NOTE: You will see that we have translated the Psalms in verse fashion, making minor changes to provide meaning and cadence. Why have we done this? Well, recognize that the book of Psalms was the Israelite songbook, so each Psalm originally had meaning and cadence, which we have tried to restore. This requires substituting with synonyms and adding or deleting extraneous words to allow for language differences, while attempting to maintain the integrity of the original meanings. And by so doing, it becomes easy to see where errors and changes may have crept in due to translating or scribal errors. For, some Psalms appear to have suffered obvious losses (see Psalm 11), while others are beautifully written and follow the rules of Hebrew songs and poetry precisely.
Psalm 1
NOTE: Why Psalm and not Psalms, or Chapter? Recognize that Psalms was the book of Israelite hymns, and each of the following Psalms is just a song (not songs) in that book. So, there are no Chapters in the book of Psalms, just songs… and each one is numbered.
1 Blest is the man who ignores the disrespectful, and not taken the position of sinners, or in the chair of the disgusting has he sat, 2 but who wants to do the will of Jehovah, and considers His Laws day and night. 3 For he’ll be like a tree placed near water. Each season He’ll bear fruit and his leaves will not drop; he will have great prosperity. 4 But for the disrespectful this will never be so; he’s like the dust that’s blown cross the earth. 5 So, they won’t be raised in the Judgment, nor will sinners see the outcome for the righteous, 6 for Jehovah knows how the righteous have acted, but the ways of the impious will perish.
Psalm 2
A Psalm of David
NOTE: Superscriptions such as the one above are notes to the musical director. Sometimes they show who wrote the song, and at other times, why they were written, or the occasions on which they were to be sung.
1 Why do the nations and why do the peoples, think about things that are worthless? 2 For the rulers of earth and their kings, against Jehovah and His anointed have gathered, 3 saying, ‘We should tear off their bonds and throw off their yokes.’ 4 But the One in the heavens is laughing, for of them Jehovah makes fun.
5 Then in His anger He’ll speak, and in His rage He’ll disturb them, 6 saying, ‘I’ve placed My king on Mount Zion, as the ruler of My Holy Place. 7 For, he declares the orders of Jehovah (saying): ‘You are My son, and I am your Father today. 8 Just ask and I’ll give you the nations to own, as an inheritance to the ends of the earth. 9 With a rod of iron you’ll shepherd them, and break them as pots made of clay.’
10 O kings of the earth pay attention, and those judging the earth, you should learn! 11 Serve Jehovah in fear; and all should praise Him in trembling.
12 Give ear to all these instructions, so to anger He isn’t provoked, for you’ll perish away from the righteous, if you quickly kindle His rage. Yet, those who yield will be blest.
Psalm 3
A Psalm of David when he was running from his son Absalom
1 O Jehovah, why are so many against me, and why are so many attacking? 2 Large numbers speak of my life and they say, that I won’t be saved by my God.
3 But you are my shield O Jehovah, my glory who lifts up my head. 4 For, with my voice I’ve called to Jehovah, and He listened from His holy mountain.
5 Then I went to bed and I slept, and God helped me when I awoke. 6 So, I won’t be afraid of ten thousand, who have circled me in an attack.
7 Stand up and act O Jehovah, deliver me please O my God! For, You’ve cut down those with no reason to hate me, and You’ve broken the teeth of the sinners.
8 Salvation comes from Jehovah, and it’s He who blesses His people.
Psalm 4
To the music director; a Psalm of David.
1 When I called to my God in very hard times, He felt pity and listened to my prayer.
2 O sons of men, how long will you stay so hardhearted? Why do you love what is silly, and always search for a lie?
3 You know the wonders God performed for His clean one, for He listened to me when I called Him.
4 So, be angry with me but don’t sin. Complain as you pray in your beds. 5 Offer a sacrifice that is righteous, and then put your hope in Jehovah.
6 Many have asked, ‘Who will show us such good things? Who’s shown us the light from God’s face?’
7 [O God], You’ve put happiness into my heart. It’s been filled with fruit, gain, and oil.
8 So, in peace in that place I’ll go to bed and sleep, for You O Jehovah have filled me with hope.
Psalm 5
To the music director; a Psalm of David to his heir.
1 Lend me an ear O Jehovah, and pay attention to the things I call out for. 2 Hear my voice and the things that I beg. To Jehovah my King and my God I will pray.
3 Listen to my voice in the morning, and as I pray stand by me and watch me. 4 For, You aren’t a God who approves of lawbreaking, nor will the wicked ever travel with You.
5 (O Jehovah), You won’t put up with law breakers, and before Your face the lawless won’t stand. 6 For, You will destroy all those who lie, and You hate men of blood and deceit.
7 Because of all Your great mercy, I will enter Your House. I’ll bow to Your Holy Temple, and I will always fear You.
8 (O Jehovah), because of my many enemies, lead me in ways that are righteous. Straighten out all of my paths, as they are seen before You.
9 There is no truth in their mouths, and foolishness is bound in their hearts. Their throats are like tombs lying open, and they’ve used their tongues to deceive.
10 So, bring Your judgment upon them O God, and cause their council to fail. Banish them because of irreverence, for against You Jehovah they’ve rebelled.
11 Be glad all those who in You put their hope, may they cry out and shout loud a cheer! For You will dwell in Your Tent among them, and about You those loving Your Name will then boast.
You will bless the righteous O Jehovah, and You’ve crowned us with the goodness of Your shield.
Psalm 6
To the music director: the eighth psalm of David.
1 O Jehovah, don’t discipline me in Your rage, nor correct me in Your great anger. 2 Show mercy on me for I’m weak O God; my bones are shaking, so heal me O Lord.
3 The man that I am is greatly disturbed… Where are You my God, and how much longer will You stay away? 4 Return to me and please save me… please, in Your mercy, deliver me!
5 For, the dead cannot remember You, and who will praise You from the grave? 6 I’m so tired of all of my moaning, and I soak my bed with tears every night.
7 My eyes are disturbed by the rage that they see, and I’ve grown old because of my enemies. 8 So, remove all of the lawless from me, and listen O God to the sound of my weeping.
9 Jehovah has heard the things that I begged, and my God heard my prayers with favor. 10 May all who hate me be shamed and disturbed, and my enemies soon be dishonored.
Psalm 7
A Psalm of David that he sang to Jehovah because of the things that were said by Cush [of the tribe] of BenJamin.
1 O Jehovah my God, I’ve put all my trust in You. Save and rescue me from those who pursue me, 2 so my life isn’t snatched away by a lion, when there’s no one to ransom or save me.
3 Jehovah my God, if I’ve done such bad things, and if there’s injustice within my hands, 4 and if I’ve repaid those who’ve done good with bad, may I fall to my enemies with nothing. 5 May my enemies chase and catch me, and trample my life to the ground, where it will then camp in the dust.
6 Rise up O Jehovah in Your rage. Before Your enemies stand tall! Awaken O Jehovah my God, and give the order to attack. 7 Many peoples have You encircled, so now’s the time to stand tall. 8 Judge all those people Jehovah, and judge me in my righteousness and innocence.
9 O God, finish off the wickedness of sinners, and straighten out all of the righteous… check their hearts and their kidneys. 10 For, justice is the help I’ve received from my God, and He saves all those with straight hearts.
11 My God is just, and strong, and forgiving, He’s not angry each day. 12 But don’t turn against Him for He’ll shine up His sword, and His bow He’ll prepare and stretch tight. 13 That’s how He prepares the weapons of death; it’s how He prepares His flaming arrows.
14 See how the wicked ones slave in their sins, for in misery they were conceived. To lawlessness he’s given birth, 15 and though he has dug out a pit, into that pit that he’s dug, he’ll fall into the cesspool he’s made.
16 May his misery return upon his own head, and his unrighteousness fall down upon him. 17 But I will acknowledge the righteousness of God, and I’ll strum to His most holy Name.
Psalm 8
To the director over the wine vats; a Psalm of David.
1 O Jehovah our Lord, in all the earth how wonderful is Your Name. Your majesty has risen high above the skies. 2 From the mouths of infants and babies comes praise, for You’ve removed Your enemies and avengers.
3 I see in the sky the works of Your fingers… the moon and the stars that You’ve founded. 4 So, what is man that him You’d think of him, or a son of man that him You should [come to] visit?
5 A little less than Your messengers You’ve made him, then crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You placed him over the works of Your hands, and put everything under his feet.
7 You put sheep and oxen together, and all the cattle that live in the plains. 8 [You put] flying things in the sky, and fish in the water who tread paths in the seas.
9 O Jehovah our Lord, how wonderful is Your Name throughout the earth.
Psalm 9
To director; A private Psalm of David to his son.
1 O Jehovah, I’ll praise You with my whole heart, and I’ll describe all of Your wonders. 2 I’ll be glad and take joy in You, and strum to Your Name, O Highest One.
3 By turning my enemies away in retreat, before Your face they’ve been weakened and destroyed. 4 You have made my case and my cause; You sat on Your throne and righteously judged.
5 You scolded the nations and the irreverent have perished; through the age You’ve wiped away all their names, through the ages of ages. 6 The swords of my enemies have ended and failed, and their cities and memorials have been destroyed.
7 Jehovah has lived through the ages, and He’s ready to judge from His throne. 8 In justice He’ll judge the inhabited world; He will judge the people uprightly.
9 To the needy Jehovah is a refuge, and a helper in times of affliction. 10 Those who know You put trust in Your Name; those who search for You are never abandoned.
11 Play to Jehovah, those living in Zion; proclaim His deeds to the nations 12 For, He remembers whose blood is required, and He doesn’t forget the cries of the needy.
13 Show mercy on me O Jehovah; raise me up from death’s gate, 14 so I can shout about how You deliver, and I can praise You to Zion’s gates.
15 The nations are stuck in their corruption, and in their own snares their feet have been caught. 16 For Jehovah is known as One who brings justice, and sinners are snared by the deeds of their hands.
17 Please bring Your vengeance upon sinners, and send those who hate You to their graves, O God. 18 But don’t forget the poor in the end, and may the patience of the needy not perish.
19 Stand up O Jehovah; may no man beat You. Make the nations before You stand in judgment. 20 Appoint over them someone who makes laws, and remind the nations of their mortality.
Psalm 10
1 Why, O Jehovah, have You stayed far away? Why have You left us, for we need You now!
2 Because of their wickedness and pride, the Godless have burned up the poor. As they argue, the proud have been trapped, in the results of their own slander.
3 Those who are sinners bless themselves, with all that their [hearts] desire, and that’s how the unrighteous get their praise.
4 The sinner provokes Jehovah by his rage, and because he doesn’t seek God, with God he’ll never walk.
5 Because his ways are always disgusting, from him You’ ve taken Your decisions away, and he’ll rule over those who are enemies. 6 He said in his heart, ‘I’ll never be shaken. Through the generations I’ll never see bad.’
7 His mouth is filled with bitterness and cursing, and the treachery under his tongue is labor and misery. 8 With the rich he lies in wait in an ambush, to kill the innocent and to watch for the needy.
9 He lies and waits in concealment, like a lion inside his lair. He lies in wait to catch the poor, to carry them off and to put them under his power. 10 But dominating the needy will lead to his fall.
11 For he’s said in his heart ‘God’s forgotten… He’s turned his face and in the end He won’t notice.’ 12 So, rise up Jehovah my God! Raise your hand high, and don’t forget the needy in the end.
13 Why has the irreverent provoked our God? He has said in his heart, ‘There won’t be an accounting.’ 14 You can see the misery he brings, so think of Your rage and lead him to Your hands.
Why, the poor have all been abandoned to You, and as with orphans You’re their only helper. 15 So, break the arms of the wicked and sinners, and when we search for them they won’t be found.
16 Jehovah is king through the age, and into the ages of ages. O nations you’ll be wiped from His land, 17 for He has heard the voice of the needy.
O Jehovah You’ve heard with Your ears, the things they’ve said in their hearts. 18 Bring justice to the orphans and the humble, so man has no reason to brag of his ways.
Psalm 11
For the director; A Psalm of David.
1 I have yielded to Jehovah.
2 How can you say to my life, ‘Fly to the mountains like a sparrow?’ 3 {Look!} Sinners have stretched tight their bows, and prepared arrows for the quiver, to shoot straight to the heart in the moonlight.
4 Whatever You’ve built, they’ve demolished, but where are the righteous and what did they do?
5 Jehovah is in His Temple so holy, and His throne is high in the heavens. His eyes pay attention to those who’re in need, and to the needs of their sons His eyelids [are open].
6 Jehovah inquires about the righteous, but those loving injustice He detests to the core.
7 He’ll rain snares of fire upon the unrighteous; sulfur and wind’s what they’ll get in their cup. 8 For Jehovah is just and a lover of justice, and a straightforward answer that He can see with His face.
Psalm 12
To the director; the eighth Psalm of David.
1 O Jehovah please save me, for the sacred have failed and few among men tell the truth. 2 Each man to his neighbor speaks foolish things, and each from his heart speaks what’s wrong and deceitful.
3 May Jehovah destroy the lips of the lying, and the tongues that brag of great things. 4 Those who say ‘We’ll make our tongues great, and ask with our lips, ‘Who’s Jehovah?’
5 (Jehovah says), ‘Because of the misery of the poor, and the moaning of the needy, I will arise and create for them safety, and to them I will then speak openly.’
6 Pure as refined silver are wise words from Jehovah. Their wisdom is proved seven-fold in a furnace. So, in Your heights You stand tall, for the sons of men You’ve watched over.
7 O Jehovah, guard us and keep us, from this generation and age. 8 For the Godless have us encircled, and around us they walk everywhere.
Psalm 13
To director; A Psalm of David.
1 For how long O Jehovah will You forget me? How long will You turn Your face from me? Will it be all the way to the end?
2 How much longer must I live my life in grief, and plan for it night and day in my heart? How much longer will my enemies be stronger than me?
3 Listen to me, O Jehovah… O my God I ask You to look at me! Brighten my eyes so I won’t sleep in death, 4 and so my enemies can’t say that they’ve won. For those who oppress me will cheer if I fall.
5 I’ve put all my hopes in Your mercy, and Your salvation brings joy to my heart. 6 So, I’ll sing to Jehovah who blesses me, and I’ll strum to the Name of [my God] in the heights.
Psalm 14
To the director; A Psalm of David.
1 ‘There is no God’ says a fool in his heart, and the things that they do are disgusting and corrupt. No one is doing the things that are good.
2 Out of the heavens Jehovah looked down, to see if men’s sons were looking to God. 3 But all have turned and made themselves useless. None are doing good… not one!
Their throats are like tombs that are open, and the tongues in their throats they’ve use to deceive. Under their lips is the poison of asps, and with bitterness their mouths are filled.
Their feet are in a hurry to shed blood and destruction, and misery is in all of their ways. The road to peace they’ve never known, for there’s no fear of Jehovah in their eyes.
4 Those who break laws really don’t know, for they devour my people as though they were bread. They haven’t called on Jehovah, 5 so they’ve learned to be timid when there’s nothing to fear.
God is with the generation that is just, 6 but you’ve disgraced the wise words of the poor, whose hope is still in Jehovah.
7 Who’ll bring deliverance to Israel from Zion? It’s Jehovah who returns His people from captivity. So, Jacob will shout out in joy, and Israel will have reasons to be glad.
Psalm 15
A Psalm of David.
1 O Jehovah, who’ll You allow to visit Your tent? Who may camp on Your Mountain so Holy? 2 Just the flawless who are working on justice, and those who speak truth in their hearts.
3 With his tongue he hasn’t spoken in treachery, nor has he done wrong to his neighbor. He hasn’t looked down on those who live near him, 4 nor has he been found with the wicked.
He praises those fearing Jehovah, and speaks well of the ones who do as they promise; 5 who don’t lend money for interest, nor from the innocent require bribes. Such ones won’t be shaken through the age.
Psalm 16
An inscription on a monument by David.
1 Guard me O Jehovah, for in You I’ve put all my hope. 2 I’ve said to Jehovah ‘You are my Lord, and You have no need for my good things.’
3 The holy in His land are in wonder of Jehovah, along with those willing to serve Him. 4 Yet, there are those who have grown in their weakness, and hurry to search for bad things. With such people I won’t gather for blood, nor will I mention their names with my lips.
5 Jehovah is my portion and the cup of my inheritance, for You have restored my inheritance to me. 6 Across the best places have fallen the lines, so my inheritance is the most choice.
7 I’ll praise Jehovah who makes me understand, and who corrects my kidneys at night. 8 I’ll look to Jehovah in all of my ways; He’s at my right hand so I won’t be shaken.
9 For this my heart will always be glad, and on my tongue there’ll always be praises. On Him my flesh will encamp with hope. 10 For You haven’t abandoned my life in the grave, or allowed Your holy one to rot.
11 You’ve shown me the ways [leading to] life, and before Your face You’ve filled me with joy. And to my delight, I’ll sit at your right hand in perfection.
Psalm 17
A prayer of David.
1 Listen O Jehovah to my righteousness. Pay attention to the things that I ask. Listen to my prayer, for my words are not spoken, with lips that try to deceive.
2 From Your presence may my judgment come forth, and may my eyes behold Your uprightness. 3 For, You have tried my heart in Your visits at night; You’ve [tried] me by fire but have found no injustice, that would prevent me from speaking [to You].
4 Concerning the deeds of [bad] men; from hard ways have the words of Your lips been protection. 5 Form my footsteps into Your ways, so my feet won’t be made to stumble.
6 I called out to You and You heard me, O God; with Your ears You’ve listened to my words. 7 So, You who save; show the wonder of Your mercies, to those hoping in You against [attacks] from the right.
8 Guard me O [Jehovah, my God], as though I were the pupil of Your eye. Take me under the protection of Your wings, and provide a shelter for me.
9 Protect me from the face of the Godless; the ones causing misery for me. For my enemies have me encircled, 10 while they are wrapped up in their fat, and they speak with mouths filled with pride.
11 They’ve driven me out and have me surrounded; their eyes have plans to cut me to the ground. 12 I’ve been treated as a lion prepared for the hunt… as a cub who must live in hiding.
13 Stand up O Jehovah; cut them off and then trip them! Use Your sword to save my life from the godless. 14 Use Your hand, O Jehovah, to cut down [all of] my enemies. Cut their bodies into pieces, and leave them there on the ground.
Please fill their bellies like pigs, with Your things that are hidden away, and feed what’s left over to their children. 15 Then let Your righteous appear before You, and I will be filled with Your glory.
Psalm 18
To the director; A Psalm of Jehovah’s servant David, which he sang to Jehovah on the day that God rescued him from his enemies and from the hand of Saul.
1 O Jehovah, I’ll love You with all of my strength, 2 for my Lord is my reality, my refuge and rescuer. My God is my helper, so I’ll trust in Him. 3 He’s my defender and protector, and the horn of my salvation.
3 When it comes to praise, I’ll call on Jehovah, then I’ll be saved from my enemies. 4 For, by the pangs of death I was surrounded, and beset by floods of lawbreakers. 5 I was filled with the fear of the place of the dead, as I expected all the snares of death.
6 Then in my distress I called to my God. I shouted, and
from His
8 The smoke of His anger and the fire from Him, ignited coals everywhere before Him. 9 Then He leaned from the heavens and descended, and darkness was under His feet. 10 He came riding in upon cherubs, spread out on the wings of the winds.
11 For concealment He made everything dark; He was wrapped in His tent of dark fog. 12 The radiance of His presence was covered by clouds, and by hail and [by bolts] of fire.
13 Then Jehovah thundered from the sky, as the Most High spoke with His voice. 14 His arrows He shot all around, and disturbed them with [skies] filled with lightning.
15 Then springs of water were opened, and foundations of houses were uncovered. O Jehovah, it came from Your scolding, and from the blast of the Breath of Your rage.
16 Down from the heights He came and He took me; He rescued me from rushing waters. 17 So, He’ll save me from enemies who are mighty; from those who detest me and are stronger than I.
18 They were there before the day I was mistreated, when Jehovah became my support. 19 Then He carried me to a great spacious land; and because He wanted me, He became my salvation.
20 Jehovah will reward my righteousness, and for my clean hands He’ll repay me. 21 For, I have guarded the ways of Jehovah, and unlike the irreverent, I’ve not left my God.
22 All of His decisions are before me, and His Laws have never departed from me. 23 So, flawless I’ll stand before him, for I’ll guard against any Law breaking. 24 Then Jehovah will repay my righteousness, and the cleanliness of my hands He’ll see with His eyes.
25 For with the sacred you’ll be sacred, and with the innocent you’ll be innocent. 26 With the chosen, you’ll be selected, but you’ll be turned away if you’re crooked. 27 You people will save all the humble, and you’ll humble the eyes of the proud.
28 O light my lamp, Jehovah my God; please light my way in the darkness. 29 For by You I’ll be rescued from bands of marauders, and by my God I’ll pass over the wall.
30 The ways of my God are flawless, and His words are all tried by fire. He’s the defender of all those, who put all their trust in Him. 31 For, who is God but Jehovah? Is there any God like our God?
32 He’s the God who wrapped me in power, and makes my ways all flawless. 33 He’s readied my feet like those of a stag, and He’s put me up on high places. 34 He has taught my hands the ways of war, and turned my arms into bows made of brass.
35 You’ve prepared a shield to protect me; You’ve taken me in Your right hand. You’ll make me stand again in the end, then with Your instructions You’ll teach me.
36 You’ve widened the path underneath me, and given me the strength [to walk]. 37 So, I’ll pursue my enemies and catch them, and I won’t return ‘til I’m done. 38 I’ll squeeze them until they’re unable to stand, and they’ll all fall at my feet.
39 You’ve wrapped me in the power of war; You’ve tied my enemies hand and foot. 40 You’ve shown me the backs of those who oppose me, and destroyed all those who detest me.
41 They shouted but no one could save them; they called to Jehovah, but He didn’t listen. 42 So, I’ll grind them to powder and throw them away, like dust in city squares that is blown in the wind.
43 You’ll rescue me from the disputes of the people, and place me as the head of [many] nations. Then peoples unknown will come to serve me. 44 They’ll hear my voice and they will obey. And those foreigner’s sons who have lied, 45 will grow old and become lame in their paths.
46 Jehovah lives; may God be praised! May [the Name] of the God who saves me be raised… 47 the God who handles my vengeance for me, and makes all the peoples submit. 48 He’s my rescuer from all of my enemies; those who oppose me and rise up against me.
You’ve lifted me above the unrighteous, and rushed to my aid to save me. 49 So, I’ll praise You before all the nations; O Jehovah I’ll strum to Your Name.
50 For, You’ve shown all the ways You can deliver the king… You’ve shown mercy upon Your anointed… to David and his seed through the ages.
Psalm 19
For the director; A Psalm of David.
1 The heavens describe the glory of God, and space speaks of what He’s made with His hands. 2 Day after day His words bubble up, and night after night there’s more knowledge.
3 For there’s no speaking nor are there words, and you can’t hear the sounds of their voices. 4 But throughout the earth their knell goes out, and their words reach the ends of habitation, that He’s pitched His tent on the sun.
5 Like a groom coming out on his [wedding night], He shouts in joy like a giant on a journey. 6 From one end of the sky He exits, and He returns from the other side of the heavens, and none can be hidden from His heat.
7 Jehovah’s Law changes lives and is perfect; God’s witness can be trusted, making infants wise. 8 Jehovah’s rules are straight bringing joy to the heart. The Commandments of Jehovah radiate, providing light for everyone’s eyes.
9 The fear of Jehovah is pure, for it lasts on through the age, and then through the ages of ages. The judgments of Jehovah are true, for they bring the very same justice. 10 It’s more desirable than gold or gems, and it’s sweeter than honey from its comb. 11 For, whenever Your servant obeys them all, he will receive a grand reward.
12 But, who will notice his sins? From my sins in private, please cleanse me. 13 Protect Your servant from people who are foreign, for if they can’t control me I’ll remain unblemished, then I can be cleansed of great sins, 14 and prophecies of good will flow from my mouth, and the thoughts of my heart will be of Jehovah, for You are always my helper.
Psalm 20
To the director; A Psalm of David.
1 In times of trouble you should turn to Jehovah. Let the Name of Jacob’s God be your shield. 2 For, from His Holy Place He’ll send help… from Zion He’ll send you assistance.
3 May He remember all the sacrifices you’ve offered, and all of your fattened burnt offerings. 4 May God give you all the things in your heart, and fulfill whatever you have planned.
5 Then all will shout about your salvation, and praise the Name of our God… may Jehovah grant all that you ask.
6 Now, I have [seen] how Jehovah delivers, for He’s heard His anointed from His holy heavens. With His right hand He controls and He saves, 7 from those riding on chariots and horses.
For, when I called on the Name of our God Jehovah, 8 they fell and were bound hand and foot. But as for us, we’ve been resurrected, and we have also been remade.
9 O Jehovah, please save the king, and pay close attention whenever we call You.
Psalm 21
A Psalm of David.
1 O Jehovah: The king gladly submits to Your power, and for Your salvation he calls out in joy. 2 You have given him all that his heart desires, and not deprived him of the things that he begged for.
3 Before he asked You gave him great blessings, and placed a gemmed crown on his head. 4 When he asked for life, You gave him long days, into the ages of ages.
5 In Your saving power You’ve made his glory great, and placed gracious majesty upon him. 6 For, through the ages You’ve blessed him, and You’ve made [his heart] glad with the joy of Your face.
7 The king has put his hope in Jehovah, and he’ll never be [lose faith in] the mercy from above.
8 May all of Your enemies be found in Your hands, and may all those who hate You be found in Your right hand. 9 For You’ll throw them into an oven of fire, in Your Day [O great God, Jehovah].
In Your rage You’ll disturb them, and You’ll destroy them in fire. 10 You’ll destroy their fruit from the earth, and their seed from among sons of men.
11 For, their purpose toward You was just to do bad, and they argued over plans that were never fulfilled. 12 So, throw them away with Your garbage, and prepare their faces for this.
13 May Your power be raised high Jehovah, for we’ll sing and we’ll strum to Your mighty deeds.
Psalm 22
For the director; for help in the early morning. A Psalm of David.
1 O God, my God, please hear me. Why have I been abandoned by You? For admissions of my sins keep me from salvation. 2 During the day I call out to You, but You don’t listen to me O my God, so don’t think that I’m thoughtless at night.
3 But You in Your
6 But I’m just a worm, not a man; the scorn and contempt of my people. 7 For, those who see me make fun… they shake their heads and they say, 8 ‘He has put his trust in Jehovah, and if He wants him, then let Him save him!’
9 It was You who pulled me from [my mother’s] womb. You were my hope when I sucked at her breasts. 10 Upon You I was thrust from the womb, and from the belly of my mother, You’ve been my God.
11 So, don’t leave me now that trouble is near, for there’s no one else who can help me. 12 I’m surrounded by great herds of cattle, and many strong bulls are around me. 13 They’ve opened their mouths against me like lions… those who roar and drag off [as prey].
14 My bones have become like water, and my heart in my chest has melted like wax. 15 My strength has been dried up like a clay pot, and my tongue is stuck to my throat, for, to the dust of death You have led me.
16 Many dogs now have me surrounded, and the wicked are gathering around me. They’re cutting into my hands and my feet; 17 they count all my bones as they watch me and think. 18 They’ve divided my garments among them, and thrown dice for the clothes that I wore.
19 But Your help is not far away, O Jehovah, for You’ll notice and come to my aid. 20 O rescue my life from the broadsword; and from the hands of dogs save the one son You fathered.
21 Deliver me from the mouth of the lion, and on the horn of the rhinoceros may I not be disgraced. 22 Then I’ll describe Your fame to my brothers, and in the midst of the gathering I’ll praise You.
23 Praise Jehovah, all you who fear Him! Give Him glory all
you seed of Jacob; but fear Him too you seed of
25 So, I’ll offer high praise before the great gathering, and make confessions before all. I’ll also pay all my vows, in the presence of those who fear Him. 26 Then the stomachs of those in need will be filled, and those seeking Jehovah will give praise from their hearts, through the age and on through ages of ages.
27 Turn back and remember Jehovah, all you to the ends of the earth. All you families of the nations bow down before Him, 28 for His is the Kingdom… He’s the sole ruler of the nations. 29 All the mighty of the earth will then eat, if they will all bow before Him, as well as those going into the ground.
With all my being for Him I will live, 30 and my seed will always serve Him. They’ll proclaim Jehovah to future generations, 31 and they’ll speak of His justice to a people unborn.
Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
1 Jehovah provides, so I need nothing more. 2 He has placed my camp in green pastures, and He feeds me near restful waters. 3 My life He’s restored and for the sake of His Name, He guides me in ways that are righteous.
4 So, should I go through the valley of death’s shadow, nothing evil will I ever fear; for I know that You’ll always be with me, and Your scepter and staff will bring comfort.
5 You’ve prepared before me a table, far away from those who oppress me. My head You’ve anointed with oil, and Your excellent cup makes me high. 6 Your mercies have pursued me all the days of my life, so I’ll stay in Your House for as long as I live.
Psalm 24
A Psalm of David [to be sung] on the Sabbath.
1 To Jehovah belongs the earth and its goodness… the world and all who live in it. 2 It was He who founded the seas, and prepared the rivers upon it.
3 Who can ascend the
6 This generation is seeking Jehovah; they’re seeking the face of Jacob’s God. 7 So, open the gates of your rulers; open the gates of the ages, so your Glorious King may now enter. 8 Who is this glorious King? It’s Jehovah the strong; our Lord who is the great warrior.
9 Yes, open the gates of your rulers; open the gates of the ages, so your glorious King may now enter. 10 And who is this glorious King? It’s the God of armies Jehovah. Yes, He is the glorious King.
Psalm 25
A Psalm of David.
1 I’ve lifted my life up You, O Jehovah. 2 You’re my God to whom I’ve submitted. So, through the age may I not be disgraced, nor may my enemies be allowed to ridicule me. 3 For, all who stick by You won’t be disgraced, and may You shame those who’ve rebelled for no reason.
4 O Jehovah, You’ve shown me Your ways, now teach me to walk in Your paths. 5 Guide me in Your ways of truth, and teach me that You are my savior my God, for I’ve been waiting on You all my days.
6 Remember Your compassions O Jehovah, for You’ve been merciful throughout the ages. 7 Please forget the sins of my youth, and don’t remember what I’ve done in my ignorance. But in Your great mercy mention me to Yourself, because You’re so kind, O Jehovah.
8 Jehovah is upright and kind, and He’ll uphold His Laws ‘gainst those who are sinning. 9 But He’ll guide the meek ones toward justice, and teach the gentle His ways. 10 For, merciful are the ways of Jehovah, and He’ll bring truth to those hearing His words, and to the ones who follow His Agreement. 11 Because of Your Name, O Jehovah, please cover my sins because they’re so great.
12 Who’s the man fearing Jehovah? He’ll give him laws in the path he has chosen. 13 Then his life will be lodged among good things, and his seed will inherit the land. 14 For, Jehovah is a fort for all those who fear Him, and with them He has made an Agreement.
15 My eyes always look to Jehovah, for He pulls the snares from under my feet. 16 O look upon me and have mercy, for I am a poor only child, 17 whose pain of heart just keeps growing; so lead me toward the things that I need. 18 Look upon my humiliation; see all that I’ve done and forgive all my sins.
19 See how my enemies keep growing in number, and how the
unrighteous both hate and detest me. 20 O guard my life and save me; may I not
be disgraced, for in You I have hoped. 21 The guileless and upright have stuck
with me, because I stuck with You, O Jehovah. 22 So, O God of
Psalm 26
A Psalm of David.
1 Judge me O God, for [before You] I’ve traveled in innocence, and I’ve put my trust in Jehovah. 2 I will never weaken, so test and try me my Lord; set my heart and my kidneys on fire.
3 Your mercies are ever before my eyes, and I’m well pleased with Your truth. 4 I’ve never sat in a high court of fools, and I don’t hang with those who break laws.
5 I’ve detested the gathering of those who are wicked, and with the irreverent I’ll never sit. 6 So, in innocence I’ll wash my hands, and encircle Your Altar, O Jehovah.
7 Hear my voice singing praises of You, and talking about all Your wonders. 8 O Jehovah I’ve loved the beauty of Your House, the place where You Tent in Your glory.
9 Don’t destroy my life with the Godless, nor end my life with men of blood, 10 in whose hands are deeds that are lawless, and whose right hands are filled up with bribes.
11 Ransom me for I’m innocent; [please my God] show mercy on me. 12 For with my feet I walk a straight line, and I’ll praise You among the gathering, O Jehovah.
Psalm 27
A Psalm of David before his anointing.
1 Jehovah is my light and my savior, so whom should I ever fear? Jehovah is the defender of my life, so before whom should I ever be shy?
2 Those who attacked to bring evil, and to devour my flesh; those enemies of mine who oppress me, have all become weak and have fallen.
3 Should they ever encamp against me, and should they attack me in war, my hope is that my heart will not fear.
4 One thing have I asked of Jehovah: to live in His House all the days of my life. I wish to view the delights of Jehovah, and to visit His Temple so holy.
5 When evil arrives He hides me in His Tent, and on those bad days He shelters me. He conceals me inside of His tent, and sets me upon a high rock.
6 Now, look how He’s lifted my head, high above all my enemies. So, I’ve encircled and sacrificed in His Tent; I have offered a sacrifice of praise, as I shout aloud and sing praises, and strum to [my great God Jehovah].
7 Listen, O Lord to my voice as I cry. Show mercy on me and hear me! 8 My heart says to You, ‘I will search for Jehovah. My face has sought after You, and Your face O God I will seek.
9 So, don’t turn Your face from me O God; don’t turn from Your servant in anger, for you have become my great helper… do not curse me by staying away, and do not abandon or overlook me.
10 My father and mother have left me, but Jehovah has claimed me as His own. 11 So, give me Your Laws O Jehovah, and teach me to walk in Your ways. And because of all of my enemies, guide me down roads that are straight.
12 Don’t hand me over to those who oppress me, for witnesses have stood against me and lied, and injustice has lied to herself.
13 I trust that from Jehovah I’ll see good things, while I’m still in the land of the living. 14 So, wait on Jehovah… act like a man. Wait on Jehovah and make your heart strong.
Psalm 28
A Psalm of David.
1 I’ll call out to You O Jehovah; my God I won’t remain silent, so You will never be silent with me, and make me like those who enter the pit. 2 Listen O Lord, to my voice as I beg, and as I raise my arms toward Your Temple so holy.
3 Don’t draw me together with sinners, and don’t destroy me with the unjust. For, although they speak of peace to their neighbors, there is evil inside their hearts.
4 O Jehovah, repay them for the things that they do, and for all their wicked acts. Return upon them the things they have done; give them a just compensation.
5 Jehovah, they haven’t noticed the things You have done, or the work that You’ve done with Your hands. So, You will wipe them away, and never rebuild them again.
6 Praise Jehovah, for He’s heard my prayer! 7 He’s my helper and defender, and upon Him I’ve hoped in my heart. He’s helped me and my flesh is doing well, so I will sing praises to Him.
8 Jehovah is the fort of His people; the defender and savior of His anointed. 9 So, save Your people and bless Your inheritance; tend them and lift them through the ages.
Psalm 29
A Psalm of David for when the Tent was being transported.
1 O sons of God, bring your things to Jehovah. The offspring of rams offer to God. Offer to Jehovah glory and honor. 2 Bring to the Lord the glory of His Name, and bow before Him in His courtyard so holy.
3 Upon the waters is the voice of Jehovah. The glory of God brings thunder, and Jehovah is [over the downpour]. 4 The voice of Jehovah is strong, and of His great majesty it speaks.
5 The voice of Jehovah breaks [trees], even the cedars of
Lebanon. 6 He thins out [the trees] like
7 The voice of Jehovah cuts through like [lightning]. 8 The
voice of the Lord shakes the desert. Before Him trembles the
He tears down the sacred poles, and carries those who give glory to His Temple most holy. 10 Jehovah brings calmness to the downpours, and seats His king through the ages.
11 Jehovah shows His strength on behalf of His people; Our Lord will bless them with peace.
Psalm 30
A Psalm for the dedication of David’s palace.
1 O Jehovah I praise You for lifting me high, and not allowing my enemies to be glad. 2 For, I called out to You, O my God, and You brought great healing to me.
3 O Jehovah, You saved my life from the grave; from those going down to the pit. 4 So, you who are holy play music to Him; remember and acknowledge His holiness.
5 For, while there’s wrath in His rage, there is life in His will. And while weeping may come in the evening, in the morning there’ll be rejoicing.
6 In all my prosperity I once said, ‘There’s no way I’ll be shaken through the ages. 7 O Jehovah, because of Your will, You gave me both beauty and power.’
Then from me You turned away Your face, and I became very disturbed. 8 ‘O Jehovah!’ I cried out to You. My God I was beseeching.
9 ‘What value has my blood if I die, and rot away under the ground? Will there be knowledge of You in the dust, and will dust speak about all of Your truth?’
10 Jehovah then heard and showed mercy on me, and He became my helper. 11 So, where my [heart] once beat in fear, it has now turned into rejoicing.
12 For, You tore off my sackcloth and wrapped me in gladness, so I’ll strum to You in my glory. And Jehovah my God, there’s no way I’ll be angry, but though the ages I’ll sing Your praises.
Psalm 31
To the director; A Psalm of David about his change of state.
1 In You O Jehovah I’ve placed all my hope. May I not be disgraced through the age. Rescue me in Your justice, and take me away from this place. 2 Please incline Your ear to hear me; hurry and take me away!
Become to me a God of defense, and make Your House a refuge to save me. 3 For, You are my fort and my refuge, and for the sake of Your Name, You will lead me and feed me.
4 O lead me out of these traps that are hidden, for You’re my defender Jehovah. 5 I’ve entrusted my breath to Your hands, and You’ve paid my ransom, O God of truth.
6 You’ve detested the foolish who are wasting their time, but I’ve put my hope in Jehovah. 7 So, I’ll shout in praise and be glad for Your mercy, for You have witnessed my humiliation.
From the wants and needs of my life You have saved me. 8 You’ve delivered me from my enemies’ hands, and set my feet where there’s plenty of room.
9 Show mercy on me O Jehovah, for I am in great distress. My eyes are disturbed and enraged, as are my soul and my belly.
10 My life has been wasted in grief, and my years have been spent in much moaning. My strength has been weakened by poorness, and all of my bones are now aching.
11 I am scorned by all of my enemies, and even more so by all of my neighbors. Those who know me now fear me, and the others outside have fled me.
12 I’m forgotten like one of the dead, and my heart is like a pot that’s been broken. 13 I’ve heard the complaints of those traveling about, as they gather together against me.
They’re meeting together to take away my life, 14 but I’ve put my trust in Jehovah. I said to You, 15 ‘You are my God. Into You hands I’ve entrusted my lot.’
So, rescue me from my enemies’ hands, and from all those who now chase me. 16 Please show Your face to your servant, and in You great mercy please save me!
17 O Jehovah, may I not be disgraced, for upon You I have called. May the irreverent be shamed, and be led to their graves.
18 May the lips of the deceitful become speechless, as well as those speaking against all of the just, in proud lawless ways and contempt.
19 How kind are Your ways O Jehovah, which are hidden to those who don’t fear You. For, You’ve come to the aid of the faithful, before all of the sons of men.
20 You’ll hide them in the concealment of Your face, from the disturbance of men [who are evil]. You’ll shelter them inside Your Tent, away from their scolding tongues.
21 May Jehovah be praised, for in His great mercy, He’s brought wonders to a city that’s surrounded.
22 But, I said when I saw things had changed, ‘He’s thrown me away from His eyes.’ And on account of this, You have listened to my voice, and heard what I said when I called You.
23 O love Jehovah, all his sacred ones, for truth is required by our God. But He also remembers to repay, all those who have too much pride.
So, act like men and strengthen your hearts, all you who hope in Jehovah.
Psalm 32
A Psalm of David for understanding.
1 Blest are those who’ve been forgiven lawbreaking, and whose sins they have not covered over. 2 Blest is the man God counts not a sinner, nor in whose mouth He has found treachery.
3 I’ve become quiet as my bones have grown older; I no longer call out all day long. 4 For, Your hand pressed upon me both day and night, and I turned in misery as though stuck by a thorn.
5 I’ve admitted to You all my lawlessness, and my sins I’ve not tried to hide. I said, ‘I’ll openly declare my lawlessness to Jehovah,’ and then You forgave my Godless heart.
6 For this the holy should pray at the right time, so the downpour of water will never approach them: 7 ‘You are my refuge from the troubles around me; from those who surround me You’ve provided my ransom.’
8 [And He’ll reply], ‘I’ll bring understanding to you, teach you the ways you should go, and always keep My eyes upon you. 9 So, do not act like a horse or a mule, who don’t understand and are bridled, and whose jaws you must squeeze when someone approaches.’
10 Many times the sinner must be whipped, but mercy surrounds those hoping in Jehovah. 11 So, you should take joy in Jehovah; shout in joy you just ones, and boast about Him from you hearts.
Psalm 33
A Psalm of David.
1 O righteous ones, rejoice in Jehovah, for to the upright come His praises. 2 Play to Jehovah on harps; strum to Him on your lutes with ten strings. 3 O sing to Him a new song. Play as you shout in a cheer.
4 The words of Jehovah are righteous, so trust in the things that He does. 5 God loves charity and equity, and the earth is filled with His mercy.
6 By the word of Jehovah the skies were formed, and their powers were formed by the breath from His mouth. 7 They were pulled together like a leather water bag, and seawater He placed in the treasuries of the deep.
8 So fear Jehovah, those living on earth, for because of Him our habitation will shake. 9 Why, He just spoke and it came into being; He gave the order and all was created.
10 He wipes away the plans of the nations; He annuls their devices and the designs of their rulers. 11 But the will of Jehovah will last through the ages; the things in His heart are from generation to generation.
12 Blest is the nation whose God is Jehovah; those He has chosen as His inheritance. 13 From out of heaven Jehovah looks down, and He watches the things the sons of men do.
14 From the home that He has prepared, He watches those dwelling on earth. 15 He alone shaped their hearts, and sees all that they have done.
16 A king won’t be saved with a large army, nor will a giant be delivered despite his great strength. 17 It’s foolish to place your salvation in a horse, for even with his power you may not be saved.
18 {Look!} The eyes of Jehovah are upon those who fear Him; those who put hope in His mercy. 19 Only He can rescue their lives from death, and feed them in times of famine.
20 So, with our whole lives we must wait on Jehovah, for He is our helper and defender. 21 With our whole hearts we must take joy in Him, and in His Holy Name put our hope.
22 O bring Your mercy upon us Jehovah, for we have put our hope in You.
Psalm 34
A Psalm of David of when his view of AbiMelech changed and he sent him away.
1 I’ll praise Jehovah throughout all time. His praises will stay my mouth. 2 I’ll praise Jehovah with my whole life, so listen you meek and be glad.
3 Glorify Jehovah with me; We’ll praise His great Name together.
4 I searched for Jehovah and He listened to me. He rescued me from all of my travels. 5 So, come to Him… be enlightened, and your faces won’t ever be shamed.
6 A poor man once called to God and He heard, then He saved him from all his problems. 7 A messenger of God camped around him, and He rescued the one who was in fear of His Name.
8 Taste and see that our God is good! The man who hopes in Him will always be blest! 9 Fear Jehovah all you His holy, for those who fear Him will lack nothing.
10 The rich will be poor and hungry, but those seeking God won’t lack for what’s good. 11 Come to me children and listen, and I’ll teach you the fear of Jehovah!
12 Who is the man that doesn’t want life, or to see days that are good? 13 Then remove from your tongue all that is evil, and take treachery away from your lips. 14 Turn away from the bad and do good! Search for peace and pursue it!
15 For, the eyes of Jehovah are upon all the righteous, and His ears hear the things that they ask for. 16 But the face of Jehovah is against all the bad, and He’ll destroy their memory from the earth.
17 The righteous called out and God listened, then He rescued them from all their problems. 18 For, Jehovah is near to those with broken hearts, and those humble in spirit He’ll deliver.
19 The righteous will have many afflictions, but God will save them from all. 20 Jehovah watches over their bones, and not a single one will be broken.
21 In sadness the sinners will be brought to their deaths, and those hating the righteous He will offend. 22 But Jehovah will ransom the lives of His servants, and no way will He harm those hoping in Him.
Psalm 35
A Psalm of David.
1 O Jehovah, judge those who are doing me wrong. Wage war against those waging war. 2 Take up