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Thanksgiving to God

118 Give thanks to the Lord,
    for he is good;
        his gracious love is eternal.

Let Israel now say,
    “His gracious love is eternal.”
Let the house of Aaron now say,
    “His gracious love is eternal.”
Let those who fear the Lord now say,
    “His gracious love is eternal.”

I called on the Lord in my distress;
    the Lord answered me openly.[a]
The Lord is with me.
    I will not be afraid.
        What can people do to me?
With the Lord beside me as my helper,
    I will triumph over those who hate me.

It is better to take shelter[b] in the Lord
    than to trust in people.
It is better to take shelter[c] in the Lord
    than to trust in princes.

10 All the nations surrounded me;
    but in the name of the Lord I will defeat them.
11 They surrounded me, they are around me;
    but in the name of the Lord I will defeat them.
12 They surrounded me like bees;
    but they will be extinguished like[d] burning thorns.
        In the name of the Lord I will defeat them.

13 Indeed, you[e] oppressed me so much that I nearly fell,
    but the Lord helped me.
14 The Lord is my strength and protector,[f]
    for he has become my deliverer.[g]
15 There’s exultation[h] for deliverance in the tents of the righteous:
“The right hand of the Lord is victorious![i]
16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted!
        The right hand of the Lord is victorious!”[j]

17 I will not die, but I will live
    to recount the deeds of the Lord.
18 The Lord will discipline me severely,
    but he won’t hand me over to die.

19 Open for me the righteous gates
    so I may enter through them to give thanks to the Lord.
20 This is the Lord’s gate—
    The righteous will enter through it.

21 I will praise you because you have answered me
    and have become my deliverer.
22 The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone.
23 This is from the Lord
    it is awesome in our sight.
24 This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let’s rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Please Lord, deliver us!
    Please Lord, hurry[k] and bring success now!

26 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
    Let us bless you from the Lord’s house.
27 The Lord is God—he will be our light!
    Bind the festival sacrifice with ropes
        to the horn at the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will praise you;
    my God, and I will exalt you.
29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good
    and his gracious love is eternal.

Alef [l]

Living in the Law of God

119 How blessed are those whose life[m] is blameless,
    who walk in the Law of the Lord!
How blessed are those who observe his decrees,
    who seek him with all of their heart,
who practice no evil
    while they walk in his ways.
You have commanded concerning your precepts,
    that they be guarded with diligence.
Oh, that my ways were steadfast,
    so I may keep your statutes.
Then I will not be ashamed,
    since my eyes will be fixed on all of your commands.
I will praise you with an upright heart,
    as I learn your righteous decrees.
I will keep your statutes;
    do not ever abandon me.

Bet

The Benefits of the Word

How can a young man keep his behavior pure?
    By guarding it in accordance with your word.
10 I have sought you with all of my heart;
    do not let me drift away from your commands.
11 I have stored what you have said[n] in my heart,
    so I won’t sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, Lord!
    Teach me your statutes.
13 I have spoken with my lips
    about all your decrees that you have announced.[o]
14 I find joy in the path of your decrees,
    as if I owned all kinds of riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts,
    and I will respect your ways.
16 I am delighted with your statutes;
    I will not forget your word.[p]

Gimmel

Living and Keeping God’s Word

17 Deal kindly with your servant
    so I may live and keep your word.[q]
18 Open my eyes
    so that I will observe amazing things from your instruction.[r]
19 Since I am a stranger on the earth,
    do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed with longing
    for your decrees at all times.
21 You rebuke the accursed ones,
    who wander from your commands.
22 Remove scorn and disrespect from me,
    for I observe your decrees.
23 Though nobles take their seat and gossip about me,
    your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24 I take joy in your decrees,
    for they are my counselors.

Daleth

Strength Comes from the Word

25 My soul clings to the dust;
    revive me according to your word.
26 I have talked about my ways,
    and you have answered me;
        Teach me your statutes.
27 Help me understand how your precepts function,[s]
    and I will meditate on your wondrous acts.
28 I weep because of sorrow;
    fortify me according to your word.
29 Remove false paths from me;
    and graciously give me your instruction.[t]
30 I have chosen the faithful way;
    I have firmly placed your ordinances before me.[u]
31 I cling to your decrees;
    Lord, do not put me to shame.
32 I eagerly race along the way of your commands,
    for you enable me to do so.[v]

He

Instructed by the Word

33 Teach me, Lord, about the way of your statutes,
    and I will observe them without fail.[w]
34 Give me understanding
    and I will observe your instruction.[x]
        I will keep it with all of my heart.
35 Help me live my life by your commands,
    because my joy is in them.
36 Turn my heart to your decrees
    and away from unjust gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from gazing at worthless things,
    and revive me by your ways.
38 Confirm your promise to your servant,
    which is for those who fear you.
39 Turn away the shame that I dread,
    because your ordinances are good.
40 Look, I long for your precepts;
    revive me through your righteousness.

Vav

A Song of Praise

41 May your gracious love come to me, Lord,
    your salvation, just as you said.
42 Then I can answer the one who insults me,
    for I place my trust in your word.
43 Never take your truthful words from me,
    For I wait for[y] your ordinances.
44 Then I will always keep your Law,
    forever and ever,
45 I will walk in liberty,
    for I seek your precepts.
46 Then I will speak of your decrees before kings
    and not be ashamed.
47 I will take delight in your commands,
    which I love.
48 I will lift up my hands to your commands,
    which I love,
        and I will meditate on your statutes.

Zayin

Remembering What God Has Said

49 Remember what you said[z] to your servant,
    by which you caused me to hope.
50 This is what comforts me in my troubles:
    that what you say revives me.
51 Even though the arrogant utterly deride me,
    I do not turn away from your instruction.[aa]
52 I have remembered your ancient ordinances, Lord,
    and I take comfort in them.
53 I burn with indignation because of the wicked
    who forsake your instruction.[ab]
54 Your statutes are my songs,
    no matter where I make my home.[ac]
55 In the night I remember your name, Lord,
    and keep your instruction.[ad]
56 I have made it my personal responsibility
    to keep your precepts.

Cheth

Keeping God’s Word

57 The Lord is my inheritance;
    I have given my promise to keep your word.
58 I have sought your favor with all of my heart;
    be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 I examined my lifestyle
    and set my feet in the direction of your decrees.
60 I hurried and did not procrastinate
    to keep your commands.
61 Though the ropes of the wicked have ensnared me,
    I have not forgotten your instruction.[ae]
62 At midnight I will get up to thank you
    for your righteous ordinances.
63 I am united with all who fear you,
    and with everyone who keeps your precepts.
64 Lord, the earth overflows with your gracious love!
    Teach me your statutes.

Teth

Praise for God’s Word

65 Lord, you have dealt well with your servant,
    according to your word.
66 Teach me both knowledge and appropriate discretion,
    because I believe in your commands.
67 Before I was humbled, I wandered away,
    but now I observe your words.
68 Lord,[af] you are good[ag], and do what is good;
    teach me your statutes.
69 The arrogant have accused me falsely;
    but I will observe your precepts wholeheartedly.
70 Their minds are clogged as with greasy fat,
    but I find joy in your instruction.[ah]
71 It was for my good that I was humbled;[ai]
    so that I would learn your statutes.
72 Instruction[aj] that comes from you[ak] is better for me
    than thousands of gold and silver coins.[al]

Yod

Prayer for God’s Grace

73 Your hands made and formed me;
    give me understanding,
        that I may learn your commands.
74 May those who fear you see me and be glad,
    for I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, Lord, that your decrees are just,
    and that you have rightfully humbled me.
76 May your gracious love comfort me
    in accordance with your promise to your servant.
77 May your mercies come to me that I may live,
    for your instruction[am] is my delight.
78 May the arrogant become ashamed,
    because they have subverted me with deceit;
        as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79 May those who fear you turn to me,
    along with those who know your decrees.
80 May my heart be blameless with respect to your statutes
    so that I may not become ashamed.

Kaf

On Obeying God’s Word

81 I long for your deliverance;
    I have looked to your word,
        placing my hope in it.
82 My eyes grow weary
    with respect to what you have promised—
        I keep asking, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I have become like a water skin dried by[an] smoke,
    I have not forgotten your statutes.
84 How many days must your servant endure this?[ao]
    When will you judge those who persecute me?
85 The arrogant have dug pitfalls for me,
    disobeying your instruction.[ap]
86 All of your commands are reliable.
    I am persecuted without cause—help me!
87 Though the arrogant[aq] nearly destroyed me on earth,
    I did not abandon your precepts.
88 Revive me according to your gracious love;
    and I will keep the decrees that you have proclaimed.

Lamed

Pay Attention to God’s Word

89 Your word is forever, Lord;
    it is firmly established in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness continues from generation to generation.
    You established the earth, and it stands firm.
91 To this day they stand by means of your rulings,
    for all things serve you.
92 Had your instruction[ar] not been my pleasure,
    I would have died in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts,
    for you have revived me with them.
94 I am yours, so save me,
    since I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked lay in wait to destroy me,
    while I ponder your decrees.
96 I have observed that all things have their limit,
    but your commandment is very broad.

Mem

Loving God’s Word

97 How I love your instruction![as]
    Every day it is my meditation.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my adversaries,
    since they are always with me.
99 I am more insightful than my teachers,
    because your decrees are my meditations.
100 I have more common sense than the elders,
    for I observe your precepts.
101 I keep away from every evil choice[at]
    so that I may keep your word.[au]
102 I do not avoid your judgments,
    for you pointed them out to me.
103 How pleasing is what you have to say to me—
    tasting better than honey.
104 I obtain understanding from your precepts;
    therefore I hate every false way.

Nun

God’s Word a Light

105 Your word is[av] a lamp for my feet,
    a light for my pathway.
106 I have given my word and affirmed it,
    to keep your righteous judgments.
107 I am severely afflicted.
    Revive me, Lord, according to your word.
108 Lord, please accept my voluntary offerings of praise,[aw]
    and teach me your judgments.
109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
    I do not forget your instruction.[ax]
110 Though the wicked lay a trap for me,
    I haven’t wandered away from your precepts.
111 I have inherited your decrees forever,
    because they are the joy of my heart.
112 As a result, I am determined
    to carry out your statutes forever.

Samek

Loving God’s Law

113 I despise the double-minded,
    but I love your instruction.[ay]
114 You are my fortress and shield;
    I hope in your word.
115 Leave me, you who practice evil,
    that I may observe the commands of my God.
116 Sustain me, God,[az] as you have promised,
    and I will live.
        Do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
117 Support me, that I may be saved,
    and I will carry out your statutes consistently.
118 You reject all who wander from your statutes,
    since their deceitfulness is vain.
119 You remove[ba] all the wicked of the earth like[bb] dross;
    therefore I love your decrees.
120 My flesh trembles out of fear of you,
    and I am in awe of[bc] your judgments.

Ayin

Praying for God’s Deliverance

121 I have acted with justice and righteousness;
    do not abandon me to my oppressors.
122 Back up your servant in a positive way;
    do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes fail as I look[bd] for your salvation
    and for your righteous promise.
124 Act toward your servant consistent with your gracious love,
    and teach me your statutes.
125 Since I am your servant, give me understanding,
    so I will know your decrees.
126 It is time for the Lord to act,
    since they have violated your instruction.[be]
127 I truly love your commands more than gold,
    including fine gold.
128 I truly consider all of your precepts—all of them—to be just,
    while I despise every false way.

Peyh

Living in God’s Word

129 Your decrees are wonderful—
    that’s why I observe them.
130 The disclosure of your words illuminates,
    providing understanding to the simple.
131 I open my mouth and pant
    as I long for your commands.
132 Turn in my direction and show mercy to me,
    as you have decreed regarding those who love your name.
133 Direct my footsteps by your promise,
    and do not let any kind of iniquity rule over me.
134 Deliver me from human oppression
    and I will keep your precepts.
135 Show favor to[bf] your servant,
    and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes shed rivers of tears,
    when others do not obey your instruction.[bg]

Tsade

God’s Righteous Decrees

137 Lord, you are righteous,
    and your judgments are right.
138 You have ordered your decrees to us rightly,
    and they are very faithful.
139 My zeal consumes me
    because my enemies forget your words.
140 Your word is very pure,
    and your servant loves it.
141 Though I may be small and despised,
    I do not neglect your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an eternal righteousness,
    and your instruction[bh] is true.
143 Though trouble and anguish overwhelm me,
    your commands remain my delight.
144 Your righteous decrees are eternal;
    give me understanding, and I will live.

Qof

Waiting in Hope

145 I have cried out with all of my heart.
    Answer me, Lord!
        I will observe your statutes.
146 I have called out to you, “Save me,
    so I may keep your decrees.”
147 I get up before dawn and cry for help;
    I place my hope in your word.
148 I look forward to the night watches,
    when I may meditate on what you have said.
149 Hear my voice according to your gracious love.
    Lord, revive me in keeping with your justice.
150 Those who pursue wickedness draw near;
    they remain far from your instruction.[bi]
151 You are near, Lord,
    and all of your commands are true.
152 I discovered long ago about your decrees
    that you have confirmed them forever.

Resh

God’s Word is Truth

153 Look on my misery, and rescue me,
    for I do not ignore your instruction.[bj]
154 Defend my case and redeem me;
    revive me according to your promise.
155 Deliverance remains remote from the wicked,
    for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Your mercies are magnificent, Lord;
    revive me according to your judgments.
157 Though my persecutors and adversaries are numerous,
    I do not turn aside from your decrees.
158 I watch the treacherous, and despise them,
    because they do not do what you have said.
159 Look how I love your precepts, Lord;
    revive me according to your gracious love.
160 The sum[bk] of your word[bl] is truth,
    and each righteous ordinance of yours is everlasting.

Sin/Shin

Loving God’s Instruction

161 Though nobles persecute me for no reason,
    my heart stands in awe of your words.
162 I find joy at what you have said
    like one who has discovered a great treasure.
163 I despise and hate falsehood,
    but[bm] I love your instruction.[bn]
164 I praise you seven times a day
    because of your righteous ordinances.
165 Great peace belongs to those who love your instruction,[bo]
    and nothing makes them stumble.
166 I am looking in hope for your deliverance, Lord,
    as I carry out your commands.
167 My soul treasures[bp] your decrees,
    and I love them deeply.
168 I keep your precepts and your decrees
    because all of my ways are before you.

Tav

The Joy of God’s Word

169 May my cry arise before you, Lord;
    give me understanding according to your word.
170 Let my request come before you;
    deliver me, as you have promised.
171 May my lips utter praise,
    for you teach me your statutes.
172 May my tongue sing about your promise,
    for all of your commands are right.
173 May your hand stand ready to assist me,
    for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I am longing for your deliverance, Lord,
    and your instruction[bq] is my joy.
175 Let me live, and I will praise you;
    let your ordinances[br] help me.
176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep;
    come find your servant,
        for I do not forget your commands.

A Song of Ascents[bs]

A Prayer for Deliverance

120 I cried to the Lord in my distress,
    and he responded to me.
Lord, deliver me[bt] from lips that lie
    and tongues that deceive.”

What will be given to you,
    and what will be done to you,
        you treacherous tongue?
Like a[bu] sharp arrow from a warrior,
    along with fiery coals from juniper trees!

How terrible for me,
    that I am an alien in Meshech,
        that I reside among the tents of Kedar!
I have resided too long
    with those who hate peace.
I am in favor of peace;
    but when I speak,
        they are in favor of war.

A Song of Ascents

The Guardian of God’s People

121 I lift up my eyes toward the mountains—
    from where will my help come?
My help is from the Lord,
    maker of heaven and earth.

He will never let[bv] your foot slip,
    nor[bw] will[bx] your guardian become drowsy.
Look! The one who is guarding Israel
    never sleeps and does not take naps.

The Lord is your guardian;
    the Lord is your shade at your right side.
The sun will not ravage you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

The Lord will guard you from all evil,
    preserving[by] your life.
The Lord will guard your goings and comings,[bz]
    from this time on and forever.

A Davidic Song of Ascents

Up to Jerusalem

122 I rejoiced when they kept on asking me,
    “Let us go to the Lord’s Temple.”
Our feet are standing
    inside your gates, Jerusalem.
Jerusalem stands built up,
    a city knitted together.
To it the tribes ascend—
    the tribes of the Lord
as decreed to Israel,
    to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
For thrones are established there for judgment,
    thrones of the house of David.

Pray for peace for Jerusalem:
    “May those who love you be at peace![ca]
May peace be within your ramparts,
    and[cb] prosperity[cc] within your fortresses.”

For the sake of my relatives and friends
    I will now say, “May there be peace within you.”
For the sake of the Temple of the Lord our God,
    I will seek your welfare.

A Song of Ascents

A Prayer for Relief

123 To you, who sit enthroned in heaven,
    I lift up my eyes.
Consider this: as the eyes of a servant focus
    on what his master provides,[cd]
and as the eyes of a female servant focus[ce]
    on what her mistress provides,[cf]
so our eyes focus on the Lord our God,
    until he has mercy on us.

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy,
    for we have had more than enough of contempt.
Our lives overflow
    with scorn from those who live at ease,
        with contempt from those who are proud.

A Davidic Song of Ascents

God is for Us

124 If the Lord had not been on our side—
    let Israel now say—
if the Lord had not been on our side,
    when men came against us,
then they would have devoured us alive,
    when their anger burned against us.
Then the flood waters would have overwhelmed us,
    the torrent would have flooded over us;
the swollen waters would have swept us away.

Blessed be the Lord,
    who did not give us as prey to their teeth.
We have escaped like a bird from the hunter’s trap.
    The trap has been broken,
        and we have escaped.

Our help is in the name of the Lord,
    the maker of heaven and earth.

A Song of Ascents

God is Secure

125 Those who are trusting in the Lord
    are like Mount Zion, which cannot be overthrown.
        They remain forever.
Just as mountains encircle Jerusalem,
    so the Lord encircles his people,
        from now to eternity.

For evil’s scepter will not rest
    on the land that has been allotted to the righteous,
and so the righteous will not direct themselves[cg] to do wrong.

Lord, do good to those who are good,
    and to those who are upright in heart.[ch]
But for those who choose their own devious paths,
    the Lord will lead them away,
        along with those who practice evil.

Peace be upon Israel.

A Song of Ascents

The Exiles Restored

126 When the Lord brought back Zion’s exiles,[ci]
    we were like dreamers.[cj]
Then our mouths were filled with laughter,
    and our tongues formed joyful shouts.
Then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
The great things that the Lord has done for us
    gladden us.

Restore our exiles,[ck] Lord,
    like the streams of the Negev.[cl]
Those who weep while they plant
    will sing for joy while they harvest.
The one who goes out weeping,[cm]
    carrying a bag of seeds,
will surely return with a joyful song,
    bearing sheaves from his harvest.[cn]

A Solomonic Song of Ascents

God’s Blessing in the Family

127 Unless the Lord builds the house,
    its builders labor uselessly.
Unless the Lord guards the city,
    its security forces keep watch uselessly.
It is useless to get up early
    and to stay up late,[co]
eating the food of exhausting labor—
    truly he gives sleep to those he loves.

Children[cp] are a gift[cq] from the Lord;
    a productive womb, the Lord’s[cr] reward.
As arrows in the hand of a warrior,
    so also are children[cs] born during one’s[ct] youth.
How blessed[cu] is the man whose quiver is full of them!
    He[cv] will not be ashamed
        as they confront their enemies at the city gate.

A Song of Ascents

The Blessings of Fearing God

128 How blessed[cw] are all who fear the Lord
    as they follow in his ways.
You will eat from the work of your hands;
    you will be happy, and it will go well for you.

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house;
    your children[cx] like olive shoots surrounding your table.
See how the man will be blessed
    who fears the Lord.

May the Lord bless you from Zion,
    and may you observe the prosperity of Jerusalem
        every day that you live!
And may you see your children’s children!
    Peace be on Israel!

A Song of Ascents

God Defeats Israel’s Enemies

129 “Since my youth they have often persecuted me,”
    let Israel repeat it,
“Since my youth they have often persecuted me,
    yet they haven’t defeated me.
Wicked people[cy] plowed over my back,
    creating long-lasting wounds.”[cz]

The Lord is righteous—
    he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.

Let all who hate Zion
    be turned away and be ashamed.
May they become like a tuft of grass on a roof top,
    that withers before it takes root—
not enough to fill one’s hand
    or to bundle in one’s arms.
And may those who pass by never tell them,
    “May the Lord’s blessing be upon you.
        We bless you in the name of the Lord.”

A Song of Ascents

A Prayer for Mercy

130 I cry to you from the depths, Lord,
Lord, listen to my voice;
let your ears pay attention
    to what I ask of you![da]
Lord,[db] if you were to record iniquities,
    Lord, who could remain standing?
But with you there is forgiveness,
    so that you may be feared.

I wait for the Lord;
    my soul waits,
        and I will hope in his word.
My soul looks to the Lord
    more than watchmen look for the morning—
        more, indeed, than[dc] watchmen for the morning.

Israel, hope in the Lord!
    For with the Lord there is gracious love,
        along with abundant redemption.
And he will redeem Israel
    from all its sins.

A Davidic Song of Ascents

Hope in the Lord

131 Lord, my heart is not arrogant,
    nor do I look haughty.
I do not aspire[dd] to great things,
    nor concern myself with things beyond my ability.
Instead, I have composed and quieted myself
    like a weaned child with its mother;
        I am like a weaned child.

Place your hope in the Lord, Israel,
    both now and forever.

A Song of Ascents

The Lord Lives in Zion

132 Lord, remember in David’s favor
    all of his troubles;
how he swore an oath to the Lord,
    vowing to the Mighty One of Jacob,
“I will not enter[de] my house,
    or lie down on[df] my bed,
or let myself go to sleep[dg]
    or even take a nap,[dh]
until I locate a place for the Lord,
    a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”

We heard about it[di] in Ephrata;[dj]
    we found it in the fields of Jaar.[dk]
Let’s go to his dwelling place
    and worship at his footstool.

Arise, Lord,
    and go to your resting place,
        you and the ark of your strength.
May your priests be clothed with righteousness
    and may your godly ones shout for joy.
10 For the sake of your servant David,
    don’t turn away the face of your anointed one.

11 The Lord made an oath to David
    from which he will not retreat:
“One of your sons
    I will set in place on your throne.
12 If your sons keep my covenant
    and my statutes that I will teach them,
        then their sons will also sit on your throne forever.”

13 For the Lord has chosen Zion,
    desiring it as his dwelling place.
14 “This is my resting place forever.
    Here I will live,
        because I desire to do so.
15 I will bless its provisions abundantly;
    I will satiate its poor with food.[dl]
16 I will clothe its priests with salvation
    and its godly ones will shout for joy.
17 There I will create a power base[dm] for David—
    I have prepared a lamp for my anointed one.
18 I will clothe his enemies with disgrace,
    but on him his crown will shine.”

A Davidic Song of Ascents

The Significance of Unity

133 Look how good and how pleasant it is
    when brothers live together in unity!
It is like precious oil on the head,
    descending to the beard—
even to Aaron’s beard—
    and flowing down to the edge of his robes.
It is like the dew of Hermon
    falling on Zion’s mountains.
For there the Lord commanded his blessing—
    life everlasting.

A Song of Ascents

Praise to the Creator

134 Now bless the Lord,
    all you servants of the Lord
        who serve[dn] nightly in the Lord’s Temple.
Lift up your hands to the Holy Place
    and bless the Lord.

May the Lord who fashions heaven and earth
    bless you from Zion.

Praising God for His Graciousness

135 Hallelujah!
    Praise the name of the Lord!
Give praise, you servants of the Lord,
you who are standing in the Lord’s Temple,
        in the courtyards of the house of our God.

Praise the Lord,
    because the Lord is good;
Sing to his name,
    for he is gracious.
It is Jacob whom the Lord chose for himself—
    Israel as his personal possession.

Indeed, I know that the Lord is great,
    and that our Lord[do] surpasses all gods.
The Lord does whatever pleases him
    in heaven and on earth,
        in the seas and all its[dp] deep regions.
He makes the clouds rise from the ends of the earth,
    fashioning lightning for the rain,
        bringing the wind from his storehouses.

It was the Lord[dq] who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
    including both men and animals.
He sent signs and wonders among you, Egypt,
    before[dr] Pharaoh and all his servants.
10 He struck down many nations,
    killing many kings—
11 Sihon, king of the Amorites,
    Og, king of Bashan,
        and every kingdom of Canaan—
12 and he gave their land as an inheritance,
    an inheritance to his people Israel.

13 Your name, Lord, exists forever,
    and your reputation, Lord, throughout the ages.
14 For the Lord will vindicate his people,
    and he will show compassion on his servants.

15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
    worked by[ds] the hands of human beings.
16 Mouths are attributed to them,
    but they cannot speak;
sight is attributed to them,
    but they cannot see;
17 ears are attributed to them,
    but they do not hear,
        and there is no breath in their mouths.
18 Those who craft them—
    and all[dt] who trust in them—
        will become like them.

19 House of Israel, bless the Lord!
    House of Aaron, bless the Lord!
20 House of Levi, bless the Lord!
    You who fear the Lord, bless the Lord!

21 Blessed be the Lord from Zion,
    he who lives in Jerusalem.

Hallelujah!

God’s Gracious Love

136 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his gracious love is everlasting.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
    for his gracious love is everlasting.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—

To the one who alone does great and wondrous things,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—
to the one who by wisdom made the heavens,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—
to the one who spread out the earth over the waters,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—
to the one who made the great lights,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—
the sun to illumine[du] the day,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—
and the moon and stars to illumine[dv] the night,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—
10 to the one who struck the firstborn of Egypt,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—
11 and brought Israel out from among them,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—
12 with a strong hand and an active[dw] arm,
    for his gracious love is everlasting.

13 To the one who split the Reed[dx] Sea in two
    for his gracious love is everlasting—
14 and made Israel pass through the middle of it,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—
15 and cast Pharaoh and his armies into the Reed[dy] Sea,
    for his gracious love is everlasting.

16 To the one who led his people into the wilderness,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—
17 to the one who struck down great kings,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—
18 and killed famous kings,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—
19 including Sihon king of the Amorites,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—
20 and Og king of Bashan,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—
21 and gave their land as an inheritance,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—
22 to Israel his servant as a possession,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—

23 He it is who remembered us in our lowly circumstances,
    for his gracious love is everlasting—
24 and rescued us from our enemies,
    for his gracious love is everlasting.
25 He gives food to all creatures,
    for his gracious love is everlasting.

26 Give thanks to the God of Heaven,
    for his gracious love is everlasting.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 118:5 Lit. in a wide open place
  2. Psalm 118:8 Or refuge; LXX DSS 4QPsb 11QPsa read to trust
  3. Psalm 118:9 Or refuge
  4. Psalm 118:12 So MT DSS 4QPsb; LXX reads bees; they blazed like a fire among
  5. Psalm 118:13 I.e. the enemy
  6. Psalm 118:14 Or might
  7. Psalm 118:14 Or salvation
  8. Psalm 118:15 Lit. sound of
  9. Psalm 118:15 Lit. Lord acted valiantly
  10. Psalm 118:16 MT reads Lord acted valiantly; LXX DSS 11QPsa read Lord acted powerfully
  11. Psalm 118:25 Or rush
  12. Psalm 119:1 This Psalm is an acrostic in which all verses in each eight-verse section begin with the letter of the Heb. alphabet indicated.
  13. Psalm 119:1 Lit. way
  14. Psalm 119:11 So MT DSS 4QPsh; LXX Syr read stored your oracles
  15. Psalm 119:13 Lit. decrees of your mouth
  16. Psalm 119:16 So MT; LXX Syr DSS 11QPsa read words
  17. Psalm 119:17 So MT; LXX DSS 11QPsa read words
  18. Psalm 119:18 Or Law
  19. Psalm 119:27 Lit. understand the ways of your precepts
  20. Psalm 119:29 Or Law
  21. Psalm 119:30 The Heb. lacks before me
  22. Psalm 119:32 Lit. will enlarge my heart
  23. Psalm 119:33 Or them to the end
  24. Psalm 119:34 Or Law
  25. Psalm 119:43 Or place my hope in
  26. Psalm 119:49 Lit. Remember the word
  27. Psalm 119:51 Or Law
  28. Psalm 119:53 Or Law
  29. Psalm 119:54 Lit. songs in the house of my sojourn
  30. Psalm 119:55 Or Law
  31. Psalm 119:61 Or Law
  32. Psalm 119:68 So LXX Syr DSS 11QPsa; the Heb. lacks Lord
  33. Psalm 119:68 So MT; LXX reads kind
  34. Psalm 119:70 Or Law
  35. Psalm 119:71 So MT; LXX reads that you humbled me; DSS 11QPsa reads that you afflicted me
  36. Psalm 119:72 Or Law
  37. Psalm 119:72 Lit. from your mouth
  38. Psalm 119:72 Lit. pieces
  39. Psalm 119:77 Or Law
  40. Psalm 119:83 The Heb. lacks dried by
  41. Psalm 119:84 The Heb. lacks this
  42. Psalm 119:85 Or Law
  43. Psalm 119:87 Lit. they
  44. Psalm 119:92 Or Law
  45. Psalm 119:97 Or Law
  46. Psalm 119:101 Lit. way
  47. Psalm 119:101 So MT DSS 5QPs; LXX reads words
  48. Psalm 119:105 So MT and LXX; the DSS 11QPsa reads words are
  49. Psalm 119:108 Lit. of my mouth
  50. Psalm 119:109 Or Law
  51. Psalm 119:113 Or Law
  52. Psalm 119:116 The Heb. lacks God
  53. Psalm 119:119 So MT; Hieronymus Aquila Symmachus read You consider; LXX reads I considered; DSS 11QPsa reads I consider
  54. Psalm 119:119 The Heb. lacks like
  55. Psalm 119:120 Or I fear
  56. Psalm 119:123 The Heb. lacks as I look
  57. Psalm 119:126 Or Law
  58. Psalm 119:135 Lit. Make your face shine on
  59. Psalm 119:136 Or Law
  60. Psalm 119:142 Or Law
  61. Psalm 119:150 Or Law
  62. Psalm 119:153 Or Law
  63. Psalm 119:160 So MT; LXX reads beginning
  64. Psalm 119:160 So MT; LXX Hieronymous DSS 11QPsa read words
  65. Psalm 119:163 So LXX Syr DSS 11QPsa; the Heb. lacks but
  66. Psalm 119:163 Or Law
  67. Psalm 119:165 Or Law
  68. Psalm 119:167 Lit. guards
  69. Psalm 119:174 Or Law
  70. Psalm 119:175 So LXX Targ DSS 11QPsa (original); MT reads ordinance
  71. Psalm 120:1 Or Degrees; and so through Psalm 134
  72. Psalm 120:2 Lit. my soul
  73. Psalm 120:4 The Heb. lacks Like a
  74. Psalm 121:3 So MT; LXX reads Do not let
  75. Psalm 121:3 So LXX Syr Hieronymous DSS 11QPsa; the Heb. lacks nor
  76. Psalm 121:3 So MT; LXX reads nor let
  77. Psalm 121:7 Or guarding
  78. Psalm 121:8 Cf. Deut 28:6
  79. Psalm 122:6 Or you prosper
  80. Psalm 122:7 So LXX Syr DSS 11QPsa; the Heb. lacks and
  81. Psalm 122:7 Or peacefulness; LXX reads abundance
  82. Psalm 123:2 Lit. on the hand of his master
  83. Psalm 123:2 The Heb. lacks focus
  84. Psalm 123:2 Lit. on the hand of her mistress
  85. Psalm 125:3 Lit. will not set their hands
  86. Psalm 125:4 So LXX DSS 4QPse 11QPsa; MT reads in their hearts
  87. Psalm 126:1 Or fortunes
  88. Psalm 126:1 So MT; LXX DSS11QPsa read were restored
  89. Psalm 126:4 Or fortunes
  90. Psalm 126:4 I.e. southern region of Israel; cf. Josh 10:40
  91. Psalm 126:6 So MT and DSS 11QPsa (corrected); LXX DSS 11QPsa (original) read out and weeps
  92. Psalm 126:6 The Heb. lacks harvest
  93. Psalm 127:2 Lit. delay sitting
  94. Psalm 127:3 Lit. Sons
  95. Psalm 127:3 Lit. heritage
  96. Psalm 127:3 The Heb. lacks Lord’s
  97. Psalm 127:4 Lit. sons
  98. Psalm 127:4 The Heb. lacks born during one’s
  99. Psalm 127:5 Or happy
  100. Psalm 127:5 Lit. They
  101. Psalm 128:1 Or happy
  102. Psalm 128:3 Lit. sons
  103. Psalm 129:3 So LXX DSS 11QPsa; MT reads The ploughman
  104. Psalm 129:3 Or long furrows; LXX reads back; they prolonged their lawlessness
  105. Psalm 130:2 Lit. to the voice of my supplications
  106. Psalm 130:3 Lit. Yah
  107. Psalm 130:6 The Heb. lacks more indeed, than
  108. Psalm 131:1 Lit. walk
  109. Psalm 132:3 Lit. enter the tent that is
  110. Psalm 132:3 Lit. on the couch that is
  111. Psalm 132:4 Lit. or give sleep to my eyes
  112. Psalm 132:4 Lit. or let my eyelids slumber
  113. Psalm 132:6 I.e. the Ark of the Covenant
  114. Psalm 132:6 I.e. the region of Bethlehem
  115. Psalm 132:6 Cf. 1Sam 7:1-2; 1Chr 16:5-6
  116. Psalm 132:15 Lit. bread
  117. Psalm 132:17 Lit. will cause a horn to sprout
  118. Psalm 134:1 Lit. stand
  119. Psalm 135:5 So MT LXX; DSS 11QPsa reads God
  120. Psalm 135:6 So DSS 11QPsa; MT LXX lack its
  121. Psalm 135:8 Lit. was he
  122. Psalm 135:9 Or among
  123. Psalm 135:15 So MT LXX; DSS 4QPsk reads gold, products of
  124. Psalm 135:18 So LXX DSS 11QPsa; the lacks and
  125. Psalm 136:8 Lit. govern; cf. Gen 1:16
  126. Psalm 136:9 Lit. govern; cf. Gen 1:16
  127. Psalm 136:12 Lit. outstretched
  128. Psalm 136:13 So MT; LXX reads Red
  129. Psalm 136:15 So MT; LXX reads Red