Psalm 107

1.     Sing praise in the presence of the Lord, for he is good, for his goodness is forever.

2.     The redeemed of the Lord will say [it], whom he redeemed from the hand of the oppressor.

3.     And whom he gathered from the lands, from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the sea in the south.

4.     Concerning the people of the house of Israel he prophesied and said, “The people of the house of Israel have wandered in the wilderness in a desolate path; they did not find an inhabited city.”

5.     Thirsty, yes, and hungry, their souls will grow weary.

6.     And they prayed in the presence of the Lord went it went ill with them; he delivered them from their distress.

7.     And he guided[1] them on a straight way, to come to Jerusalem, the inhabited city.

8.     Let them give thanks in the presence of the Lord because of his kindness, and tell his wonders to the sons of men.

9.     For he has satisfied the soul of the empty, and filled with good things the soul of the hungry.

10.  Concerning Zedekiah and the leaders of Israel he prophesied and said, “O Zedekiah and the leaders of Israel, who were exiled to Babylon and dwelt in darkness and the shadow of death, and became prisoners in the pain of iron fetters.”

11.  For they rebelled against the word of God, and rejected the counsel of the Most High.

12.  And he broke their heart with toil; they stumbled, and there was none to help.

13.  And they prayed in the presence of the Lord when it went ill with them; he redeemed them from their distress.

14.  He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death; and he will break their chains.

15.  They will give thanks in the presence of the Lord because of his kindness, and tell his wonders to the sons of men.

16.  For he shattered the doors of bronze, and cut down the bars of iron.

17.  Concerning Hezekiah, king of the tribe of the house of Judah, he prophesied and said, “Hezekiah, king of the house of Judah, who refused to take a wife, was punished as the fools are punished because of their rebellious way and because of their iniquities.”

18.  Their soul will reject all food, and they arrive at the portals of death.

19.  And they prayed in the presence of the Lord when it went ill with them, and he will redeem them from their distresses.

20.  He will send[2] the words of his healing and will heal them, and deliver [them] from being harmed.

21.  They will give thanks in the presence of the Lord because of his kindness, and tell his wonders to the sons of men.

22.  And they will sacrifice thanksgiving sacrifices, and will tell of his deeds in gladness.

23.  Concerning the sailors of Jonah son of Amittai, he prophesied and said, “The sailors, those who go down to the sea in ships, those who do work on many waters –

24.  They saw the deeds of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.”

25.  And he gave command by his word, and raised up the storm and the gale, and its waves were lifted up high.

26.  They go up towards heaven, they go down to the depths of the abysses; their souls will melt in misery.

27.  They will tremble, they will totter[3] like a man drunk with wine; and all their wisdom is destroyed.

28.  And they prayed in the presence of the Lord when it went ill with them, and he will bring them out of their troubles.

29.  He will make the wind cease to quietness, and their waves will be silent.

30.  And they rejoiced, for they are silent; and he led them to the harbor they desired.

31.  They will give thanks in the presence of the Lord because of his kindness, and tell his wonders to the sons of men.

32.  And they exalt him in the assembly of the people, the house of Israel; and in the Sanhedrin of the wise they will praise him.

33.  Concerning the generation of Joel son of Pethuel he prophesied and said: “When the house of Israel rebelled in the days of Joel the prophet, he brought a drought into the world; he made the rivers like the desert, and the sources of water like thirst.”

34.  The land of Israel that produces fruit became a waste like Sodom, which was overthrown because of the evil of its inhabitants.

35.  When they returned to the Torah, he made the desert like a channel of water, and the parched land [became] sources of water.

36.  And he made the hungry dwell there, and they set up an inhabited city.

37.  And they sowed fields and planted vineyards, and they yielded fruit of produce.

38.  And he blessed them and they multiplied greatly, and their livestock will not diminish.

39.  And when they sinned, they diminished and became poor because of the affliction of misery and pain.

40.  He pours contempt on the leaders, and made them wander in a void without a path.

41.  But when they returned to the Torah, he exalted the needy from poverty, and made [them] like the flocks of the well-born families.

42.  The upright will see and rejoice, but every liar’s mouth is closed and sealed.

43.  Would that the wise man keep these things, and discern the kindnesses of the Lord!

 

Psalm 108

1.     A song and psalm composed by David.

2.     My heart is firm, O God; I will praise and sing indeed, my glory.

3.     Sing praise, O harp and lyre; I will sing praise at dawn.

4.     I will give thanks in your presence among the peoples, O Lord, and I will sing praise to you among the nations.

5.     For your goodness is great above the heavens, and your truth reaches to the sky.

6.     Be exalted above the heavens, O God, and may your glory be on all the inhabitants of the earth.

7.     So that your beloved ones will be delivered; redeem with your right hand and answer me.

8.     God speaks from the place of his presence[4]; I will be glad, I will divide spoil with the inhabitants of Shechem; and with the inhabitants of the plain of Succoth I will measure the border.

9.     Mine is Gilead, mine is Manasseh; those of the house of Ephraim are the strength of my head, and my scribe is from those of the house of Judah.

10.  I have trampled the Moabites like my washing-pot; I will cast my sandal over the kingdom of Edom; I will shout over the kingdom of the Philistines.

11.  And now because I sinned, who will lead me to the fortress of wicked Rome? Who led me to Constantinople of Edom?

12.  Behold, because we have sinned in the presence of the Lord he has forsaken us, and his presence does not go out with our armies.

13.  Give us help from the oppressor, for vain is the redemption of the son of man.

14.  In God we shall show might, and he will trample our oppressors.

 

Psalm 109

1.     For praise, composed by David; a psalm. O God, my praise, do not be silent.

2.     For the mouth of wickedness and the mouth of deceit are open against me, they have spoken with me [with] a lying tongue.

3.     And those who speak hatred have surrounded me, and fought against me for no cause.

4.     Because I have loved, they opposed me; but I will pray.

5.     And they gave me evil for good, and hatred where I had given love.

6.     Appoint over him a wicked man, and may an adversary stand at his right hand.

7.     When he is judged, let him come out a sinner, and may his prayer become an act of sin.

8.     May his days be few, may another inherit the number of his years.

9.     May his sons be orphans, and his wife a widow.

10.  And may his sons yet wander, and beg, and seek what has become their wasteland.

11.  May the creditor gather up all that is his, and may strangers plunder his toil.

12.  May he have none to extend kindness, and may he have none to pity his orphans.

13.  May his end be destruction; may their name be effaced in the next generation.

14.  May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered in the presence of the Lord; and may his mother’s guilt not be effaced.

15.  May they be facing the decree of the Lord always; and may their memory perish from the earth.

16.  Because he did not remember to do good, and persecutes the poor and needy man, and the lowly of heart, to be slain.

17.  And he loves cursing, and it came to him; and he took no pleasure in blessing, and it was far from him.

18.  And he wore cursing like a garment, and it entered his body like water, and was like oil to his limbs.

19.  May it be to him like a garment, let him be wrapped in it; may he gird himself with it as a perpetual belt.

20.  This is the deed of those who oppose me from [following] the Lord, and of those who speak evil to my soul.

21.  And you, O God, the Lord, deal with me for your name’s sake; deliver me according to your goodness and kindness.

22.  For I am poor and needy, and my heart is quiet within me.

23.  I am finished, like a shadow when it lengthens; I have wandered like a locust.

24.  My knees stumble from fasting; my flesh is lean, and no longer fat.

25.  And I have become a disgrace to them; they will see me, they will shake their heads.

26.  Help me, O Lord, my God; redeem me according to your kindness.

27.  And they will know that this plague, you, O Lord, have done it.

28.  They will curse, but you will bless; they will arise and be disappointed, but your servant will rejoice.

29.  Those who oppose me will be clothed in shame, and their infamy will cover them like a cloak.

30.  I will thank the Lord greatly with my mouth, and I will praise him in the midst of the sages.

31.  For he will stand at the right hand of the needy, to redeem from the discords of his soul.

 

Psalm 110

1.     Composed by David, a psalm. The Lord said in his decree to make me lord of all Israel, but he said to me, “Wait still for Saul of the tribe of Benjamin to die, for one reign must not encroach on another;[5] and afterwards I will make your enemies a prop for your feet.” Another Targum: The Lord spoke by his decree to give me the dominion in exchange for sitting in study of Torah. “Wait at my right hand until I make your enemies a prop for your feet.” Another Targum: The Lord said in his decree to appoint me ruler over Israel, but the Lord said to me, “Wait for Saul of the tribe of Benjamin to pass away from the world; and afterwards you will inherit the kingship, and I will make your enemies a prop for your feet.”

2.     The Lord will send from Zion the rod of your strength, and you will rule in the midst of your enemies.

3.     Your people are those of the house of Israel who devote themselves to the Torah; you will be helped in the day of your making battle with them; in the glories of holiness the mercies of God will hasten to you like the descent of dew; your offspring dwell securely.

4.     The Lord has sworn[6] and will not turn aside, that you are appointed leader in the age to come, because of the merit that you were a righteous king.

5.     The presence of the Lord is at your right hand; he struck down kings on the day of his anger.

6.     He was appointed judge over the Gentiles; the earth is full of the bodies of the slain wicked; he smote the heads of kings on the earth, very many.

7.     He will receive instruction from the mouth of the prophet on the way; because of this, he will lift up his head.

 

Psalm 111

1.     Hallelujah! I will sing praise in the presence of the Lord with all my heart in the secret of the upright and the assembly.

2.     The deeds of the Lord are great; they are sought for by all who desire them.

3.     His work is praise and glory, and his merit endures for ever.

4.     He made a good memorial for his wonders; the Lord is gracious and merciful.

5.     He gave food to those who fear him; he will remember his covenant forever.

6.     The might of his deeds he told to his people, to give them the inheritance of the Gentiles.

7.     The works of his hands are truth and justice; all his commands are faithful.

8.     They are reliable for ever and ever; they are done in truth and uprightness.

9.     He sent redemption to his people; he commanded his covenant for ever; his name is holy and awesome.

10.  The beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord, good understanding to all who do them;[7] his praise endures forever.

 

Psalm 112

1.     Hallelujah![8] Happy is the man[9] who fears the Lord; he takes great pleasure in his commandments.

2.     His children will be mighty in the Torah, he will be blessed in the generation of the upright.

3.     Luck[10] and riches are in his house, and his merit endures forever.

4.     Light dawns in darkness for the upright, gracious, and merciful, and righteous.

5.     A good man pities the poor and lends money; he will support his words according to rule.

6.     For he will never be moved; the righteous man is [destined] for eternal memory.

7.     He will not fear news of disaster; his heart is firm, trusting in the word of the Lord.

8.     His heart is steady, he will not be afraid, until he sees redemption in distress.

9.     He scattered his wealth, gave it to the needy; his merit endures forever, his might will rise up in glory.

10.  The wicked man will see and be angry, he will grind his teeth at him and rot; the desire of the wicked will perish.

 

Psalm 113

1.     Hallelujah![11] Give praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord.

2.     May the name of the Lord be blessed, from now and forever.

3.     From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is praised.

4.     The Lord is high above all Gentiles, his glory is over the heavens.

5.     Who is like the Lord, our God, whose dwelling is lofty in situation?

6.     Who lowers his eyes to look on the heavens and the earth.

7.     Who raises up the poor man from the dust; he will lift up the needy from the ash-heap.

8.     To make him dwell with the leaders, with the leaders of his people.

9.     Who makes dwell the congregation of Israel, who is likened to a barren woman who sits beholding the men of her house,[12] full of people, like a mother who rejoices over her sons.

 

Psalm 114

1.     When Israel came out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from barbarian peoples –

2.     The company of the house of Judah became property of his Holy One,[13] Israel of his rulers.

3.     When the word of the Lord was revealed at the sea, the sea looked and retreated; the Jordan turned around.

4.     When the Torah was given to his people, the mountains leapt like rams, the hills like offspring of the flock.

5.     God said, “What is the matter, O sea, for you are retreating? O Jordan, that you are turning around?”

6.     O mountains, leaping about like rams? O hills, like offspring of the flock?

7.     In the presence of the lord, dance, O earth, in the presence of the God of Jacob.

8.     Who turns the flint into a channel of water, the adamant to springs of water.

 

Psalm 115

1.     Not on our account, O Lord, not on account of our merits, but rather to your name give glory, because of your goodness and because of your truth.

2.     Why will the Gentiles say, “Where now is their God?”

3.     And our God’s residence is in heaven, all that he desires he has done.

4.     Their idols[14] are of silver and gold, the handiwork of a son of man.

5.     They have a mouth, but do not speak; they have eyes, and do not see.

6.     They have ears, and do not hear; they have nostrils, but do not smell.

7.     Hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; they do not murmur with their throat.

8.     May their makers[15] become like them, everyone who relies upon them.

9.     O Israel, trust in the word of the Lord; he is their helper and their shield.

10.  Those of the house of Aaron, trust in the word of the Lord; he is their helper and their shield.

11.  You who fear the Lord, trust in the word of the Lord; he is their helper and their shield.

12.  The word of the Lord has remembered us for good, he will bless; he will bless the house of Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron.

13.  He will bless those who fear the Lord, the small with the great.

14.  The word of the Lord will add to you; to you, and to your sons.

15.  Blessed are you in the presence of the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.

16.  The heavens of the heavens are for the glorious presence of the Lord, and the earth he has given to the sons of men.

17.  The dead do not praise the name of the Lord, nor any of those who go down to the grave of earth.

18.  But we will bless Yah, from now and forevermore. Hallelujah![16]

 

Psalm 116

1.     I love, for the Lord will hear my voice, my prayer.

2.     For he has inclined his ear to me, and I call [to him] throughout my days.

3.     The sicknesses of death surrounded me, and the pains of Sheol found me; pain and sorrow I will find.

4.     And in the name of the Lord I will call out: Please, O Lord, save my soul.

5.     The Lord is gracious and righteous, and our God is merciful.

6.     The Lord observes enticements; I became poor, and it was meet to redeem me.

7.     Return, O my soul, to your place of rest, for the word of the Lord has repaid you with good.

8.     For you have delivered my soul from being killed, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.

9.     I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

10.  I have believed, therefore I will speak; in the assembly of the righteous I have sung much praise.

11.  I said when I fled, “All the sons of men are liars.”

12.  How will I repay in the presence of the Lord all his kind favors that are shown to me?

13.  The cup of redemption I will carry in the age to come, and I will call on the name of the Lord.

14.  I will repay my vows in the presence of the Lord, I will tell[17] now his miracles to all his people.

15.  Honorable in the presence of the Lord is the death that is sent to his pious ones.

16.  Please, O Lord; for I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your handmaiden, you have loosened my bonds.

17.  To you I will sacrifice the sacrifice of slaughter, and call out in the name of the Lord.

18.  I will repay my vows in the presence of the Lord, I will tell now his miracles to all his people.

19.  In the courts of the sanctuary of our God, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Hallelujah![18]

 

Psalm 117

1.     Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; praise him, all you nations.

2.     For he has increased his goodness towards us; and the truth of the Lord is forever. Hallelujah![19]

 

Psalm 118

1.     Sing praise in the presence of the Lord, for he is good, for his goodness is forever.

2.     Let Israel now say, “For his goodness is forever.”

3.     Let the house of Aaron now say, “For his goodness is forever.”

4.     Let those who fear the Lord now say, “For his goodness is forever.”

5.     Out of distress I called to Yah, Yah accepted my prayer in a broad place.

6.     The word of the Lord is my help, I will not fear, what will a son of man do to me?

7.     The word of the Lord is helping me, and I will behold vengeance on my foes.

8.     It is better to trust in the word of the Lord than to rely on a son of man.

9.     It is better to trust in the word of the Lord than to rely on rulers.

10.  All the Gentiles have surrounded[20] me; in the name of the word of the Lord I have put my trust, for I will tear them apart.

11.  They have encompassed me, indeed, surrounded me; in the name of the word of the Lord I have put my trust, for I will tear them apart.[21]

12.  They have encompassed me like hornets;[22] they burned like fire in thorns; in the name of the word of the Lord I have put my trust, for I will tear them apart.

13.  But you[23] have knocked me down to make me fall; and the word of the Lord has given me help.

14.  My strength and my praise are fearful against all the world;[24] the Lord gave command by his word, and has become my redeemer.

15.  The sound of praise and redemption is in the tents of the righteous; the right hand of the Lord has done mightily.

16.  The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord has done mightily.

17.  I will not die, for I will live, and I will tell of the deeds of God.

18.  Truly has Yah punished me, but he did not hand me over to death.

19.  Open to me the entrances of the city of righteousness; I will enter them, I will praise Yah.

20.  This is the entrance of the sanctuary of the Lord; the righteous will enter by it.

21.  I will give thanks in your presence, for you have received my prayer, and become for me a redeemer.

22.  The child the builders abandoned was among the sons of Jesse; and he was worthy to be appointed king and ruler.

23.  “This has come from the presence of the Lord,” said the builders; “it is wonderful before us,” said the sons of Jesse.

24.  “This day the Lord has made,” said the builders; “let us rejoice and be glad in it,” said the sons of Jesse.

25.  “If it please you, O Lord, redeem us now,” said the builders; “if it please you, O Lord, prosper us now,” said Jesse and his wife.

26.  “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the word of the Lord,” said the builders; “they will bless you from the sanctuary of the Lord,” said David.

27.  “God, the Lord, has given us light,” said the tribes of the house of Judah; “bind the child[25] for a festal sacrifice with chains until you sacrifice him, and sprinkle his blood on the horns of the altar,” said Samuel the prophet.

28.  “You are my God, and I will give thanks in your presence; my God, I will praise you,” said David.

29.  Samuel answered and said, “Sing praise, assembly of Israel, give thanks in the presence of the Lord, for he is good, for his goodness is everlasting.”

 

Psalm 119

1.     How happy are the perfect of way, who walk in the Torah of the Lord.

2.     How happy those who keep his testimony; with a whole heart they will seek his instruction.

3.     Truly they have not acted deceitfully; in his proper ways they have walked.

4.     You have given your commandments, to keep very much.

5.     It is good for me that my ways are straight, to keep your decrees.

6.     Then I will not be disappointed when I look to all your commandments.

7.     I will give thanks in your presence with uprightness of heart, when I learn the judgments of your righteousness.

8.     I will keep your decrees; do not abandon me utterly.

9.     In what way shall a youth purify his way? To keep [it] as your words.

10.  With all my heart I have sought your teaching; do not let me go astray from your commandments.

11.  In my heart I have hidden your word, that I might not sin in your presence.

12.  Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.

13.  With my lips I have recounted all the judgments of your mouth.

14.  In the way of your testimonies I have rejoiced, as at a stroke of luck.[26]

15.  I will speak by your commandments, and I will behold your ways.

16.  I will find delight in your decrees, I will not forget your utterance.

17.  Requite your servant with good; I will live, and keep your words.

18.  Uncover my eyes, and I will behold wonders from your Torah.

19.  I am a dweller in the land; do not take away your commandments from me.

20.  My soul has longed with longing for your commandments at all times.

21.  You have rebuked the malicious; cursed are all who stray from your commandments.

22.  Remove from me humiliation and shame;[27] for I have kept your testimonies.

23.  For leaders sit speaking against me; your servant is engaged in instruction of your decrees.

24.  Also your testimonies are my delight, the source[28] of my counsel.

25.  My soul is joined to the dust; heal me according to your word.

26.  I numbered[29] my ways and you received my prayer; teach me your decrees.

27.  Give me insight into the way of your commandments, and I will speak of your wonders.

28.  My soul is grieved by weariness; sustain me according to your word.

29.  Remove from me the path of lies; and [by] your Torah have compassion on me.

30.  I have chosen the faithful path; I have placed your judgements [with me].

31.  I have joined myself to your testimonies, O Lord; do not make me ashamed.

32.  I will run in the path of your commandments, for you will expand my heart.

33.  Teach me, O Lord, the way of your decrees, and I will keep it totally.

34.  Give me insight, and I will keep your Torah, O Lord; and I will keep it with a whole heart.

35.  Make me walk[30] in the course of your commandments, for I desire it.

36.  Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to money.

37.  Turn my eyes away from the sight of deceit; by your words heal me.

38.  Confirm your word to your servant, which [leads] to your worship.

39.  Take away my reproach, which I fear, for your judgments are good.

40.  Behold, I have yearned for your commandments; in your generosity heal me.[31]

41.  And let your kindness come upon me, O Lord, your redemption in accordance with your word.

42.  And I will give answer to those who mock me, for I have trusted in your word.

43.  And do not remove the word of truth from my mouth utterly, for I have waited long for your judgments.

44.  And I will keep your Torah always, for ages upon ages.

45.  And I will walk in the wideness of the Torah,[32] for I have sought your commandments.

46.  And I will speak of your testimonies before kings, and I will not be ashamed.

47.  And I will delight myself in your commandments, which I love.

48.  And I will lift my hands to your commandments, which I love, and I will speak of your decrees.

49.  Remind your servant of the word, for you waited long for me.

50.  This is my comfort in my pain, for your word has sustained me.

51.  The malicious mock me greatly; I have not turned away from your Torah.

52.  I remembered your judgments of old, O Lord, and I was comforted.

53.  Trembling seized me because of the wicked who forsake your Torah.

54.  Your decrees became psalms for me in my dwelling place.

55.  I remembered your name in the night, O Lord, and I kept your Torah.

56.  This became merit for me, for I kept your commandments.

57.  My portion is the Lord, I have promised to keep your words.

58.  I have prayed in your presence with a whole heart; have pity on me according to your word.

59.  I have thought to improve my way, and I will turn my feet to your testimonies.

60.  I was eager, and did not delay to keep your commandments.

61.  The band of wicked men has gathered against me; I have not forgotten your Torah.

62.  In the middle of the night I will rise to sing praise in your presence, for the sake of your righteous judgments.

63.  I am a companion to all who revere you, and to those who keep your commandments.

64.  Your goodness, O Lord, fills the earth; teach me your decrees.

65.  You have shown goodness to your servant, O Lord, according to your words.

66.  Teach me good sense and knowledge, for I have believed in your commandments.

67.  Before I was afflicted, I was in error, but now I have kept your word.

68.  You are good, and do good; teach me your decrees.

69.  The malicious have shouted me down[33] with lies; I will keep your commandments with a whole heart.

70.  The impulse of their heart is dulled[34] as with fat; as for me, my delight is your Torah.

71.  It is good for me, for[PC1]  I was humbled, so that I might learn your decrees.

72.  Better for me is the Torah of your mouth, than a thousand talents of gold and silver.

73.  Your hands made me and established me; give me insight and I will learn your commandments.

74.  Those who fear you will see me and be glad; for I have waited long for your word.

75.  I know, O Lord, for your judgments are righteous and you have afflicted me in truth.

76.  Now let your kindness be for my comfort, according to your word to your servant.

77.  Let your mercies come to me and I will live; for your Torah is my delight.

78.  The arrogant will be ashamed, for they twisted a lie against me; I will speak of your commandments.

79.  Those who fear you will turn to my teaching, and those who know your testimonies.

80.  Let my heart be without blemish in your decrees, so that I may not be ashamed.

81.  My soul has yearned for your redemption; I have waited long for your word.

82.  My eyes are spent for your word, saying, “When will you comfort me?”

83.  For I have become like a water-skin that hangs in the smoke; your decrees[35] I have not forgotten.

84.  How many are the days of your servant? When will you pass judgment on my persecutors?

85.  The malicious have dug pits for me, that you have not commanded them in your Torah.

86.  All your commandments are truth; for a lie they persecuted me, help me!

87.  They almost destroyed me in the land; but I have not forsaken your commandments.

88.  Sustain me according to your kindness, and I will keep the testimony of your mouth.

89.  Forever, O Lord, your word endures in heaven.

90.  Your faithfulness is to every generation; you established the earth and it endures.

91.  This day have they risen for your judgments, for all of them are your servants.

92.  Had your Torah not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction.

93.  I will never forget your commandments, for you have sustained me by them.

94.  For I am yours, redeem me; for I have sought after your commandments.

95.  The wicked waited for me to annihilate me; I will contemplate your commandments.

96.  To everything that began and ended[36] I have seen an end; your commands are very spacious.

97.  How I have loved your Torah! It is my conversation all day.

98.  Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies; because it is always mine.

99.  I have understood more than all my teachers; for your testimonies are my conversation.

100.        I will have greater insight than the wise, for I have kept your commandments.

101.        I have kept my feet from every evil way, so that I may keep your words.

102.        I have not gone away from your judgments, for you have taught me.

103.        How sweet to my palate are your words; sweeter by far than honey to my mouth.

104.        I will gain insight from your commandments; because of this, I hate every son of man who lies.

105.        Your words are like a lamp that illuminates my feet, and a light for my path.

106.        I have sworn and covenanted to keep the commandments of your righteousness.

107.        I was greatly afflicted, O Lord; heal me according to your words.

108.        Be pleased now, O Lord, with the offerings of my mouth; and teach me your judgments.

109.        My soul is always in danger by my own hands; but I have not forgotten your Torah.

110.        The wicked have arranged a trap for me; but I have not strayed from your commandments.

111.        I have inherited your testimonies forever; for they are the joy of my heart.

112.        I have inclined my heart to do your decrees forever, to the very end.

113.        I hate those who think vain thoughts, but I have loved your Torah.

114.        You are my hiding place and my shield; I have waited long for your word.

115.        Turn from me, evildoers; and I will keep the commandments of my God.

116.        Support me by your word, and I will live; and do not disappoint me because of my trust.

117.        Help me and I will be redeemed; and I will be happy in your Torah[37] always.

118.        You have subdued all who went astray from your decrees; for their deceit is a lie.

119.        You have terminated all the unfit, you have frustrated all the wicked of the earth; because of this, I have loved your testimonies.

120.        My flesh is blushing for fear of you; and I am afraid of your judgments.

121.        I have practiced justice and righteousness; do not abandon me to my oppressors.

122.        Delight your servant with goodness; do not let the malicious oppress me.

123.        My eyes have hoped for your redemption, and for the word of your righteousness.

124.        Act with your servant according to your kindness, and teach me your decrees.

125.        I am your servant, give me insight, and I will know your testimonies.

126.        It is time to do the will of the Lord; the scholars have desecrated your Torah.

127.        Because of this, I have loved your commandments more than gold and more than pure gold.

128.        Because of this, I have harmonized[38] all the commandments whatsoever; I hate every way of deceit.

129.        Your testimonies are wonderful; because of this, my soul has kept them.

130.        Your engraved words will enlighten the needy, the simple will gain insight.

131.        I opened my mouth and learned, for I desired your commandments.

132.        Turn to me and have compassion on me, as is the custom towards those who love your name.

133.        Establish my steps by your word, and let no deceit rule over me.

134.        Redeem me from the oppression of the son of man, and I will keep your commandments.

135.        Shine the splendor of your face on your servant, and teach me your decrees.

136.        Streams of water will go down my eyes, because they have not kept the Torah.

137.        Your are righteous, O Lord, and your judgments are upright.

138.        You have commanded righteousness, testimony, and much faithfulness.

139.        My zeal has overcome me, for my oppressors have forgotten your words.

140.        Your word is very pure, and your servant loves it.

141.        I am small and despised; I have not forgotten your commandments.

142.        Your generosity is righteousness forever, and your Torah is truth.

143.        Trouble and the oppressor have befallen me; your commandments are my delight.

144.        Your testimonies are righteousness forever; give me insight and I will endure.

145.        I have called with a whole heart; answer me, O Lord! I will keep your decrees.

146.        I have called you, redeem me; and I will keep your testimonies.

147.        I have risen early at dawn, and prayed; I have waited long for your word.

148.        My eyes have preceded the watches of morning and evening to speak of your word.

149.        Hear my voice in accordance with your kindness, O Lord; sustain me according to your judgments.

150.        Those who pursue fornication have drawn near; they have gone far from your Torah.

151.        You are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are truth.

152.        Long ago I grew wise from your testimonies, for you founded them forever.

153.        See my affliction and deliver me; for I have not forgotten your Torah.

154.        Argue my case and redeem me; heal[39] me for your word.

155.        Redemption is far from the wicked; for they have not sought your decrees.

156.        Your mercies are many, O Lord; heal[40] me according to your judgments.

157.        Those who pursue me and oppress me are many; I have not turned away from your testimonies.

158.        I saw despoilers and I contended with them, who have not kept your word.

159.        See [this], for I have loved your commandments; O Lord, according to your kindness heal[41] me.

160.        The beginning of your word is truth; and all the judgments of your righteousness are forever.

161.        Rulers have pursued me without cause; and my heart is in fear of your word.

162.        I am glad concerning your word, like a man who finds much spoil.

163.        I have hated deceit and loathed it; I have loved your Torah.

164.        Seven times a day I have praised you, because of the judgements of your righteousness.

165.        There is great peace for those who love your Torah in this age, and they have no stumbling-block in the age to come.

166.        I have hoped for your redemption, O Lord, and I have done your commandments.

167.        My soul has kept your testimonies, and I have loved them[42] greatly.

168.        I have kept your commandments and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you.

169.        My prayer will come near in your presence, O Lord; give me insight according to your word.

170.        Let my prayer come before you; deliver me according to your word.

171.        My lips will seek praise, for you will teach me your decrees.

172.        My tongue will reply [to] your word, for all your judgments are righteousness.

173.        May your hand be [ready] to help me, for I have taken pleasure in your commandments.

174.        I have yearned for your redemption, O Lord, and your Torah is my delight.

175.        May my soul live and praise you, and may your judgments give me aid.

176.        I have gone astray like a lost flock;[43] seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commandments.

 

Psalm 120

1.     A song that was uttered on the ascents of the abyss. In the presence of the Lord, when I was in distress, I prayed, and he received my prayer.

2.     O Lord, deliver my soul from lips of deceit, from a deceptive tongue.

3.     What does he give to you, O slanderer? And what does he add to you, O defamer, deceptive tongue?

4.     The arrows of a warrior, sharp as lightning from above, with coals of broom that burn in Gehenna below.

5.     Woe is me, for I have settled down with the oasis-dwellers;[44] I have dwelt with the tents of the Arabs.

6.     More than these, my soul abides with Edom, the hater of peace.

7.     I am peaceful, for I will pray; [but] they are for war.

 

Psalm 121

1.     A song that was uttered on the ascents of the abyss. I will lift up my eyes to the mountains. Whence shall come my help?

2.     My help is from the presence of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

3.     He will not allow your foot to falter, your guardian does not slumber.

4.     Behold, he does not slumber and he will not sleep, the guardian of Israel.

5.     The Lord will guard you, the Lord will overshadow you, on account of the mezuzah affixed on your right side as you enter.

6.     By day, when the sun rules, the morning-demons will not smite you, nor will the liliths, at night, when the moon rules.

7.     The word of the Lord will guard you from all harm, he will guard your soul.

8.     The Lord will guard your going out for business and your coming in to study Torah, from now and forevermore.

 

Psalm 122

1.     A song that was uttered on the ascents of the abyss. I rejoiced with those who say to me, “Let us go to the sanctuary of the Lord.”

2.     Our feet were standing in your gates, O Jerusalem.

3.     Jerusalem that is built in the firmament is like a city that has been joined together on earth.

4.     Unto which the tribes have gone up, the tribes of the Lord, he who testifies to Israel that his presence abides among them when they go to give thanks to the name of the Lord.

5.     For there thrones have been placed; in Jerusalem thrones are in the sanctuary for the kings of the house of David.

6.     Seek the welfare of Jerusalem; those who love you will dwell in tranquillity.

7.     Let there be peace in your armies, tranquillity in your citadels.

8.     On account of my brothers and companions, I will now speak in you of peace.

9.     Because of the sanctuary of the Lord our God, I will seek to do good to you.

 

Psalm 123

1.     A song that was uttered on the ascents of the abyss. Before you I have lifted up my eyes, you who sit on a throne of glory in heaven.

2.     Behold, as the eyes of menservants, on one side, watch at the hands of their masters; and as the eyes of maidservants, on the other side, watch at the hands of their mistresses; thus our eyes watch in the presence of the Lord our God for the time when he will show compassion to us.

3.     Have compassion on us, O Lord, have compassion on us; for we have had too much of contempt.

4.     Our soul has had too much of scorn, for the arrogant and proud are at ease.

 

Psalm 124

1.     A song that was uttered on the ascents of the abyss, composed by David. Had it not been for the Lord who was our help – let Israel say now –

2.     Had it not been for the word of the Lord who was our help, when a son of man[45] rose against us –

3.     Then they would have swallowed us while alive, when their anger grew strong against us.

4.     Then the waters[46] would have washed us away, sickness would have passed over our soul.

5.     Then the king would have passed over our soul, he who is likened to the malicious waters of the sea.

6.     Blessed is the name of the Lord, who has not handed us over as dead meat[47] to their teeth.

7.     Our soul is like a bird saved from the traps of the fowlers; the trap broke, and we have been saved.

8.     Our help is in the name of the word of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

 

Psalm 125

1.     A song that was uttered on the ascents of the abyss. The righteous who trust in the word of the Lord are like Mount Zion; it will not totter, it is inhabited forever.

2.     Mountains are round about Jerusalem, and the word[48] of the Lord is round about his people from this time and forever.

3.     For the scepter of wickedness[49] will not rest on the lot of the righteous, so that the righteous will not stretch out their hand to deceit.

4.     Be good, O Lord, to the good, and to those upright in their heart.

5.     But those who go astray following their perversity – the Lord will make them go to Gehenna; their portion is with the workers of deceit. Peace be upon Israel!

 

Psalm 126

1.     A song that was uttered on the ascents of the abyss. When the Lord makes the exiles of Zion return, we were[50] like the sick who were healed.[51]

2.     Then will our mouths be full of laughter, and our tongue with praise;[52] then will they say among the Gentiles, “The Lord has done great good to these.”

3.     The Lord has done great good to us; we are joyful.

4.     O Lord, make our exiles return, like a land that is made habitable[53] when fountains of water flow during drought.

5.     Those[54] who sow with tears will harvest with praise.[55]

6.     He will surely go with weeping; the ox that bears a load of seed will surely come with praise, when he bears his sheaves and grazes on the young growth from the furrow.

 

Psalm 127

1.     A song that was uttered on the ascents of the abyss, composed by Solomon. If the word of the Lord will not build the city,[56] its builders labor in vain; if the word of the Lord is not guarding the city of Jerusalem, its guard has stayed awake in vain.

2.     In vain will you trouble yourselves to rise early in the morning to do robbery, who stay up late to do fornication, who eat the bread of the poor for which they labored honestly and truly; the Lord will give sleep to those who love him. Another Targum: The wicked say to the righteous, “It is wrong for you that you rise early and pray in the morning and stay up late in the evening to study the Torah, eating the bread of sorrow.” The righteous reply, “Truly the Lord gives to those who love him a complete reward for hunger.”

3.     Behold, the legacy of the Lord is proper sons, children of the womb are a reward for good deeds.

4.     Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are sons of the youth.[57]

5.     It is good for a man that he fill his academy with them; they will not be ashamed, for they will dispute with their enemies in the gate of the place of judgment.

 

Psalm 128

1.     A song that was uttered on the ascents of the abyss. How happy all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways.

2.     [Happy] the work of your hands, for you will eat [it]; happy are you in this age and you shall have good in the age to come.

3.     Your wife is like a vine that bore fruit on the side of your house; your sons are like olive plants around your table.

4.     Behold, because of this, blessed is the man who is reverent in the presence of the Lord.

5.     The Lord will bless you from Zion, and you will see the welfare of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

6.     And you will see the sons of your sons. Peace be upon Israel.

 

Psalm 129

1.     A song that was uttered on the ascents of the abyss. Many are they who have oppressed me from my youth – let Israel now say –

2.     Many are they who have oppressed me from my youth, yet they have not been able to do me harm.

3.     Upon my body the plowers have plowed, they have made their furrow long.

4.     The Lord is righteous; he has severed the bonds of the wicked.

5.     They will be ashamed and withdraw: all those who hate Zion.

6.     They will be like the grass of the rooftops, which, before it blossoms, the east wind comes blowing on it and it has withered.

7.     Which the reaper does not fill his hand with, nor the sheaver his shoulder.

8.     And those who pass by do not say there, “The blessing of the Lord be upon you,” nor will they answer, “We bless you in the name of the Lord.”

 

Psalm 130

1.     A song that was uttered on the ascents of the abyss. From the depths I have called you, O Lord.

2.     O Lord, receive my prayer; may your ears be attentive to the sound of my prayer.

3.     If you will take note of iniquities, O Yah, Lord, who will remain?

4.     For there is forgiveness with you, so that you might be seen.

5.     I have waited, O Lord; my soul has waited, and for his glory I have waited long.

6.     My soul has waited long for the Lord, more than the watchmen on the morning watch who watch to offer the morning sacrifice.

7.     Israel waits long for the Lord, for with the Lord is kindness, and with him is much redemption.

8.     And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

 

Psalm 131

1.     A song uttered on the ascents of the abyss.[58] O Lord, my heart is not proud, and my eyes are not lifted up, and I have not walked in things too great and wonderful for me.

2.     Verily I have placed a hand on my mouth and silenced my soul while listening to words of Torah, like a weaned child at its mother’s breasts; I have become mighty in the Torah; like a weaned child is my soul upon him.[59]

3.     Let Israel wait long for the Lord from now and forevermore.

 

Psalm 132

1.     A song that was uttered on the ascents of the abyss. Remember, O Lord, for David, all his affliction.

2.     Who affirmed before the Lord a vow to the mighty one of Jacob.

3.     I will not approach my wife, I will not ascend to the couch of my repose,

4.     I will not give sleep to my eyes, slumber to my eyelids,

5.     Until I find a place to build the sanctuary of the Lord, tents for the mighty one of Jacob.

6.     Behold, we have heard it in Ephrat, we have found it in the field of the forests of Lebanon, the place where the fathers of old prayed.

7.     Let us enter his tents, let us bow down to his footstool.

8.     Arise, O Lord, abide in the dwelling-place of your rest, you and the ark in which is your Torah.

9.     Your priests will wear clothing of righteousness, and your pious Levites will sing praise over your sacrifices.

10.  Because of the merit of David your servant; when the ark comes through the middle of the gates, do not turn back the face of Solomon your anointed.

11.  The Lord has affirmed to David in truth, he will not turn from it: “One of the children of your belly I will set as a king on your throne.”

12.  If your sons keep my covenant and this testimony of mine that I shall teach them, then your sons will forever sit on your throne.

13.  For the Lord is pleased with Zion; he has desired it for his habitation.

14.  This is the resting place of my presence forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.

15.  Her provisions I will surely bless; and her needy shall have their fill of bread.

16.  And her priests I will clothe in garments of redemption, and her pious will surely sing praise.

17.  There I will cause to come forth a glorious king of the house of David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.

18.  His enemies I will clothe with garments of shame; and his crown will glitter upon him.

 

Psalm 133

1.     A song that was uttered on the ascents of the abyss.[60] Behold, how good and how pleasant is the dwelling of Zion and Jerusalem, together indeed like two brothers.

2.     Like the fine oil that is poured on the head, coming down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, that comes down to the hem of his garments.

3.     Like the dew of Hermon that comes down on the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.

 

Psalm 134

1.     A song that was uttered on the ascents of the abyss. Behold, bless the Lord, all servants of the Lord who stand on watch in the sanctuary of the Lord and sing praise at night.

2.     Lift up your hands, O priests, on the holy dais, and bless the Lord.

3.     The Lord will bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth.

 

Psalm 135

1.     Hallelujah![61] Praise the name of the Lord, praise, O servants of the Lord!

2.     Who stand in the sanctuary of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.

3.     Hallelujah![62] For the Lord is good; sing to his name, for it is pleasant.

4.     For the house of Jacob the Lord[63] chose for himself, Israel, for his beloved.

5.     For I know, for great is the Lord, and our master over all gods.

6.     All that the Lord desires, he has done in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all the deeps.

7.     Who brings up clouds from the ends of the earth; he made lightning for the fall of rain, he who brings forth the storm from his storehouses.

8.     Who slew the firstborn of Egypt, from man to beast.

9.     He sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants.

10.  Who smote many Gentiles and slew mighty kings.

11.  Namely, Sihon the Amorite king, and Og, the king of Mathnan,[64] and all the kingdoms of Canaan.

12.  And gave their land as an inheritance, an inheritance for Israel his people.

13.  O Lord, your name is forever; O Lord, your memorial is for all generations.

14.  For the Lord by his word will judge the case of his people, and will turn in his compassion to all his righteous servants.

15.  The idols of the Gentiles are silver and gold, the work of the hands of a son of man.

16.  They have a mouth, but do not speak; eyes they have, but do not see.

17.  They have ears, but do not hear; nostrils, but there is no breath of life in their mouth.

18.  Their makers[65] will be like them, all who put their trust in them.

19.  House of Israel, bless the Lord! House of Aaron,[66] bless the Lord!

20.  House of Levites, bless the Lord! You who fear the Lord, bless the Lord!

21.  Blessed is the Lord from Zion, who has made his presence abide in Jerusalem. Hallelujah![67]

 

Psalm 136

1.     Sing praise in the presence of the Lord, for he is good, for his goodness is forever.

2.     Sing praise to the God of gods, for his goodness is forever.

3.     Sing praise to the Lord of lords, for his goodness is forever.

4.     To him who did great wonders by himself, for his goodness is forever.

5.     To him who made the heavens by insight, for his goodness is forever.

6.     To him who made firm the earth on the waters, for his goodness is forever.

7.     To him who made great lights, for his goodness is forever.

8.     The sun to rule by day, for his goodness is forever.

9.     The moon and stars to rule by night, for his goodness is forever.

10.  To him who smites the Egyptians with plagues, killing the firstborn, for his goodness is forever.

11.  And brought out Israel redeemed from among them, for his goodness is forever.

12.  With a mighty hand and upraised arm, for his goodness is forever.

13.  To him who split the Sea of Reeds into pieces, for his goodness is forever.

14.  And made Israel cross over in the middle of it, for his goodness is forever.

15.  And choked Pharaoh and his forces in the Sea of Reeds, for his goodness is forever.

16.  To him who led his people in the wilderness, for his goodness is forever.

17.  To him who smites great kings, for his goodness is forever.

18.  And slew proud kings, for his goodness is forever.

19.  Namely, Sihon the Amorite king, for his goodness is forever.

20.  And Og, king of Mathnan,[68] for his goodness is forever.

21.  And gave their land as an inheritance, for his goodness is forever.

22.  An inheritance to Israel his servant, for his goodness is forever.

23.  In our humiliation[69] he remembered his covenant with us, for his goodness is forever.

24.  And redeemed us from our oppressors, for his goodness is forever.

25.  Who gives his food to all flesh, for his goodness is forever.

26.  Sing praise to the God of heaven, for his goodness is forever.

 

Psalm 137

1.     By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, also we wept, as we were remembering Zion.

2.     On the willows in her midst we hung our harps.

3.     For there the Babylonians who captured us asked us to utter the words of songs; and our despoilers, because of [their] joy, were saying, “Sing for us some of the songs you used to utter in Zion.”

4.     At once the Levites cut off their thumbs with their teeth, and say, “How can we sing the praise of the Lord on profane land?”

5.     The voice of the Holy Spirit[70] replies and says, “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, I will forget my right hand.”

6.     My tongue will cleave to my palate, if I will not remember you; if I will not elevate the memory of Jerusalem above the principal joy of my temple.

7.     Said Michael, prince of Jerusalem, “Remember, O Lord, the people of Edom, who laid waste Jerusalem, who say, ‘Destroy, destroy, to the foundations of it.’ ”

8.     Said Gabriel, prince of Zion to the despoiling Babylonian mother, “Happy he who gives back to you evil[71] for what you did to us.”

9.     Happy he who takes and smashes your children on a rock.

 

Psalm 138

1.     Composed by David. I will give thanks in your presence, O Lord, with all my heart; before the judges I will sing to[72] you.

2.     I will bow down before your holy temple, and I will confess your name, because of your goodness and because of your truth; for you have magnified over every name of yours the utterance of your praise.

3.     In the day that I call, answer me; you have magnified strength in my soul.

4.     All the kings of the earth will give thanks in your presence, O Lord, for they have heard the utterance of your praise.

5.     And they will sing praise on the pathways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord.

6.     For exalted is the Lord, but he will look on the humble for good; but he will humble the proud from heaven afar.

7.     If I walk in the midst of trouble, you will keep me alive;[73] you will stretch forth your hand against the nostrils of my enemies to destroy them, and your right hand will redeem me.

8.     The Lord will pay them back evil[74] on my account; O Lord, your goodness is forever, you will not forsake the works of your hands.

 

Psalm 139

1.     For praise, composed by David, a psalm. O Lord, you have searched me out and known me.

2.     It is manifest before you when I sit down to study the Torah, and when I rise up to go to war; you understand my fellowship in your congregation from a people afar off.

3.     Now when I walk in the road or when I recline to study the Torah, you have become a stranger; and you have made all my ways dangerous.

4.     And when there is no speech on my tongue,[75] behold, O Lord, you know the thought of my heart completely.[76]

5.     From behind me and in front of me you have confined me, and you have inflicted on me the blow of your hand.

6.     It is hidden from my knowing;[77] it is too mighty,[78] I am not capable of it.

7.     Where will I go from the presence of your storm-wind? And where shall I flee from your presence?

8.     If I go up to the heavens, you are there; and if I lower myself to Sheol, behold, there is your word.

9.     I will lift up the fringes of sunrise, I will abide at the ends of the sea.[79]

10.  Also there your hand will guide me, and your right hand will seize me.

11.  And I said, “Truly darkness will blind me, and the night will become dark for my sake.”[80]

12.  Also the darkness will not be too dark for your word, and the night, like day, will give light; like darkness, like light – they are equal.

13.  For you have created my kidneys; you established me in the belly of my mother.

14.  I will give you thanks, for you have miraculously done awesome things; your works are wonderful, and my soul knows it well.

15.  My self is not hidden from you, for I was made in secret, I was formed in the belly of my mother.

16.  Your eyes see my body; and in the book of your remembrance all my days were written on the day the world was created; in the beginning all creatures were created[81] but not on a single day among them.[82]

17.  And how precious to me are those who love you, the righteous, O God; and how mighty have their scholars become!

18.  I will number them in this age: they will be more numerous than sand; I awake in the age to come and still I am with you.

19.  If you slay, O God, the wicked man, [then] men who are worthy of the judgment of death will depart from me.

20.  Who will swear in your name for deception, taking an oath in vain, your enemies.

21.  Do I not hate all those who hate you, O Lord? And when they rise against you, I am incensed.

22.  I hate them to the destruction of hatred; they have become enemies to me.

23.  Search me out, O God, and know my thoughts; examine me and know my thinking.

24.  And see if any way of error is in me; and guide me in the path of those eternally upright.

 

Psalm 140

1.     For praise; a psalm composed by David.

2.     Deliver me, O Lord, from an evil son of man; protect me from the man of rapacity.

3.     Who have plotted evil things in the heart; all the day they incite wars.

4.     They teach with their tongue like a snake; the venom of the spider is under their lips forever.

5.     Protect me, O Lord, from the hand of wicked men; protect me from the man of rapacity; who have plotted to attack my steps.

6.     The proud have hidden a trap for me, and they spread out ropes as a net beside the path; they have placed snares for me always.[83]

7.     I said to the Lord, “You are my God.” Hear, O Lord, the sound of my petition.

8.     God, the Lord, is the strength of my redemption; you have covered my head in the day of battle.

9.     Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of Doeg the wicked; do not support his thoughts; let them be removed[84] forever.

10.  Ahithophel, head of the Sanhedrin of disciples[85] -- may the toil of the slander of their lips cover them.

11.  May coals from heaven come upon them; may he make them fall into the fire of Gehenna, in sparks that glow, lest they rise to eternal life.

12.  The man who speaks with deceitful tongue – they cannot dwell in the land of life; the angel of death will hunt down the men of evil rapacity,[86] he will smite them in Gehenna.

13.  Then it is manifest before me; for the Lord will work justice for the poor, justice for the needy.

14.  Truly the righteous will give thanks to your name; the upright will sit to pray before you.

 

Psalm 141

1.     A psalm of David. O Lord, I have called you; be concerned for me, hear my voice when I call to you.

2.     Let my prayer be directed before you like incense of spices, the upraising of my hands in prayer like a fragrant gift offered at evening.

3.     Place, O Lord, a guard on my mouth, a keeper on the portal of my lips.

4.     Do not incline my heart to anything evil, to think thoughts[87] in wickedness to join[88] with men who practice deceit, and I will not dine at the revels of their banquets.

5.     The righteous man will strike me because of kindness, and rebuke me; the oil of holy anointing will not cease from my head,[89] for still my prayer is marshaled against their evil.

6.     They have withdrawn from the academy because of their harsh judgments; they turn and hear my words, for they are pleasant.

7.     For like a man who labors and cleaves when plowing the earth,[90] so are our limbs scattered on the mouth of the grave.

8.     Therefore[91] unto you, God, the Lord, do my eyes look; I have hoped in your word, do not empty out my soul.

9.     Protect me from the power of the trap they have hidden for me, and the snares of those who practice deceit.

10.  May the wicked men fall into his nets together, until the time that I pass by.

 

Psalm 142

1.     A good lesson, composed by David when he was in the cave; a prayer.

2.     With my voice I will cry out in the presence of the Lord; with my voice I will pray in the presence of the Lord.

3.     I will pour out my speech in his presence; I will tell of my trouble in his presence.

4.     When my spirit grows weary against me, you know my path; on this road that I will walk, they have hidden a trap for me.

5.     I looked to the right and saw, and there was no-one acknowledging me; deliverance has vanished from me, and there is none who avenges my soul.

6.     I cried out to you, O Lord; I said, “You are my deliverer, my portion in the land of the living.”

7.     Hear my prayer, for I have become very poor; deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.

8.     Deliver my soul from prison, to confess your name; for my sake the righteous will make for you a glorious crown, for you will repay me with goodness.

 

Psalm 143

1.     A praise for David. O Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my supplication; in your truth answer me, in your generosity.

2.     And do not enter the house of judgment with your servant, for nothing that lives will be pure in your presence.

3.     For the enemy is persecuting my soul; he has crushed my life to the earth; he made me dwell in darkness like those who are dead in this age.[92]

4.     When my soul grows weary against me, in my body my heart will be confounded.

5.     I called to mind the days of old; I meditated on all your deeds; I will speak of the works of your hands.

6.     I spread out my hands in prayer before you; my soul looks towards you forever like a land that is thirsty for water.

7.     Hurry, answer me, O Lord; my spirit[93] yearned for you; do not remove your presence from me; and I have become like those who descend to the pit of the grave.

8.     Proclaim your goodness to me in the morning, for I have hoped in your word; make me know this way that I walk, for to you have I lifted up my soul in prayer.

9.     Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord; I have reckoned your word to be redeeming.

10.  Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; your good holy spirit will guide me in the land correctly.[94]

11.  For the sake of your name, O Lord, sustain me; by your righteousness bring my soul out of distress.

12.  And by your kindness overthrow my enemies, and destroy all those who oppress my soul, for I am your servant.

 

Psalm 144

1.     Composed by David. Blessed is the Lord, my strength, who instructs my hands for battle, my fingers to wage war.

2.     He who acts favorably,[95] and my mighty fortress; my strength, and the one who delivers me; my shield, and I have hoped in his word; he who tramples[96] the Gentiles under me.

3.     O Lord, what is a son of man, that you know him? The sons of men, that you think of him?

4.     A son of man is likened to nothing; his days are like a shadow that passes.

5.     O Lord, bend the heavens and be revealed; touch the mountains, and they send up smoke.

6.     Make lightning flash, and scatter them; send arrows and confound them.

7.     Extend your hand from highest heaven; deliver me and save me from the hordes that are likened to many waters, from the hand of the sons of foreigners.

8.     Whose mouth speaks vain oaths, and their Torah is a Torah of deceit.

9.     God, I will sing a new psalm in your presence; with the lyre of ten strings I will make music in your presence.

10.  Who gives redemption to kings, who delivers David his servant from the wicked sword of Goliath.

11.  Deliver me and save me from the hands of the sons of foreigners, whose mouth speaks vain oaths, and their Torah is a Torah of deceit.

12.  For our sons are like plantings of date-palms, growing[97] in the learning of Torah from their youth; our daughters are beautiful and fit for priests who serve within the temple.

13.  Our treasuries are full, supplying needs from year to year; our flocks are bearing thousands, they increase by tens of thousands in our streets.

14.  Our oxen bear great loads; there is no harshness and no expression of evil; there is no clamor of weeping in our squares.

15.  Happy the people for whom it is thus; happy the people whose God is the Lord.

 

Psalm 145

1.     A psalm of David. I will exalt you,[98] O my God the king, and I will bless your name for ages upon ages.

2.     Every day I will bless you and I will praise your name for ages upon ages.

3.     Great is the Lord and very praiseworthy; and there is no end to his greatness.

4.     Each generation will praise your work to the next, and they will tell of your wonders.

5.     The splendor of the glory of your majesty, and the words of your wonders, I will speak.

6.     And they will utter the strength of your fear, and they will tell of your greatness.

7.     They will spread abroad the memory of your abundant goodness, and they will praise your generosity.

8.     Compassionate and merciful is the Lord, putting away anger and doing many good things.

9.     The Lord is good to all, and his mercies are over all his works.

10.  All your works shall give you thanks, O Lord, and your pious ones shall bless you.

11.  They will utter the glory of your kingdom, and will speak of your might.

12.  To make known his powerful deeds to the sons of men, and the glorious splendor of his kingdom.

13.  Your kingdom is a kingdom of all ages, and your dominion is in every generation.

14.  The Lord supports all who have fallen, and lifts up all who are bowed down.

15.  The eyes of all look hopefully to you, and you give them[99] their food in its season.

16.  You open your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

17.  The Lord is just in all his ways, and gracious in all his works.

18.  The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

19.  He will do the will of those who fear him, and he will hear their petition and redeem them.

20.  The Lord protects all who love him, but he will destroy all the wicked.

21.  My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and all the sons of flesh will bless his holy name for ages upon ages.

 

Psalm 146

1.     Hallelujah![100] Praise the name of the Lord, O my soul.

2.     I will sing praise, O Lord,[101] in my lifetime, I will make music to my God while I exist.

3.     You shall not place your trust in rulers, in a son of man who has no redemption.

4.     His spirit will go away, he will return to his dust; on that day his plans perish.

5.     Happy is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.

6.     Who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them, who keeps truth forever.

7.     Who brings judgment for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry; the Lord, who sets the prisoners free.

8.     The Lord gives sight to foreigners, who are likened to the blind; the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.

9.     The Lord protects the proselyte; he will support the widow and orphan, but will confound the way of the wicked.

10.  The Lord will reign forever; your God, O Zion, for all generations. Hallelujah![102]

 

Psalm 147

1.     Hallelujah![103] For it is good to make music in the presence of our God, for it is pleasant, praise is comely.

2.     The Lord is the builder of Jerusalem, he will gather the exiles of Jerusalem.

3.     Who heals the broken hearted, and applies bandages to their hurts.[104]

4.     He numbers the sum of the stars, calling them all by name.

5.     Great is our lord and abundant in power; there is no sum of his intelligence.

6.     The Lord supports the meek, he humbles the wicked to the ground.

7.     Sing praise in the presence of the Lord with thanksgiving; make music in the presence of our God with the harp.

8.     Who covers the heavens with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass grow on the mountains.

9.     He gives to the beast its food, to the young of the raven that cry out.

10.  He will not desire the strength of those who ride on horses; he will take no pleasure in the thighs of swift men.[105]

11.  The Lord takes pleasure in those that fear him, who wait long for his goodness.

12.  Praise, O Jerusalem, the Lord, praise your God, O Zion.

13.  For he has strengthened the bars of your gates, he has blessed your sons in your midst.

14.  Who has set peace at your border, he will satisfy you with the fat[106] of wheat.

15.  Who sends his word to the earth, with speed his speech will run.

16.  Who gives snow as white as wool, he will scatter frost like ash.

17.  Who casts his hail parceled out as crumbs; who is able to stand before his cold?

18.  He will send the east wind of his wrath[107] and melt them; he will make his wind blow [and] waters flow.

19.  Who tells the words of Torah to Jacob, his statutes and judgments to Israel.

20.  He has not acted so with every people; he did not tell them his judgments. Hallelujah![108]

 

Psalm 148

1.     Hallelujah![109] Praise the Lord, holy creatures in heaven; praise him, all hosts of angels on high.

2.     Praise him, all angels that minister in his presence; praise him, all his hosts.

3.     Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all stars of light.

4.     Praise him, heaven of heavens, and the waters that are suspended by his word above the heavens.

5.     Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.

6.     And he established them for ages upon ages; he gave a decree and none will violate it.

7.     Praise the Lord in the earth, sea serpents and all abysses.

8.     Fire and hail, snow and vapor, storm wind fulfilling his command;

9.     Mountains and all hills, [every] tree that produces fruit, and all cedars;

10.  Animals and every beast, creeping things and the winged bird that flies;

11.  Kings of the earth and all peoples; rulers and all judges[110] of the earth.

12.  Lads[111] and even girls, old men and youths;

13.  Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name is mighty, he alone; his praise is over earth and heaven.

14.  And he has lifted up glory[112] for his people, praise for all his pious ones, for the children of Israel, the people who are close to him: Praise the Lord!

 

Psalm 149

1.     Sing in the presence of the Lord a new psalm; his praise is in the assembly of the pious.

2.     They of the house of Israel will rejoice in their maker;[113] the children of Zion will exult in their kings.

3.     They will praise his name with dances, with drums and harps they will make music to him.

4.     For the pleasure of the Lord is in his people; he will glorify the humble with redemption.

5.     The pious will revel in glory; they will meditate upon their beds.

6.     The psalms of God are in their throats, and in their hands like a two-edged sword.

7.     To wreak vengeance on the Gentiles, rebuke among the nations.

8.     To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron.

9.     To execute on them the judgment written in the Torah; this is glory for all his pious ones. Hallelujah![114]

 

Psalm 150

1.     Hallelujah![115] Praise God in his sanctuary, praise him in the firmament of his strength.

2.     Praise him for his mighty deeds, praise him according to his abundant greatness.

3.     Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with harps and lyres.

4.     Praise him with drums and with dances, praise him with flutes[116] and pipes.

5.     Praise him with cymbals that sound alone; praise him with cymbals that sound with shouting.

6.     Every breath will sing praise to God. Hallelujah![117]

 

FINIS