

1 Lord, you have been our help, generation after generation.

2 Before the mountains were born, before you birthed the earth and the inhabited world-- from forever in the past to forever in the future, you are God.

3 You return people to dust, saying, "Go back, humans,"

4 because in your perspective a thousand years are like yesterday past, like a short period during the night watch.

5 You sweep humans away like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning.

6 True, in the morning it thrives, renewed, but come evening it withers, all dried up.

7 Yes, we are wasting away because of your wrath; we are paralyzed with fear on account of your rage.

8 You put our sins right in front of you, set our hidden faults in the light from your face.

9 Yes, all our days slip away because of your fury; we finish up our years with a whimper.

10 We live at best to be seventy years old, maybe eighty, if we're strong. But their duration brings hard work and trouble because they go by so quickly. And then we fly off.

11 Who can comprehend the power of your anger? The honor that is due you corresponds to your wrath.

12 Teach us to number our days so we can have a wise heart.

13 Come back to us, LORD! Please, quick! Have some compassion for your servants!

14 Fill us full every morning with your faithful love so we can rejoice and celebrate our whole life long.

15 Make us happy for the same amount of time that you afflicted us-- for the same number of years that we saw only trouble.

16 Let your acts be seen by your servants; let your glory be seen by their children.

17 Let the kindness of the Lord our God be over us. Make the work of our hands last. Make the work of our hands last!

91

1 Living in the Most High's shelter, camping in the Almighty's shade,

2 I say to the LORD, "You are my refuge, my stronghold! You are my God--the one I trust!"

3 God will save you from the hunter's trap and from deadly sickness.

4 God will protect you with his pinions; you'll find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness is a protective shield.

5 Don't be afraid of terrors at night, arrows that fly in daylight,

6 or sickness that prowls in the dark, destruction that ravages at noontime.

7 Even if one thousand people fall dead next to you, ten thousand right beside you-- it won't happen to you.

8 Just look with your eyes, and you will see the wicked punished.

9 Because you've made the LORD my refuge, the Most High, your place of residence--

10 no evil will happen to you; no disease will come close to your tent.

11 Because he will order his messengers to help you, to protect you wherever you go.

12 They will carry you with their own hands so you don't bruise your foot on a stone.

13 You'll march on top of lions and vipers; you'll trample young lions and serpents underfoot.

14 God says, "Because you are devoted to me, I'll rescue you. I'll protect you because you know my name.

15 Whenever you cry out to me, I'll answer. I'll be with you in troubling times. I'll save you and glorify you.

16 I'll fill you full with old age. I'll show you my salvation."

92

1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, Most High;

2 to proclaim your loyal love in the morning, your faithfulness at nighttime

3 with the ten-stringed harp, with the melody of the lyre

4 because you've made me happy, LORD, by your acts. I sing with joy because of your handiwork.

5 How awesome are your works, LORD! Your thoughts are so deep!

6 Ignorant people don't know-- fools don't understand this:

7 though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers seem to blossom, they do so only to be destroyed forever.

8 But you, LORD, are exalted forever!

9 Look at your enemies, LORD! Look at how your enemies die, how all evildoers are scattered abroad!

10 But you've made me as strong as a wild ox. I'm soaked in precious ointment.

11 My eyes have seen my enemies' defeat; my ears have heard the downfall of my evil foes.

12 The righteous will spring up like a palm tree. They will grow strong like a cedar of Lebanon.

13 Those who have been replanted in the LORD's house will spring up in the courtyards of our God.

14 They will bear fruit even when old and gray; they will remain lush and fresh

15 in order to proclaim: "The LORD is righteous. He's my rock. There's nothing unrighteous in him."

93

1 The LORD rules! He is robed in majesty-- the LORD is robed, clothed with strength. Yes, he set the world firmly in place; it won't be shaken.

2 Your throne is set firm for a very long time. You are eternal!

3 LORD, the floods have raised up-- the floods have raised up their voices; the floods raise up a roar!

4 But mightier than the sound of much water, mightier than the sea's waves, mighty on high is the LORD!

5 Your laws are so faithful. Holiness decorates your house, LORD, for all time.

94

1 LORD, avenging God-- avenging God, show yourself!

2 Rise up, judge of the earth! Pay back the arrogant exactly what they deserve!

3 How long will the wicked--oh, LORD!-- how long will the wicked win?

4 They spew arrogant words; all the evildoers are bragging.

5 They crush your own people, LORD! They abuse your very own possession.

6 They kill widows and immigrants; they murder orphans,

7 saying all the while, "The LORD can't see it; Jacob's God doesn't know what's going on!"

8 You ignorant people better learn quickly. You fools--when will you get some sense?

9 The one who made the ear, can't he hear? The one who formed the eye, can't he see?

10 The one who disciplines nations, can't he punish? The one who teaches humans, doesn't he know?

11 The LORD does indeed know human thoughts, knows that they are nothing but a puff of air.

12 The people you discipline, LORD, are truly happy-- the ones you teach from your Instruction--

13 giving them relief from troubling times until a pit is dug for the wicked.

14 The LORD will not reject his people; he will not abandon his very own possession.

15 No, but justice will once again meet up with righteousness, and all whose heart is right will follow after.

16 Who will stand up for me against the wicked? Who will help me against evildoers?

17 If the LORD hadn't helped me, I would live instantly in total silence.

18 Whenever I feel my foot slipping, your faithful love steadies me, LORD.

19 When my anxieties multiply, your comforting calms me down.

20 Can a wicked ruler be your ally; one who wreaks havoc by means of the law?

21 The wicked gang up against the lives of the righteous. They condemn innocent blood.

22 But the LORD is my fortress; my God is my rock of refuge.

23 He will repay them for their wickedness, completely destroy them because of their evil. Yes, the LORD our God will completely destroy them.

95

1 Come, let's sing out loud to the LORD! Let's raise a joyful shout to the rock of our salvation!

2 Let's come before him with thanks! Let's shout songs of joy to him!

3 The LORD is a great God, the great king over all other gods.

4 The earth's depths are in his hands; the mountain heights belong to him;

5 the sea, which he made, is his along with the dry ground, which his own hands formed.

6 Come, let's worship and bow down! Let's kneel before the LORD, our maker!

7 He is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, the sheep in his hands. If only you would listen to his voice right now!

8 "Don't harden your hearts like you did at Meribah, like you did when you were at Massah, in the wilderness,

9 when your ancestors tested me and scrutinized me, even though they had already seen my acts.

10 For forty years I despised that generation; I said, 'These people have twisted hearts. They don't know my ways.'

11 So in anger I swore: 'They will never enter my place of rest!'"

96

1 Sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth!

2 Sing to the LORD! Bless his name! Share the news of his saving work every single day!

3 Declare God's glory among the nations; declare his wondrous works among all people

4 because the LORD is great and so worthy of praise. He is awesome beyond all other gods

5 because all the gods of the nations are just idols, but it is the LORD who created heaven!

6 Greatness and grandeur are in front of him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7 Give to the LORD, all families of the nations-- give to the LORD glory and power!

8 Give to the LORD the glory due his name! Bring gifts! Enter his courtyards!

9 Bow down to the LORD in his holy splendor! Tremble before him, all the earth!

10 Tell the nations, "The LORD rules! Yes, he set the world firmly in place; it won't be shaken. He will judge all people fairly."

11 Let heaven celebrate! Let the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it roar!

12 Let the countryside and everything in it celebrate! Then all the trees of the forest too will shout out joyfully

13 before the LORD because he is coming! He is coming to establish justice on the earth! He will establish justice in the world rightly. He will establish justice among all people fairly.

97

1 The LORD rules! Let the earth rejoice! Let all the islands celebrate!

2 Clouds and thick darkness surround God. His throne is built on righteousness and justice.

3 Fire proceeds before him, burning up his enemies on every side.

4 His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees it and trembles!

5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of the whole world!

6 Heaven has proclaimed God's righteousness, and all nations have seen his glory.

7 All those who worship images, those who are proud of idols, are put to shame. All gods bow down to the Lord!

8 Zion has heard and celebrates, the towns of Judah rejoice, because of your acts of justice, LORD,

9 because you, LORD, are the Most High over all the earth, because you are so superior to all other gods.

10 Those of you who love the LORD, hate evil! God guards the lives of his faithful ones, delivering them from the power of the wicked.

11 Light is planted like seed for the righteous person; joy too for those whose heart is right.

12 Rejoice in the LORD, righteous ones! Give thanks to his holy name!

98

1 Sing to the LORD a new song because he has done wonderful things! His own strong hand and his own holy arm have won the victory!

2 The LORD has made his salvation widely known; he has revealed his righteousness in the eyes of all the nations.

3 God has remembered his loyal love and faithfulness to the house of Israel; every corner of the earth has seen our God's salvation.

4 Shout triumphantly to the LORD, all the earth! Be happy! Rejoice out loud! Sing your praises!

5 Sing your praises to the LORD with the lyre-- with the lyre and the sound of music.

6 With trumpets and a horn blast, shout triumphantly before the LORD, the king!

7 Let the sea and everything in it roar; the world and all its inhabitants too.

8 Let all the rivers clap their hands; let the mountains rejoice out loud altogether

9 before the LORD because he is coming to establish justice on the earth! He will establish justice in the world rightly; he will establish justice among all people fairly.

99

1 The LORD rules-- the nations shake! He sits enthroned on the winged heavenly creatures-- the earth quakes!

2 The LORD is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations.

3 Let them thank your great and awesome name. He is holy!

4 Strong king who loves justice, you are the one who established what is fair. You worked justice and righteousness in Jacob.

5 Magnify the LORD, our God! Bow low at his footstool! He is holy!

6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel too among those who called on his name. They cried out to the LORD, and he himself answered them--

7 he spoke to them from a pillar of cloud. They kept the laws and the rules God gave to them.

8 LORD our God, you answered them. To them you were a God who forgives but also the one who avenged their wrong deeds.

9 Magnify the LORD our God! Bow low at his holy mountain because the LORD our God is holy!

100

1 Shout triumphantly to the LORD, all the earth!

2 Serve the LORD with celebration! Come before him with shouts of joy!

3 Know that the LORD is God-- he made us; we belong to him. We are his people, the sheep of his own pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanks; enter his courtyards with praise! Thank him! Bless his name!

5 Because the LORD is good, his loyal love lasts forever; his faithfulness lasts generation after generation.

101

1 Oh, let me sing about faithful love and justice! I want to sing my praises to you, LORD!

2 I want to study the way of integrity-- how long before it gets here? I will walk with a heart of integrity in my own house.

3 I won't set my eyes on anything worthless. I hate wrongdoing; none of that will stick to me.

4 A corrupt heart will be far from me. I won't be familiar with evil.

5 I will destroy anyone who secretly tells lies about a neighbor. I can't stomach anyone who has proud eyes or an arrogant heart.

6 My eyes focus on those who are faithful in the land, to have them close to me. The person who walks without blame will work for me.

7 But the person who acts deceitfully won't stay in my house. The person who tells lies won't last for long before me.

8 Every morning I will destroy all those who are wicked in the land in order to eliminate all evildoers from the LORD's city.

102

1 LORD, hear my prayer! Let my cry reach you!

2 Don't hide your face from me in my time of trouble! Listen to me! Answer me quickly as I cry out!

3 Because my days disappear like smoke, my bones are burned up as if in an oven;

4 my heart is smashed like dried-up grass. I even forget to eat my food

5 because of my intense groans. My bones are protruding from my skin.

6 I'm like some wild owl-- like some screech owl in the desert.

7 I lie awake all night. I'm all alone like a bird on a roof.

8 All day long my enemies make fun of me; those who mock me curse using my name!

9 I've been eating ashes instead of bread. I've been mixing tears into my drinks

10 because of your anger and wrath, because you picked me up and threw me away.

11 My days are like a shadow soon gone. I'm dried up like dead grass.

12 But you, LORD, rule forever! Your fame lasts from one generation to the next!

13 You will stand up-- you'll have compassion on Zion because it is time to have mercy on her-- the time set for that has now come!

14 Your servants cherish Zion's stones; they show mercy even to her dirt.

15 The nations will honor the LORD's name; all the earth's rulers will honor your glory

16 because the LORD will rebuild Zion; he will be seen there in his glory.

17 God will turn to the prayer of the impoverished; he won't despise their prayers.

18 Let this be written down for the next generation so that people not yet created will praise the LORD:

19 The LORD looked down from his holy summit, surveyed the earth from heaven,

20 to hear the prisoners' groans, to set free those condemned to death,

21 that the LORD's name may be declared in Zion and his praise declared in Jerusalem,

22 when all people are gathered together-- all kingdoms--to serve the LORD.

23 God broke my strength in midstride, cutting my days short.

24 I said, "My God, don't take me away in the prime of life-- your years go on from one generation to the next!

25 You laid the earth's foundations long ago; the skies are your handiwork.

26 These things will pass away, but you will last. All of these things will wear out like clothing; you change them like clothes, and they pass on.

27 But you are the one! Your years never end!

28 Let your servants' children live safe; let your servants' descendants live secure in your presence."

103

1 Let my whole being bless the LORD! Let everything inside me bless his holy name!

2 Let my whole being bless the LORD and never forget all his good deeds:

3 how God forgives all your sins, heals all your sickness,

4 saves your life from the pit, crowns you with faithful love and compassion,

5 and satisfies you with plenty of good things so that your youth is made fresh like an eagle's.

6 The LORD works righteousness; does justice for all who are oppressed.

7 God made his ways known to Moses; made his deeds known to the Israelites.

8 The LORD is compassionate and merciful, very patient, and full of faithful love.

9 God won't always play the judge; he won't be angry forever.

10 He doesn't deal with us according to our sin or repay us according to our wrongdoing,

11 because as high as heaven is above the earth, that's how large God's faithful love is for those who honor him.

12 As far as east is from west-- that's how far God has removed our sin from us.

13 Like a parent feels compassion for their children-- that's how the LORD feels compassion for those who honor him.

14 Because God knows how we're made, God remembers we're just dust.

15 The days of a human life are like grass: they bloom like a wildflower;

16 but when the wind blows through it, it's gone; even the ground where it stood doesn't remember it.

17 But the LORD's faithful love is from forever ago to forever from now for those who honor him. And God's righteousness reaches to the grandchildren

18 of those who keep his covenant and remember to keep his commands.

19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

20 You divine messengers, bless the LORD! You who are mighty in power and keep his word, who obey everything he says, bless him!

21 All you heavenly forces, bless the LORD! All you who serve him and do his will, bless him!

22 All God's creatures, bless the LORD! Everywhere, throughout his kingdom, let my whole being bless the LORD!

104

1 Let my whole being bless the LORD! LORD my God, how fantastic you are! You are clothed in glory and grandeur!

2 You wear light like a robe; you open the skies like a curtain.

3 You build your lofty house on the waters; you make the clouds your chariot, going around on the wings of the wind.

4 You make the winds your messengers; you make fire and flame your ministers.

5 You established the earth on its foundations so that it will never ever fall.

6 You covered it with the watery deep like a piece of clothing; the waters were higher than the mountains!

7 But at your rebuke they ran away; they fled in fear at the sound of your thunder.

8 They flowed over the mountains, streaming down the valleys to the place you established for them.

9 You set a boundary they cannot cross so they'll never again cover the earth.

10 You put gushing springs into dry riverbeds. They flow between the mountains,

11 providing water for every wild animal-- the wild donkeys quench their thirst.

12 Overhead, the birds in the sky make their home, chirping loudly in the trees.

13 From your lofty house, you water the mountains. The earth is filled full by the fruit of what you've done.

14 You make grass grow for cattle; you make plants for human farming in order to get food from the ground,

15 and wine, which cheers people's hearts, along with oil, which makes the face shine, and bread, which sustains the human heart.

16 The LORD's trees are well watered-- the cedars of Lebanon, which God planted,

17 where the birds make their nests, where the stork has a home in the cypresses.

18 The high mountains belong to the mountain goats; the ridges are the refuge of badgers.

19 God made the moon for the seasons, and the sun too, which knows when to set.

20 You bring on the darkness and it is night, when every forest animal prowls.

21 The young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God.

22 When the sun rises, they gather together and lie down in their dens.

23 Then people go off to their work, to do their work until evening.

24 LORD, you have done so many things! You made them all so wisely! The earth is full of your creations!

25 And then there's the sea, wide and deep, with its countless creatures-- living things both small and large.

26 There go the ships on it, and Leviathan, which you made, plays in it!

27 All your creations wait for you to give them their food on time.

28 When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled completely full!

29 But when you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to dust.

30 When you let loose your breath, they are created, and you make the surface of the ground brand-new again.

31 Let the LORD's glory last forever! Let the LORD rejoice in all he has made!

32 He has only to look at the earth, and it shakes. God just touches the mountains, and they erupt in smoke.

33 I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I'm still alive.

34 Let my praise be pleasing to him; I'm rejoicing in the LORD!

35 Let sinners be wiped clean from the earth; let the wicked be no more. But let my whole being bless the LORD! Praise the LORD!

105

1 Give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make his deeds known to all people!

2 Sing to God; sing praises to the Lord; dwell on all his wondrous works!

3 Give praise to God's holy name! Let the hearts rejoice of all those seeking the LORD!

4 Pursue the LORD and his strength; seek his face always!

5 Remember the wondrous works he has done, all his marvelous works, and the justice he declared--

6 you who are the offspring of Abraham, his servant, and the children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

7 The LORD--he is our God. His justice is everywhere throughout the whole world.

8 God remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded to a thousand generations,

9 which he made with Abraham, the solemn pledge he swore to Isaac.

10 God set it up as binding law for Jacob, as an eternal covenant for Israel,

11 promising, "I hereby give you the land of Canaan as your allotted inheritance."

12 When they were few in number-- insignificant, just immigrants--

13 wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to the next,

14 God didn't let anyone oppress them. God punished kings for their sake:

15 "Don't touch my anointed ones; don't harm my prophets!"

16 When God called for a famine in the land, destroying every source of food,

17 he sent a man ahead of them, who was sold as a slave: it was Joseph.

18 Joseph's feet hurt in his shackles; his neck was in an iron collar,

19 until what he predicted actually happened, until what the LORD had said proved him true.

20 The king sent for Joseph and set him free; the ruler of many people released him.

21 The king made Joseph master of his house and ruler over everything he owned,

22 to make sure his princes acted according to his will, and to teach wisdom to his advisors.

23 That's how Israel came to Egypt, how Jacob became an immigrant in the land of Ham.

24 God made his people very fruitful, more powerful than their enemies,

25 whose hearts God changed so they hated his people and dealt shrewdly with his servants.

26 God sent Moses his servant and the one he chose, Aaron.

27 They put God's signs on Egypt, his marvelous works on the land of Ham.

28 God sent darkness, and it became dark, but the Egyptians rejected his word.

29 God turned their waters into blood and killed their fish.

30 God made their land swarm with frogs -- even in the bedrooms of their king!

31 God spoke, and the insects came-- gnats throughout their whole country!

32 God turned their rain into hail along with lightning flashes throughout their land.

33 God destroyed their vines and their fig trees; shattered the trees of their countryside.

34 God spoke, and the locusts came-- countless grasshoppers came!

35 They devoured all the plants in their land; they devoured the fruit of their soil.

36 God struck down all the oldest sons throughout their land; struck down their very pride and joy.

37 Then God brought Israel out, filled with silver and gold; not one of its tribes stumbled.

38 Egypt celebrated when they left, because the dread of Israel had come upon them.

39 God spread out clouds as a covering; gave lightning to provide light at night.

40 The people asked, and God brought quail; God filled them full with food from heaven.

41 God opened the rock and out gushed water-- flowing like a river through the desert!

42 Because God remembered his holy promise to Abraham his servant,

43 God brought his people out with rejoicing, his chosen ones with songs of joy.

44 God gave them the lands of other nations; they inherited the wealth of many peoples--

45 all so that they would keep his laws and observe his instructions. Praise the LORD!

106

1 Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD because he is good, because his faithful love endures forever.

2 Who could possibly repeat all of the LORD's mighty acts or publicly recount all his praise?

3 The people who uphold justice, who always do what is right, are truly happy!

4 Remember me, LORD, with the favor you show your people. Visit me with your saving help

5 so I can experience the good things your chosen ones experience, so I can rejoice in the joy of your nation, so I can praise along with your possession.

6 We have sinned--right along with our ancestors. We've done what is wrong. We've acted wickedly.

7 Our ancestors in Egypt didn't understand your wondrous works. They didn't remember how much faithful love you have. So they rebelled by the sea--at the Reed Sea.

8 But God saved them for the sake of his good name, to make known his mighty power.

9 God scolded the Reed Sea, and it dried right up; he led them through the deeps like they were a dry desert.

10 God saved them from hostile powers; he redeemed them from the power of the enemy.

11 But the waters covered over their foes-- not one of them survived!

12 So our ancestors trusted God's words; they sang God's praise.

13 But how quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn't wait for his advice.

14 They were overcome with craving in the desert; they tested God in the wastelands.

15 God gave them what they asked for; he sent food to satisfy their appetites.

16 But then they were jealous of Moses in the camp, jealous too of Aaron, the LORD's holy one.

17 So the earth opened up, swallowing Dathan, and covering over Abiram's crowd.

18 Fire blazed throughout that whole group; flames burned up the wicked.

19 They made a calf at Horeb, bowing down to a metal idol.

20 They traded their glorious God for an image of a bull that eats grass.

21 They forgot the God who saved them-- the one who had done great things in Egypt,

22 wondrous works in the land of Ham, awesome deeds at the Reed Sea.

23 So God determined that he would destroy them-- except for the fact that Moses, his chosen one, stood in the way, right in front of him, and turned God's destructive anger away.

24 But then they rejected the land that was so desirable. They didn't trust God's promise.

25 They muttered in their tents and wouldn't listen to the LORD's voice.

26 So God raised his hand against them, making them fall in the desert,

27 scattering their offspring among the nations, casting them across many lands.

28 They joined themselves to Baal-peor and ate sacrifices offered to the dead.

29 They made God angry by what they did, so a plague broke out against them.

30 Then Phinehas stood up and prayed, and the plague was contained.

31 That's why Phinehas is considered righteous, generation after generation, forever.

32 But they angered God at Meribah's waters, and things went badly for Moses because of them,

33 because they made him bitter so that he spoke rashly with his lips.

34 They didn't destroy the nations as the LORD had ordered them to do.

35 Instead, they got mixed up with the nations, learning what they did

36 and serving those false gods, which became a trap for them.

37 They sacrificed their own sons and daughters to demons!

38 They shed innocent blood, the blood of their own sons and daughters-- the ones they sacrificed to Canaan's false gods-- so the land was defiled by the bloodshed.

39 They made themselves unclean by what they did; they prostituted themselves by their actions.

40 So the LORD's anger burned against his people; he despised his own possession.

41 God handed them over to the nations; people who hated themruled over them.

42 Their enemies oppressed them, and they were humbled under their power.

43 God delivered them numerous times, but they were determined to rebel, and so they were brought down by their own sin.

44 But God saw their distress when he heard their loud cries.

45 God remembered his covenant for their sake, and because of how much faithful love he has, God changed his mind.

46 God allowed them to receive compassion from all their captors.

47 LORD our God, save us! Gather us back together from among all the nations so we can give thanksto your holy name and rejoice in your praise!

48 Bless the LORD, the God of Israel, from forever ago to forever from now! And let all the people say, "Amen!" Praise the LORD!

107

1 "Give thanks to the LORD because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever!"

2 That's what those who are redeemed by the LORD say, the ones God redeemed from the power of their enemies,

3 the ones God gathered from various countries, from east and west, north and south.

4 Some of the redeemed had wandered into the desert, into the wasteland. They couldn't find their way to a city or town.

5 They were hungry and thirsty; their lives were slipping away.

6 So they cried out to the LORD in their distress, and God delivered them from their desperate circumstances.

7 God led them straight to human habitation.

8 Let them thank the LORD for his faithful love and his wondrous works for all people,

9 because God satisfied the one who was parched with thirst, and he filled up the hungry with good things!

10 Some of the redeemed had been sitting in darkness and deep gloom; they were prisoners suffering in chains

11 because they had disobeyed God's instructions and rejected the Most High's plans.

12 So God humbled them with hard work. They stumbled, and there was no one to help them.

13 So they cried out to the LORD in their distress, and God saved them from their desperate circumstances.

14 God brought them out from the darkness and deep gloom; he shattered their chains.

15 Let them thank the LORD for his faithful love and his wondrous works for all people,

16 because God has shattered bronze doors and split iron bars in two!

17 Some of the redeemed were fools because of their sinful ways. They suffered because of their wickedness.

18 They had absolutely no appetite for food; they had arrived at death's gates.

19 So they cried out to the LORD in their distress, and God saved them from their desperate circumstances.

20 God gave the order and healed them; he rescued them from their pit.

21 Let them thank the LORD for his faithful love and his wondrous works for all people.

22 Let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices and declare what God has donein songs of joy!

23 Some of the redeemed had gone out on the ocean in ships, making their living on the high seas.

24 They saw what the LORD had made; they saw his wondrous works in the depths of the sea.

25 God spoke and stirred up a storm that brought the waves up high.

26 The waves went as high as the sky; they crashed down to the depths. The sailors' courage melted at this terrible situation.

27 They staggered and stumbled around like they were drunk. None of their skill was of any help.

28 So they cried out to the LORD in their distress, and God brought them out safe from their desperate circumstances.

29 God quieted the storm to a whisper; the sea's waves were hushed.

30 So they rejoiced because the waves had calmed down; then God led them to the harbor they were hoping for.

31 Let them thank the LORD for his faithful love and his wondrous works for all people.

32 Let them exalt God in the congregation of the people and praise God in the assembly of the elders.

33 God turns rivers into desert, watery springs into thirsty ground,

34 fruitful land into unproductive dirt, when its inhabitants are wicked.

35 But God can also turn the desert into watery pools, thirsty ground into watery springs,

36 where he settles the hungry. They even build a city and live there!

37 They plant fields and vineyards and obtain a fruitful harvest.

38 God blesses them, and they become many. God won't even let their cattle diminish.

39 But when they do diminish-- when they're brought down by oppression, trouble, and grief--

40 God pours contempt on their leaders, making them wander aimlessly in the wastelands.

41 But God raises the needy from their suffering; he makes their families as numerous as sheep!

42 Those who do right see it and celebrate, but every wicked person shuts their mouth.

43 Whoever is wise will pay attention to these things, carefully considering the LORD's faithful love. 108 A song. A psalm of David.

108

1 My heart is unwavering, God. I will sing and make music-- yes, with my whole being!

2 Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake the dawn itself!

3 I will give thanks to you, LORD, among all the peoples; I will make music to you among the nations,

4 because your faithful love is higher than heaven; your faithfulness reaches the clouds.

5 Exalt yourself, God, higher than heaven! Let your glory be over all the earth!

6 Save me by your power and answer me so that the people you love might be rescued.

7 God has spoken in his sanctuary: "I will celebrate as I divide up Shechem and portion out the Succoth Valley.

8 Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah is my scepter.

9 But Moab is my washbowl; I'll throw my shoe at Edom. I shout in triumph over Philistia!

10 I wish someone would bring me to a fortified city! I wish someone would lead me to Edom!"

11 But you have rejected us, God, haven't you? You, God, no longer accompany our armies.

12 Give us help against the enemy-- human help is worthless.

13 With God we will triumph: God is the one who will trample our adversaries.

109

1 God of my praise, don't keep quiet,

2 because the mouths of wicked liars have opened up against me, talking about me with lying tongues.

3 Hateful words surround me; they attack me for no reason.

4 Instead of returning my love, they accuse me-- but I am at prayer.

5 They repay me evil for good, hatred in return for my love.

6 "Appoint a wicked person to be against this person," they say, "an accuser to stand right next to him.

7 When the sentence is passed, let him be found guilty-- let his prayer be found sinful!

8 Let his days be few; let someone else assume his position.

9 Let his children become orphans; let his wife turn into a widow.

10 Let his children wander aimlessly, begging, driven out of their ruined homes.

11 Let a creditor seize everything he owns; let strangers plunder his wealth.

12 Let no one extend faithful love to him; let no one have mercy on his orphans.

13 Let his descendants be eliminated; let their names be wiped out in just one generation!

14 Let his father's wrongdoing be remembered before the LORD; let his mother's sin never be wiped out.

15 Let them be before the LORD always, and let God eliminate the very memory of them from the land.

16 All because this person didn't remember to demonstrate faithful love, but chased after the poor and needy-- even the brokenhearted--with deadly intent!

17 Since he loved to curse, let it come back on him! Since he didn't care much for blessing, let it be far away from him!

18 Since he wore curses like a coat, let them seep inside him like water, seep into his bones like oil!

19 Let them be like the clothes he wears, like a belt that is always around him."

20 But let all that be the reward my accusers get from the LORD, the reward for those who speak evil against me!

21 But you, LORD, my Lord!-- act on my behalf for the sake of your name; deliver me because your faithful love is so good;

22 because I am poor and needy, and my heart is broken.

23 Like a lengthening shadow, I'm passing away; I'm shaken off, like some locust.

24 My legs are weak from fasting; my body is skin and bones.

25 I've become a joke to my accusers; when they see me, they just shake their heads.

26 Help me, LORD my God! Save me according to your faithful love!

27 And let them know that this is by your hand-- that you have done it, LORD!

28 Let them curse--but you, bless me! If they rise up, let them be disgraced, but let your servant celebrate!

29 Let my accusers be dressed in shame; let them wear their disgrace like a coat.

30 But I will give great thanks to the LORD with my mouth; among a great crowd I will praise God!

31 Because God stands right next to the needy, to save them from any who would condemn them.

110

1 What the LORD says to my master: "Sit right beside me until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet!"

2 May the LORD make your mighty scepter reach far from Zion! Rule over your enemies!

3 Your people stand ready on your day of battle. "In holy grandeur, from the dawn's womb, fight! Your youthful strength is like the dew itself."

4 The LORD has sworn a solemn pledge and won't change his mind: "You are a priest forever in line with Melchizedek."

5 My master, by your strong hand, God has crushed kings on his day of wrath.

6 God brings the nations to justice, piling the dead bodies, crushing heads throughout the earth.

7 God drinks from a stream along the way, then holds his head up high. 111

111

1 Praise the LORD! I thank the LORD with all my heart in the company of those who do right, in the congregation.

2 The works of the LORD are magnificent; they are treasured by all who desire them.

3 God's deeds are majestic and glorious. God's righteousness stands forever.

4 God is famous for his wondrous works. The LORD is full of mercy and compassion.

5 God gives food to those who honor him. God remembers his covenant forever.

6 God proclaimed his powerful deeds to his people and gave them what had belonged to other nations.

7 God's handiwork is honesty and justice; all God's rules are trustworthy--

8 they are established always and forever: they are fulfilled with truth and right doing.

9 God sent redemption for his people; God commanded that his covenant last forever. Holy and awesome is God's name!

10 Fear of the LORD is where wisdom begins; sure knowledge is for all who keep God's laws. God's praise lasts forever! 112

112

1 Praise the LORD! Those who honor the LORD, who adore God's commandments, are truly happy!

2 Their descendants will be strong throughout the land. The offspring of those who do right will be blessed;

3 wealth and riches will be in their houses. Their righteousness stands forever.

4 They shine in the dark for others who do right. They are merciful, compassionate, and righteous.

5 Those who lend generously are good people-- as are those who conduct their affairs with justice.

6 Yes, these sorts of people will never be shaken; the righteous will be remembered forever!

7 They won't be frightened at bad news. Their hearts are steady, trusting in the LORD.

8 Their hearts are firm; they aren't afraid. In the end, they will witness their enemies' defeat.

9 They give freely to those in need. Their righteousness stands forever. Their strength increases gloriously.

10 The wicked see all this and fume; they grind their teeth, but disappear to nothing. What the wicked want to see happen comes to nothing!

113

1 Praise the LORD! You who serve the LORD--praise! Praise the LORD's name!

2 Let the LORD's name be blessed from now until forever from now!

3 From sunrise to sunset, let the LORD's name be praised!

4 The LORD is high over all the nations; God's glory is higher than the skies!

5 Who could possibly compare to the LORD our God? God rules from on high;

6 he has to come down to even see heaven and earth!

7 God lifts up the poor from the dirt and raises up the needy from the garbage pile

8 to seat them with leaders-- with the leaders of his own people!

9 God nests the once barren woman at home-- now a joyful mother with children! Praise the LORD!

114

1 When Israel came out of Egypt-- when the house of Jacob came out from a people who spoke a different language--

2 Judah was God's sanctuary; Israel was God's territory.

3 The sea saw it happen and ran away; the Jordan River retreated!

4 The mountains leaped away like rams; the hills leaped away like lambs!

5 Sea, why did you run away? Jordan, why did you retreat?

6 Mountains, why did you leap away like rams? Hills, why did you leap away like lambs?

7 Earth: Tremble before the Lord! Tremble before the God of Jacob,

8 the one who turned that rock into a pool of water, that flint stone into a spring of water!

115

1 Not to us, LORD, not to us-- no, but to your own name give glory because of your loyal love and faithfulness!

2 Why do the nations say, "Where's their God now?"

3 Our God is in heaven-- he can do whatever he wants!

4 Their idols are just silver and gold-- things made by human hands.

5 They have mouths, but they can't speak. They have eyes, but they can't see.

6 They have ears, but they can't hear. They have noses, but they can't smell.

7 They have hands, but they can't feel. They have feet, but they can't walk. They can't even make a noise in their throats!

8 Let the people who made these idols and all who trust in them become just like them!

9 But you, Israel, trust in the LORD! God is their help and shield.

10 Trust in the LORD, house of Aaron! God is their help and shield.

11 You who honor the LORD, trust in the LORD! God is their help and shield.

12 The LORD remembers us and will bless us: God will bless the house of Israel; God will bless the house of Aaron;

13 God will bless those who honor the LORD-- from the smallest to the greatest.

14 May the LORD add to your numbers-- both you and your children.

15 May you be blessed by the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth!

16 The highest heaven belongs to the LORD, but he gave the earth to all people.

17 The dead don't praise the LORD, nor do those who go down to silence.

18 But us? We will bless the LORD from now until forever from now! Praise the LORD!

116

1 I love the LORD because he hears my requests for mercy.

2 I'll call out to him as long as I live, because he listens closely to me.

3 Death's ropes bound me; the distress of the grave found me-- I came face-to-face with trouble and grief.

4 So I called on the LORD's name: "LORD, please save me!"

5 The LORD is merciful and righteous; our God is compassionate.

6 The LORD protects simple folk; he saves me whenever I am brought down.

7 I tell myself, You can be at peace again, because the LORD has been good to you.

8 You, God, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, and my foot from stumbling,

9 so I'll walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

10 I have remained faithful, even when I said, "I am suffering so badly!"

11 even when I said, out of fear, "Everyone is a liar!"

12 What can I give back to the LORD for all the good things he has done for me?

13 I'll lift up the cup of salvation. I'll call on the LORD's name.

14 I'll keep the promises I made to the LORD in the presence of all God's people.

15 The death of the LORD's faithful is a costly loss in his eyes.

16 Oh yes, LORD, I am definitely your servant! I am your servant and the son of your female servant-- you've freed me from my chains.

17 So I'll offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to you, and I'll call on the LORD's name.

18 I'll keep the promises I made to the LORD in the presence of all God's people,

19 in the courtyards of the LORD's house, which is in the center of Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

117

1 Praise the LORD, all you nations! Worship him, all you peoples!

2 Because God's faithful love toward us is strong, the LORD's faithfulness lasts forever! Praise the LORD!

118

1 Give thanks to the LORD because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever.

2 Let Israel say it: "God's faithful love lasts forever!"

3 Let the house of Aaron say it: "God's faithful love lasts forever!"

4 Let those who honor the LORD say it: "God's faithful love lasts forever!"

5 In tight circumstances, I cried out to the LORD. The LORD answered me with wide-open spaces.

6 The LORD is for me --I won't be afraid. What can anyone do to me?

7 The LORD is for me--as my helper. I look in victory on those who hate me.

8 It's far better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust any human.

9 It's far better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust any human leader.

10 All the nations surrounded me, but I cut them down in the LORD's name.

11 Yes, they surrounded me on every single side, but I cut them down in the LORD's name.

12 They surrounded me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns. I cut them down in the LORD's name!

13 I was pushed so hard I nearly died, but the LORD helped me.

14 The LORD was my strength and protection; he was my saving help!

15 The sounds of joyful songs and deliverance are heard in the tents of the righteous: "The LORD's strong hand is victorious!

16 The LORD's strong hand is ready to strike! The LORD's strong hand is victorious!"

17 I won't die--no, I will live and declare what the LORD has done.

18 Yes, the LORD definitely disciplined me, but he didn't hand me over to death.

19 Open the gates of righteousness for me so I can come in and give thanks to the LORD!

20 This is the LORD's gate; those who are righteous enter through it.

21 I thank you because you answered me, because you were my saving help.

22 The stone rejected by the builders is now the main foundation stone!

23 This has happened because of the LORD; it is astounding in our sight!

24 This is the day the LORD acted; we will rejoice and celebrate in it!

25 LORD, please save us! LORD, please let us succeed!

26 The one who enters in the LORD's name is blessed; we bless all of you from the LORD's house.

27 The LORD is God! He has shined a light on us! So lead the festival offering with ropes all the way to the horns of the altar.

28 You are my God--I will give thanks to you! You are my God--I will lift you up high!

29 Give thanks to the LORD because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever. 119 A ALEF

119

1 Those whose way is blameless-- who walk in the LORD's Instruction--are truly happy!

2 Those who guard God's laws are truly happy! They seek God with all their hearts.

3 They don't even do anything wrong! They walk in God's ways.

4 God, you have ordered that your decrees should be kept most carefully.

5 How I wish my ways were strong when it comes to keeping your statutes!

6 Then I wouldn't be ashamed when I examine all your commandments.

7 I will give thanks to you with a heart that does right as I learn your righteous rules.

8 I will keep your statutes. Please don't leave me all alone! B BET

9 How can young people keep their paths pure? By guarding them according to what you've said.

10 I have sought you with all my heart. Don't let me stray from any of your commandments!

11 I keep your word close, in my heart, so that I won't sin against you.

12 You, LORD, are to be blessed! Teach me your statutes.

13 I will declare out loud all the rules you have spoken.

14 I rejoice in the content of your laws as if I were rejoicing over great wealth.

15 I will think about your precepts and examine all your paths.

16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget what you have said. G GIMEL

17 Be good to your servant so I can go on living and keeping your word.

18 Open my eyes so I can examine the wonders of your Instruction!

19 I'm an immigrant in the land. Don't hide your commandments from me!

20 I'm worn out by longing every minute for your rules!

21 You rebuke the arrogant, accursed people who stray from your commandments.

22 Take all their insults and contempt away from me because I've kept your laws!

23 Even if rulers gather and scheme against me, your servant will contemplate your statutes!

24 Yes, your laws are my joy-- they are my most trusted advisors! D DALET

25 My life is stuck in the dirt. Now make me live again according to your promise!

26 I confessed my ways and you answered me. Now teach me your statutes!

27 Help me understand what your precepts are about so I can contemplate your wondrous works!

28 My spirit sags because of grief. Now raise me up according to your promise!

29 Remove all false ways from me; show mercy to me by means of your Instruction.

30 I've chosen the way of faithfulness; I'm set on your rules.

31 I'm holding tight to your laws, LORD. Please don't let me be put to shame.

32 I run the same path as your commandments because you give my heart insight. H HE

33 LORD, teach me what your statutes are about, and I will guard every part of them.

34 Help me understand so I can guard your Instruction and keep it with all my heart.

35 Lead me on the trail of your commandments because that is what I want.

36 Turn my heart to your laws, not to greedy gain.

37 Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Make me live by your way.

38 Confirm your promise to your servant-- the promise that is for all those who honor you.

39 Remove the insults that I dread because your rules are good.

40 Look how I desire your precepts! Make me live by your righteousness. W WAW

41 LORD, let your faithful love come to me-- let your salvation come to me according to your promise--

42 so I can have a response for those who mock me, because I have trusted in your word!

43 Please don't take your true word out of my mouth, because I have waited for your rules.

44 I will always keep your Instruction, always and forever!

45 I will walk around in wide-open spaces, because I have pursued your precepts.

46 I will talk about your laws before rulers with no shame whatsoever.

47 I will rejoice in your commandments because I love them.

48 I will lift up my hands to your commandments because I love them, and I will contemplate all your statutes. Z ZAYIN

49 Remember your promise to your servant, for which you made me wait.

50 My comfort during my suffering is this: your word gives me new life.

51 The arrogant make fun of me to no end, but I haven't deviated from your Instruction.

52 When I remember your ancient rules, I'm comforted, LORD.

53 But I'm seized with anger because of the wicked-- because of those who abandon your Instruction.

54 Your statutes have been my songs of praise wherever I lived as an immigrant.

55 LORD, I remember your name at nighttime, and I keep your Instruction.

56 This has been my practice because I guard your precepts. J KHET

57 The LORD is my possession. I promise to do what you have said.

58 I've sought your favor with all my heart; have mercy on me according to your word.

59 I've considered my ways and turned my feet back to your laws.

60 I hurry to keep your commandments-- I never put it off!

61 Though the wicked have surrounded me with their ropes, I haven't forgotten your Instruction.

62 I get up in the middle of the night to give thanks to you because of your righteous rules.

63 I'm a friend to everyone who honors you and to all who keep your precepts.

64 LORD, the world is full of your faithful love! Teach me your statutes! F TET

65 You have treated your servant well, LORD, according to your promise.

66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment because I've put my trust in your commandments.

67 Before I suffered, I took the wrong way, but now I do what you say.

68 You are good and you do good. Teach me your statutes!

69 The arrogant cover me with their lies, but I guard your precepts with all my heart.

70 Their hearts are unfeeling, like blubber, but I rejoice in your Instruction.

71 My suffering was good for me, because through it I learned your statutes.

72 The Instruction you've given to me is better than thousands of pieces of gold and silver! Y YOD

73 Your hands have made me and set me in place. Help me understand so I can learn your commandments.

74 Then those who honor you will see me and be glad because I have waited for your promise.

75 LORD, I know that your rules are right and that you rightly made me suffer.

76 Please let your faithful love comfort me, according to what you've said to your servant.

77 Let your compassion come to me so I can live again, because your Instruction is my joy!

78 But let the arrogant be ashamed because they oppressed me with lies-- meanwhile, I will be contemplating your precepts!

79 Let the people who honor you come back to me; let those who know your precepts return to me.

80 Let my heart be blameless in your statutes so that I am not put to shame. K KAF

81 My whole being yearns for your saving help! I wait for your promise.

82 My eyes are worn out looking for your word. "When will you comfort me?" I ask,

83 because I've become like a bottle dried up by smoke, though I haven't forgotten your statutes.

84 How much more time does your servant have? When will you bring my oppressors to justice?

85 The arrogant have dug pits for me-- those people who act against your Instruction.

86 All your commandments are true, but people harass me for no reason. Help me!

87 They've almost wiped me off the face of the earth! Meanwhile, I haven't abandoned your precepts!

88 Make me live again according to your faithful love so I can keep the law you've given! L LAMED

89 Your word, LORD, stands firm in heaven forever!

90 Your faithfulness extends from one generation to the next! You set the earth firmly in place, and it is still there.

91 Your rules endure to this day because everything serves you.

92 If your Instruction hadn't been my delight, I would have died because of my suffering.

93 I will never forget your precepts because through them you gave me life again.

94 I'm yours--save me because I've pursued your precepts!

95 The wicked wait for me, wanting to kill me, but I'm studying your laws.

96 I've seen that everything, no matter how perfect, has a limit, but your commandment is boundless. M MEM

97 I love your Instruction! I think about it constantly.

98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies because it is always with me.

99 I have greater insight than all my teachers because I contemplate your laws.

100 I have more understanding than the elders because I guard your precepts.

101 I haven't set my feet on any evil path so I can make sure to keep your word.

102 I haven't deviated from any of your rules because you are the one who has taught me.

103 Your word is so pleasing to my taste buds-- it's sweeter than honey in my mouth!

104 I'm studying your precepts-- that's why I hate every false path. N NUN

105 Your word is a lamp before my feet and a light for my journey.

106 I have sworn, and I fully mean it: I will keep your righteous rules.

107 I have been suffering so much-- LORD, make me live again according to your promise.

108 Please, LORD, accept my spontaneous gifts of praise. Teach me your rules!

109 Though my life is constantly in danger, I won't forget your Instruction.

110 Though the wicked have set a trap for me, I won't stray from your precepts.

111 Your laws are my possession forever because they are my heart's joy.

112 I have decided to keep your statutes forever, every last one. S SAMEK

113 I hate fickle people, but I love your Instruction.

114 You are my shelter and my shield-- I wait for your promise.

115 Get away from me, you evildoers; I want to guard my God's commandments!

116 Sustain me according to your word so I can live! Don't let me be put to shame because of hope.

117 Support me so I can be saved and so I can focus constantly on your statutes.

118 You discard everyone who strays from your statutes because they are dishonest and false.

119 You dispose of all the wicked people on earth like waste-- that's why I love your laws.

120 My body shudders because I fear you; I'm in awe of your rules. [ AYIN

121 I've done what is just and right. Don't just hand me over to my oppressors.

122 Guarantee good things for your servant. Please don't let the arrogant oppress me.

123 My eyes are worn out looking for your saving help-- looking for your word that will set things right.

124 Act toward your servant according to your faithful love. Teach me your statutes!

125 I'm your servant! Help me understand so I can know your laws.

126 It is time for the LORD to do something! Your Instruction has been broken.

127 But I love your commandments more than gold, even more than pure gold.

128 That's why I walk straight by every single one of your precepts. That's why I hate every false path. P PE

129 Your laws are wonderful! That's why I guard them.

130 Access to your words gives light, giving simple folk understanding.

131 I open my mouth up wide, panting, because I long for your commandments.

132 Come back to me and have mercy on me; that's only right for those who love your name.

133 Keep my steps steady by your word; don't let any sin rule me.

134 Redeem me from the people who oppress me so I can keep your precepts.

135 Shine your face on your servant, and teach me your statutes.

136 Rivers of tears stream from my eyes because your Instruction isn't being kept. X TSADE

137 LORD, you are righteous, and your rules are right.

138 The laws you commanded are righteous, completely trustworthy.

139 Anger consumes me because my enemies have forgotten what you've said.

140 Your word has been tried and tested; your servant loves your word!

141 I'm insignificant and unpopular, but I don't forget your precepts.

142 Your righteousness lasts forever! Your Instruction is true!

143 Stress and strain have caught up with me, but your commandments are my joy!

144 Your laws are righteous forever. Help me understand so I can live! Q QOF

145 I cry out with all my heart: "LORD, answer me so I can guard your statutes!"

146 I cry out to you, "Save me so I can keep your laws!"

147 I meet the predawn light and cry for help. I wait for your promise.

148 My eyes encounter each hour of the night as I think about your word.

149 Listen to my voice, according to your faithful love. LORD, make me live again, according to your justice.

150 The people who love to plot wicked schemes are nearby, but they are so far from your Instruction!

151 But you, LORD, are nearby too, and all your commandments are true.

152 Long ago I learned from your laws that you had established them forever. R RESH

153 Look at my suffering and deliver me because I haven't forgotten your Instruction.

154 Argue my case and redeem me. Make me live again by your word.

155 Salvation is far from the wicked because they haven't pursued your statutes.

156 You have so much compassion, LORD-- make me live again, according to your rules.

157 My oppressors and enemies are many, but I haven't turned away from your laws.

158 I look on the faithless, and I am disgusted because they haven't kept your word.

159 Look at how much I love your precepts. Make me live again, LORD, according to your faithful love!

160 The first thing to know about your word is that it is true and that all your righteous rules last forever. ` SIN AND V SHIN

161 Rulers oppress me without cause, but my heart honors what you've said.

162 I'm overjoyed at your word, like someone who finds great treasure.

163 I hate, I absolutely despise, what is false, but I'm in love with your Instruction.

164 I praise you seven times a day for your righteous rules.

165 The people who love your Instruction enjoy peace--and lots of it. There's no stumbling for them!

166 LORD, I wait for your saving help. I do what you've commanded.

167 I keep your laws; I love them so much!

168 I keep your precepts and your laws because all my ways are seen by you. T TAV

169 Let my cry reach you, LORD; help me understand according to what you've said.

170 Let my request for grace come before you; deliver me according to your promise!

171 Let my lips overflow with praise because you've taught me your statutes.

172 Let my tongue declare your word, because all your commandments are righteous.

173 Let your power help me because I have chosen your precepts.

174 LORD, I long for your saving help! Your Instruction is my joy!

175 Let me live again so I can praise you! Let your rules help me!

176 I've wandered off like a sheep, lost. Find your servant because I haven't forgotten your commandments!

120

1 I cried out to the LORD when I was in trouble (and he answered me):

2 "LORD, deliver me from lying lips and a dishonest tongue!"

3 What more will be given to you, what more will be done to you, you dishonest tongue?

4 Just this: a warrior's sharpened arrows, coupled with burning coals from a wood fire!

5 Oh, I'm doomed because I have been an immigrant in Meshech, because I've made my home among Kedar's tents.

6 I've lived far too long with people who hate peace.

7 I'm for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.

121

1 I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.

3 God won't let your foot slip. Your protector won't fall asleep on the job.

4 No! Israel's protector never sleeps or rests!

5 The LORD is your protector; the LORD is your shade right beside you.

6 The sun won't strike you during the day; neither will the moon at night.

7 The LORD will protect you from all evil; God will protect your very life.

8 The LORD will protect you on your journeys-- whether going or coming-- from now until forever from now.

122

1 I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let's go to the LORD's house!"

2 Now our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem!

3 Jerusalem is built like a city joined together in unity.

4 That is where the tribes go up-- the LORD's tribes! It is the law for Israel to give thanks there to the LORD's name,

5 because the thrones of justice are there-- the thrones of the house of David!

6 Pray that Jerusalem has peace: "Let those who love you have rest.

7 Let there be peace on your walls; let there be rest on your fortifications."

8 For the sake of my family and friends, I say, "Peace be with you, Jerusalem."

9 For the sake of the LORD our God's house I will pray for your good.

123

1 I raise my eyes to you-- you who rule heaven.

2 Just as the eyes of servants attend to their masters' hand, just as the eyes of a female servant attends to her mistress' hand-- that's how our eyes attend to the LORD our God until he has mercy on us.

3 Have mercy on us, LORD! Have mercy because we've had more than enough shame.

4 We've had more than enough mockery from the self-confident, more than enough shame from the proud.

124

1 If the LORD hadn't been for us-- let Israel now repeat!--

2 if the LORD hadn't been for us, when those people attacked us

3 then they would have swallowed us up whole with their rage burning against us!

4 Then the waters would have drowned us; the torrent would have come over our necks;

5 then the raging waters would have come over our necks!

6 Bless the LORD because he didn't hand us over like food for our enemies' teeth!

7 We escaped like a bird from the hunters' trap; the trap was broken so we escaped!

8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.

125

1 The people who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion: never shaken, lasting forever.

2 Mountains surround Jerusalem. That's how the LORD surrounds his people from now until forever from now!

3 The wicked rod won't remain in the land given to the righteous so that they don't use their hands to do anything wrong.

4 LORD, do good to people who are good, to people whose hearts are right.

5 But as for those people who turn to their own twisted ways-- may the LORD march them off with other evildoers! Peace be on Israel!

126

1 When the LORD changed Zion's circumstances for the better, it was like we had been dreaming.

2 Our mouths were suddenly filled with laughter; our tongues were filled with joyful shouts. It was even said, at that time, among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them!"

3 Yes, the LORD has done great things for us, and we are overjoyed.

4 LORD, change our circumstances for the better, like dry streams in the desert waste!

5 Let those who plant with tears reap the harvest with joyful shouts.

6 Let those who go out, crying and carrying their seed, come home with joyful shouts, carrying bales of grain!

127

1 Unless it is the LORD who builds the house, the builders' work is pointless. Unless it is the LORD who protects the city, the guard on duty is pointless.

2 It is pointless that you get up early and stay up late, eating the bread of hard labor because God gives sleep to those he loves.

3 No doubt about it: children are a gift from the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a divine reward.

4 The children born when one is young are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.

5 The person who fills a quiver full with them is truly happy! They won't be ashamed when arguing with their enemies in the gate.

128

1 Everyone who honors the LORD, who walks in God's ways, is truly happy!

2 You will definitely enjoy what you've worked hard for-- you'll be happy; and things will go well for you.

3 In your house, your wife will be like a vine full of fruit. All around your table, your children will be like olive trees, freshly planted.

4 That's how it goes for anyone who honors the LORD: they will be blessed!

5 May the LORD bless you from Zion. May you experience Jerusalem's goodness your whole life long.

6 And may you see your grandchildren. Peace be on Israel!

129

1 From youth, people have constantly attacked me-- let Israel now repeat!--

2 from youth people have constantly attacked me-- but they haven't beaten me!

3 They plowed my back like farmers; they made their furrows deep.

4 But the LORD is righteous-- God cut me free from the ropes of the wicked!

5 Let everyone who hates Zion be ashamed, thoroughly frustrated.

6 Let them be like grass on a roof that dies before it can be pulled up,

7 which won't fill the reaper's hand or fill the harvester's arms.

8 Let no one who passes by say to them: "May the LORD's blessing be on you! We bless you in the LORD's name!"

130

1 I cry out to you from the depths, LORD--

2 my Lord, listen to my voice! Let your ears pay close attention to my request for mercy!

3 If you kept track of sins, LORD-- my Lord, who would stand a chance?

4 But forgiveness is with you-- that's why you are honored.

5 I hope, LORD. My whole being hopes, and I wait for God's promise.

6 My whole being waits for my Lord-- more than the night watch waits for morning; yes, more than the night watch waits for morning!

7 Israel, wait for the LORD! Because faithful love is with the LORD; because great redemption is with our God!

8 He is the one who will redeem Israel from all its sin.

131

1 LORD, my heart isn't proud; my eyes aren't conceited. I don't get involved with things too great or wonderful for me.

2 No. But I have calmed and quieted myself like a weaned child on its mother; I'm like the weaned child on me.

3 Israel, wait for the LORD-- from now until forever from now!

132

1 LORD, remember David-- all the ways he suffered

2 and how he swore to the LORD, how he promised the strong one of Jacob:

3 "I won't enter my house, won't get into my bed.

4 I won't let my eyes close, won't let my eyelids sleep,

5 until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling place for the strong one of Jacob."

6 Yes, we heard about it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.

7 Let's enter God's dwelling place; let's worship at the place God rests his feet!

8 Get up, LORD, go to your residence-- you and your powerful covenant chest!

9 Let your priests be dressed in righteousness; let your faithful shout out with joy!

10 And for the sake of your servant David, do not reject your anointed one.

11 The LORD swore to David a true promise that God won't take back: "I will put one of your own children on your throne.

12 And if your children keep my covenant and the laws that I will teach them, then their children too will rule on your throne forever."

13 Because the LORD chose Zion; he wanted it for his home.

14 "This is my residence forever. I will live here because I wanted it for myself.

15 I will most certainly bless its food supply; I will fill its needy full of food!

16 I will dress its priests in salvation, and its faithful will shout out loud with joy!

17 It is there that I will make David's strength thrive. I will prepare a lamp for my anointed one there.

18 I will dress his enemies in shame, but the crown he wears will shine."

133

1 Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one!

2 It is like expensive oil poured over the head, running down onto the beard-- Aaron's beard!-- which extended over the collar of his robes.

3 It is like the dew on Mount Hermon streaming down onto the mountains of Zion, because it is there that the LORD has commanded the blessing: everlasting life.

134

1 All you who serve the LORD: bless the LORD right now! All you who minister in the LORD's house at night: bless God!

2 Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and bless the LORD!

3 May the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.

135

1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD's name! All you who serve the LORD, praise God!

2 All you who stand in the LORD's house-- who stand in the courtyards of our God's temple--

3 praise the LORD, because the LORD is good! Sing praises to God's name because it is beautiful!

4 Because the LORD chose Jacob as his own, God chose Israel as his treasured possession.

5 Yes, I know for certain that the LORD is great-- I know our Lord is greater than all other gods.

6 The LORD can do whatever he wants in heaven or on earth, in the seas and in every ocean depth.

7 God forms clouds at the far corners of the earth. God makes lightning for the rain. God releases the wind from its storeroom.

8 God struck down the Egyptians' oldest offspring-- both human and animal!

9 God sent signs and wonders into the very center of Egypt-- against Pharaoh and all his servants.

10 God struck down many nations and killed mighty kings:

11 Sihon the Amorite king, Og the king of Bashan, and all the Canaanite kings.

12 Then God handed their land over as an inheritance-- as an inheritance to Israel, his own people.

13 LORD, your name is forever! LORD, your fame extends from one generation to the next!

14 The LORD gives justice to his people and has compassion on those who serve him.

15 The nations' idols are just silver and gold-- things made by human hands.

16 They have mouths, but they can't speak. They have eyes, but they can't see.

17 They have ears, but they can't listen. No, there's no breath in their lungs!

18 Let the people who made these idols and all who trust in them become just like them!

19 House of Israel, bless the LORD! House of Aaron, bless the LORD!

20 House of Levi, bless the LORD! You who honor the LORD, bless the LORD!

21 Bless the LORD from Zion-- bless the one who lives in Jerusalem! Praise the LORD!

136

1 Give thanks to the LORD because he is good. God's faithful love lasts forever!

2 Give thanks to the God of all gods-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

3 Give thanks to the Lord of all lords-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

4 Give thanks to the only one who makes great wonders-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

5 Give thanks to the one who made the skies with skill-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

6 Give thanks to the one who shaped the earth on the water-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

7 Give thanks to the one who made the great lights-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

8 The sun to rule the day-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

9 The moon and the stars to rule the night-- God's faithful love lasts forever!

10 Give thanks to the one who struck down the Egyptians' oldest offspring-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

11 Give thanks to the one who brought Israel out of there-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

12 With a strong hand and outstretched arm-- God's faithful love lasts forever!

13 Give thanks to the one who split the Reed Sea in two-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

14 Give thanks to the one who brought Israel through-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

15 And tossed Pharaoh and his army into the Reed Sea-- God's faithful love lasts forever!

16 Give thanks to the one who led his people through the desert-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

17 Give thanks to the one who struck down great kings-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

18 And killed powerful kings-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

19 Sihon, the Amorite king-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

20 Og, king of Bashan-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

21 Handing their land over as an inheritance-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

22 As an inheritance to Israel, his servant-- God's faithful love lasts forever!

23 God remembered us when we were humiliated-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

24 God rescued us from our enemies-- God's faithful love lasts forever.

25 God is the one who provides food for all living things-- God's faithful love lasts forever!

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven-- God's faithful love lasts forever!

137

1 Alongside Babylon's streams, there we sat down, crying because we remembered Zion.

2 We hung our lyres up in the trees there

3 because that's where our captors asked us to sing; our tormentors requested songs of joy: "Sing us a song about Zion!" they said.

4 But how could we possibly sing the LORD's song on foreign soil?

5 Jerusalem! If I forget you, let my strong hand wither!

6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don't remember you, if I don't make Jerusalem my greatest joy.

7 LORD, remember what the Edomites did on Jerusalem's dark day: "Rip it down, rip it down! All the way to its foundations!" they yelled.

8 Daughter Babylon, you destroyer, a blessing on the one who pays you back the very deed you did to us!

9 A blessing on the one who seizes your children and smashes them against the rock!

138

1 I give thanks to you with all my heart, LORD. I sing your praise before all other gods.

2 I bow toward your holy temple and thank your name for your loyal love and faithfulness because you have made your name and word greater than everything else.

3 On the day I cried out, you answered me. You encouraged me with inner strength.

4 Let all the earth's rulers give thanks to you, LORD, when they hear what you say.

5 Let them sing about the LORD's ways because the LORD's glory is so great!

6 Even though the LORD is high, he can still see the lowly, but God keeps his distance from the arrogant.

7 Whenever I am in deep trouble, you make me live again; you send your power against my enemies' wrath; you save me with your strong hand.

8 The LORD will do all this for my sake. Your faithful love lasts forever, LORD! Don't let go of what your hands have made.

139

1 LORD, you have examined me. You know me.

2 You know when I sit down and when I stand up. Even from far away, you comprehend my plans.

3 You study my traveling and resting. You are thoroughly familiar with all my ways.

4 There isn't a word on my tongue, LORD, that you don't already know completely.

5 You surround me--front and back. You put your hand on me.

6 That kind of knowledge is too much for me; it's so high above me that I can't fathom it.

7 Where could I go to get away from your spirit? Where could I go to escape your presence?

8 If I went up to heaven, you would be there. If I went down to the grave, you would be there too!

9 If I could fly on the wings of dawn, stopping to rest only on the far side of the ocean--

10 even there your hand would guide me; even there your strong hand would hold me tight!

11 If I said, "The darkness will definitely hide me; the light will become night around me,"

12 even then the darkness isn't too dark for you! Nighttime would shine bright as day, because darkness is the same as light to you!

13 You are the one who created my innermost parts; you knit me together while I was still in my mother's womb.

14 I give thanks to you that I was marvelously set apart. Your works are wonderful--I know that very well.

15 My bones weren't hidden from you when I was being put together in a secret place, when I was being woven together in the deep parts of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my embryo, and on your scroll every day was written that was being formed for me, before any one of them had yet happened.

17 God, your plans are incomprehensible to me! Their total number is countless!

18 If I tried to count them--they outnumber grains of sand! If I came to the very end--I'd still be with you.

19 If only, God, you would kill the wicked! If only murderers would get away from me--

20 the people who talk about you, but only for wicked schemes; the people who are your enemies, who use your name as if it were of no significance.

21 Don't I hate everyone who hates you? Don't I despise those who attack you?

22 Yes, I hate them--through and through! They've become my enemies too.

23 Examine me, God! Look at my heart! Put me to the test! Know my anxious thoughts!

24 Look to see if there is any idolatrous way in me, then lead me on the eternal path!

140

1 Rescue me from evil people, LORD! Guard me from violent people

2 who plot evil things in their hearts, who pick fights every single day!

3 They sharpen their tongues like a snake's; spider poison is on their lips. Selah

4 Protect me from the power of the wicked, LORD! Guard me from violent people who plot to trip me up!

5 Arrogant people have laid a trap for me with ropes. They've spread out a net alongside the road. They've set snares for me. Selah

6 I tell the LORD, "You are my God! Listen to my request for mercy, LORD!"

7 My LORD God, my strong saving help-- you've protected my head on the day of battle.

8 LORD, don't give the wicked what they want! Don't allow their plans to succeed, or they'll exalt themselves even more! Selah

9 Let the heads of the people surrounding me be covered with the trouble their own lips caused!

10 Let burning coals fall on them! Let them fall into deep pits and never get out again!

11 Let no slanderer be safe in the land. Let calamity hunt down violent people--and quickly!

12 I know that the LORD will take up the case of the poor and will do what is right for the needy.

13 Yes, the righteous will give thanks to your name, and those who do right will live in your presence.

141

1 I cry out to you, LORD: Come to me--quickly! Listen to my voice when I cry out to you!

2 Let my prayer stand before you like incense; let my uplifted hands be like the evening offering.

3 Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep close watch over the door that is my lips.

4 Don't let my heart turn aside to evil things so that I don't do wicked things with evildoers, so I don't taste their delicacies.

5 Instead, let the righteous discipline me; let the faithful correct me! Let my head never reject that kind of fine oil, because my prayers are always against the deeds of the wicked.

6 Their leaders will fall from jagged cliffs, but my words will be heard because they are pleasing.

7 Our bones have been scattered at the mouth of the grave, just like when the ground is broken up and plowed.

8 But my eyes are on you, my LORD God. I take refuge in you; don't let me die!

9 Protect me from the trap they've set for me; protect me from the snares of the evildoers.

10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets--all together!-- but let me make it through safely.

142

1 I cry out loud for help from the LORD. I beg out loud for mercy from the LORD.

2 I pour out my concerns before God; I announce my distress to him.

3 When my spirit is weak inside me, you still know my way. But they've hidden a trap for me in the path I'm taking.

4 Look right beside me: See? No one pays attention to me. There's no escape for me. No one cares about my life.

5 I cry to you, LORD, for help. "You are my refuge," I say. "You are all I have in the land of the living."

6 Pay close attention to my shouting, because I've been brought down so low! Deliver me from my oppressors because they're stronger than me.

7 Get me out of this prison so I can give thanks to your name. Then the righteous will gather all around me because of your good deeds to me.

143

1 Listen to my prayer, LORD! Because of your faithfulness, hear my requests for mercy! Because of your righteousness, answer me!

2 Please don't bring your servant to judgment, because no living thing is righteous before you.

3 The enemy is chasing me, crushing my life in the dirt, forcing me to live in the dark like those who've been dead forever.

4 My spirit is weak inside me-- inside, my mind is numb.

5 I remember the days long past; I meditate on all your deeds; I contemplate your handiwork.

6 I stretch out my hands to you; my whole being is like dry dirt, thirsting for you. Selah

7 Answer me, LORD--and quickly! My breath is fading. Don't hide your face from me or I'll be like those going down to the pit!

8 Tell me all about your faithful love come morning time, because I trust you. Show me the way I should go, because I offer my life up to you.

9 Deliver me from my enemies, LORD! I seek protection from you.

10 Teach me to do what pleases you, because you are my God. Guide me by your good spirit into good land.

11 Make me live again, LORD, for your name's sake. Bring me out of distress because of your righteousness.

12 Wipe out my enemies because of your faithful love. Destroy everyone who attacks me, because I am your servant.

144

1 Bless the LORD, my rock, who taught my hands how to fight, who taught my fingers how to do battle!

2 God is my loyal one, my fortress, my place of safety, my rescuer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, and the one who subdues people before me.

3 What are human beings, LORD, that you know them at all? What are human beings that you even consider them?

4 Humans are like a puff of air; their days go by like a shadow.

5 LORD, part your skies and come down! Touch the mountains so they smoke!

6 Flash lightning and scatter the enemy! Shoot your arrows and defeat them!

7 Stretch out your hand from above! Rescue me and deliver me from deep water, from the power of strangers, whose mouths speak lies,

8 and whose strong hand is a strong hand of deception!

9 I will sing a new song to you, God. I will sing praises to you on a ten-stringed harp,

10 to you--the one who gives saving help to rulers, and who rescues his servant David from the evil sword.

11 Rescue me and deliver me from the power of strangers, whose mouths speak lies, and whose strong hand is a strong hand of deception,

12 so that our sons can grow up fully, in their youth, like plants; so that our daughters can be like pillars carved to decorate a palace;

13 so that our barns can be full, providing all kinds of food; so that our flocks can be in the thousands-- even tens of thousands--in our fields;

14 so that our cattle can be loaded with calves; so that there won't be any breach in the walls, no exile, no outcries in our streets!

15 The people who have it like this are truly happy! The people whose God is the LORD are truly happy! 145 Praise. Of David.

145

1 I will lift you up high, my God, the true king. I will bless your name forever and always.

2 I will bless you every day. I will praise your name forever and always.

3 The LORD is great and so worthy of praise! God's greatness can't be grasped.

4 One generation will praise your works to the next one, proclaiming your mighty acts.

5 They will talk all about the glorious splendor of your majesty; I will contemplate your wondrous works.

6 They will speak of the power of your awesome deeds; I will declare your great accomplishments.

7 They will rave in celebration of your abundant goodness; they will shout joyfully about your righteousness:

8 "The LORD is merciful and compassionate, very patient, and full of faithful love.

9 The LORD is good to everyone and everything; God's compassion extends, to all his handiwork!"

10 All that you have made gives thanks to you, LORD; all your faithful ones bless you!

11 They speak of the glory of your kingdom; they talk all about your power,

12 to inform all human beings about God's power and the majestic glory of God's kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is a kingship that lasts forever; your rule endures for all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in all that he says, faithful in all that he does.

14 The LORD supports all who fall down, straightens up all who are bent low.

15 All eyes look to you, hoping, and you give them their food right on time,

16 opening your hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing.

17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways, faithful in all his deeds.

18 The LORD is close to everyone who calls out to him, to all who call out to him sincerely.

19 God shows favor to those who honor him, listening to their cries for help and saving them.

20 The LORD protects all who love him, but he destroys every wicked person.

21 My mouth will proclaim the LORD's praise, and every living thing will bless God's holy name forever and always.

146

1 Praise the LORD! Let my whole being praise the LORD!

2 I will praise the LORD with all my life; I will sing praises to my God as long as I live.

3 Don't trust leaders; don't trust any human beings-- there's no saving help with them!

4 Their breath leaves them, then they go back to the ground. On that very same day, their plans die too.

5 The person whose help is the God of Jacob-- the person whose hope rests on the LORD their God-- is truly happy!

6 God: the maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, God: who is faithful forever,

7 who gives justice to people who are oppressed, who gives bread to people who are starving! The LORD: who frees prisoners.

8 The LORD: who makes the blind see. The LORD: who straightens up those who are bent low. The LORD: who loves the righteous.

9 The LORD: who protects immigrants, who helps orphans and widows, but who makes the way of the wicked twist and turn!

10 The LORD will rule forever! Zion, your God will rule from one generation to the next! Praise the LORD!

147

1 Praise the LORD! Because it is good to sing praise to our God! Because it is a pleasure to make beautiful praise!

2 The LORD rebuilds Jerusalem, gathering up Israel's exiles.

3 God heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.

4 God counts the stars by number, giving each one a name.

5 Our Lord is great and so strong! God's knowledge can't be grasped!

6 The LORD helps the poor, but throws the wicked down on the dirt!

7 Sing to the LORD with thanks; sing praises to our God with a lyre!

8 God covers the skies with clouds; God makes rain for the earth; God makes the mountains sprout green grass.

9 God gives food to the animals-- even to the baby ravens when they cry out.

10 God doesn't prize the strength of a horse; God doesn't treasure the legs of a runner.

11 No. The LORD treasures the people who honor him, the people who wait for his faithful love.

12 Worship the LORD, Jerusalem! Praise your God, Zion!

13 Because God secures the bars on your gates, God blesses the children you have there.

14 God establishes your borders peacefully. God fills you full with the very best wheat.

15 God issues his command to the earth-- God's word speeds off fast!

16 God spreads snow like it was wool; God scatters frost like it was ashes;

17 God throws his hail down like crumbs-- who can endure God's freezing cold?

18 Then God issues his word and melts it all away! God makes his winds blow; the water flows again.

19 God proclaims his word to Jacob; his statutes and rules to Israel.

20 God hasn't done that with any other nation; those nations have no knowledge of God's rules. Praise the LORD!

148

1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from heaven! Praise God on the heights!

2 Praise God, all of you who are his messengers! Praise God, all of you who comprise his heavenly forces!

3 Sun and moon, praise God! All of you bright stars, praise God!

4 You highest heaven, praise God! Do the same, you waters that are above the sky!

5 Let all of these praise the LORD's name because God gave the command and they were created!

6 God set them in place always and forever. God made a law that will not be broken.

7 Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters and all you ocean depths!

8 Do the same, fire and hail, snow and smoke, stormy wind that does what God says!

9 Do the same, you mountains, every single hill, fruit trees, and every single cedar!

10 Do the same, you animals--wild or tame-- you creatures that creep along and you birds that fly!

11 Do the same, you kings of the earth and every single person, you princes and every single ruler on earth!

12 Do the same, you young men--young women too!-- you who are old together with you who are young!

13 Let all of these praise the LORD's name because only God's name is high over all. Only God's majesty is over earth and heaven.

14 God raised the strength of his people, the praise of all his faithful ones-- that's the Israelites, the people who are close to him. Praise the LORD!

149

1 Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song; sing God's praise in the assembly of the faithful!

2 Let Israel celebrate its maker; let Zion's children rejoice in their king!

3 Let them praise God's name with dance; let them sing God's praise with the drum and lyre!

4 Because the LORD is pleased with his people, God will beautify the poor with saving help.

5 Let the faithful celebrate with glory; let them shout for joy on their beds.

6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands,

7 to get revenge against the nations and punishment on the peoples,

8 binding their rulers in chains and their officials in iron shackles,

9 achieving the justice written against them. That will be an honor for all God's faithful people. Praise the LORD!

150

1 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary! Praise God in his fortress, the sky!

2 Praise God in his mighty acts! Praise God as suits his incredible greatness!

3 Praise God with the blast of the ram's horn! Praise God with lute and lyre!

4 Praise God with drum and dance! Praise God with strings and pipe!

5 Praise God with loud cymbals! Praise God with clashing cymbals!

6 Let every living thing praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!