his chosen ones with shouts of joy;
44he gave them the lands of the nations,†
and they fell heir to what others had toiled for—
45that they might keep his precepts
and observe his laws.†
Praise the LORD.[182]
1Praise the LORD.[183]
Praise of the “Bull” in the Cairo Hymn of Amon-Re
Psalm 106 When the Israelites were encamped at Mount Horeb they worshiped the image of a calf cast in gold (Ex 32; Ps 106:19–20), a practice they had no doubt learned in Egypt. The Cairo Hymn of Praise to Amon-Re describes the chief Egyptian god variously as the Goodly Bull, the bull of Heliopolis and the bull of his mother. The bull’s two eyes were the sun and the moon; both bovine and solar images were incorporated into the cult of Amon-Re. He was worshiped as the creator god who generated heaven, Earth, humankind and animal life1 and was believed to have been the father of all other gods and the sustainer of the Egyptian kings. Although Amon-Re rescued the poor and downtrodden, he nevertheless kept his name a secret from his children (Amon means “hidden”).
When the Israelites formed the golden calf, they insulted God by depicting him using the same image employed to portray Egyptian and Canaanite gods, possibly even attributing his saving acts to one of these false gods. Unlike the “hidden” god Amon-Re, however, the one true God revealed himself to his people both in his name (Ex 3:13–14) and in his miraculous deeds. It is important to recognize that the worship of the bull god was in keeping with everything the Israelites had learned in Egypt and that it was, in their view, entirely appropriate. Although their sin was an obvious violation of God’s commands, the culture of their day no doubt convinced them that what they were doing was proper and acceptable.2
1. See “Cosmology in the Ancient Near East.”
2. See “The Golden Calf.”
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;†
his love endures forever.
2Who can proclaim the mighty acts† of the LORD
or fully declare his praise?
3Blessed are they who maintain justice,
who constantly do what is right.†
4Remember me,† O LORD, when you show favor to your people,
come to my aid when you save them,
5that I may enjoy the prosperity† of your chosen ones,
that I may share in the joy† of your nation
and join your inheritance in giving praise.
6We have sinned,† even as our fathers did;
we have done wrong and acted wickedly.
7When our fathers were in Egypt,
they gave no thought to your miracles;
they did not remember† your many kindnesses,
and they rebelled by the sea,† the Red Sea.[184]
8Yet he saved them for his name’s sake,†
to make his mighty power known.
9He rebuked† the Red Sea, and it dried up;†
he led them through† the depths as through a desert.
10He saved them† from the hand of the foe;
from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them.†
11The waters covered† their adversaries;
not one of them survived.
12Then they believed his promises
and sang his praise.†
13But they soon forgot† what he had done
and did not wait for his counsel.
14In the desert they gave in to their craving;
in the wasteland they put God to the test.†
15So he gave them† what they asked for,
but sent a wasting disease† upon them.
16In the camp they grew envious† of Moses
and of Aaron, who was consecrated to the LORD.
17The earth opened† up and swallowed Dathan;
it buried the company of Abiram.
18Fire blazed† among their followers;
a flame consumed the wicked.
19At Horeb they made a calf†
and worshiped an idol cast from metal.
20They exchanged their Glory†
for an image of a bull, which eats grass.
21They forgot the God† who saved them,
who had done great things† in Egypt,
22miracles in the land of Ham†
and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.
23So he said he would destroy† them—
had not Moses, his chosen one,
stood in the breach† before him
to keep his wrath from destroying them.
24Then they despised the pleasant land;†
they did not believe† his promise.
25They grumbled† in their tents
and did not obey the LORD.
26So he swore† to them with uplifted hand
that he would make them fall in the desert,†
27make their descendants fall among the nations
and scatter† them throughout the lands.
28They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor†
and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods;
29they provoked the LORD to anger by their wicked deeds,
and a plague broke out among them.
30But Phinehas stood up and intervened,
and the plague was checked.†
31This was credited to him† as righteousness
for endless generations to come.
32By the waters of Meribah† they angered the LORD,
and trouble came to Moses because of them;
33for they rebelled against the Spirit of God,
and rash words came from Moses’ lips.[185] †
34They did not destroy† the peoples
as the LORD had commanded† them,
35but they mingled† with the nations
and adopted their customs.
36They worshiped their idols,†
which became a snare to them.
and their daughters to demons.
38They shed innocent blood,
the blood of their sons† and daughters,
whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan,
and the land was desecrated by their blood.
39They defiled themselves† by what they did;
by their deeds they prostituted† themselves.
40Therefore the LORD was angry† with his people
and abhorred his inheritance.†
41He handed them over† to the nations,
and their foes ruled over them.
42Their enemies oppressed them
and subjected them to their power.
43Many times he delivered them,
but they were bent on rebellion†
and they wasted away in their sin.
44But he took note of their distress
when he heard their cry;†
45for their sake he remembered his covenant†
and out of his great love† he relented.
46He caused them to be pitied†
by all who held them captive.
47Save us, O LORD our God,
and gather us† from the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name
and glory in your praise.
48Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Let all the people say, “Amen!”†
Praise the LORD.
BOOK V
Psalms 107–150
1Give thanks to the LORD,† for he is good;
The Gezer Calendar
The Gezer Calendar
Preserving Bible Times; © Dr. James C. Martin; permission of Istanbul Archaeological Museum
Psalm 107 Gezer (modern Tell Jezer; find “Gezer” on “Maps 4–6” in the back of this Bible) lies in the low hills that separated Philistia from Judah. It had a strategic location, guarding access to the coastal trade route, known as the Via Maris (“Way of the Sea”), as well as to the overland route into the hill country. The city was at various times under Egyptian, Philistine or Israelite control.1
In 1908 a stone was found inscribed with what appears to be an agricultural calendar. It dates to the tenth century B.C. and was probably written as a schoolboy’s exercise. Rather than beginning in the spring, as does the festival calendar,2 the “Gezer calendar” commences in the fall, suggesting that the Israelite agricultural calendar began in the autumn.3
Scholars have used this brief text to try to better understand Israelite agricultural practices. It suggests that the planting of grains began in October, after the rains had softened the soil to allow for plowing. Grain sowing lasted for two months, followed by two months of vegetable sowing. After a month of hoeing, the harvest began in the spring with first the barley, then the wheat, then the grapes and finally the summer fruit.4 The text of the calendar has also proved important in the study of early Hebrew spelling and the development of the shapes of letters.
2. See “The Festivals of Israel.”
3. See “The Jewish Calendar.”
4. See “Food and Agriculture.”
his love endures forever.
2Let the redeemed† of the LORD say this—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
3those he gathered† from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south.[186]
4Some wandered in desert† wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
5They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
6Then they cried out† to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
7He led them by a straight way†
to a city where they could settle.
8Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,
9for he satisfies† the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.†
10Some sat in darkness† and the deepest gloom,
prisoners suffering in iron chains,†
11for they had rebelled† against the words of God
and despised the counsel† of the Most High.
12So he subjected them to bitter labor;
they stumbled, and there was no one to help.†
13Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
14He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom
and broke away their chains.†
15Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,
16for he breaks down gates of bronze
and cuts through bars of iron.
17Some became fools through their rebellious ways
and suffered affliction† because of their iniquities.
and drew near the gates of death.†
19Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
20He sent forth his word† and healed them;†
he rescued† them from the grave.†
21Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men.
22Let them sacrifice thank offerings†
and tell of his works† with songs of joy.
23Others went out on the sea in ships;
they were merchants on the mighty waters.
24They saw the works of the LORD,
his wonderful deeds in the deep.
25For he spoke† and stirred up a tempest†
that lifted high the waves.†
26They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
in their peril their courage melted† away.
27They reeled and staggered like drunken men;
they were at their wits’ end.
28Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
29He stilled the storm† to a whisper;
the waves† of the sea were hushed.
30They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
31Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men.
32Let them exalt him in the assembly† of the people
and praise him in the council of the elders.
33He turned rivers into a desert,†
flowing springs into thirsty ground,
34and fruitful land into a salt waste,†
because of the wickedness of those who lived there.
35He turned the desert into pools of water†
and the parched ground into flowing springs;
36there he brought the hungry to live,
and they founded a city where they could settle.
37They sowed fields and planted vineyards†
that yielded a fruitful harvest;
38he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased,†
and he did not let their herds diminish.
39Then their numbers decreased,† and they were humbled
by oppression, calamity and sorrow;
40he who pours contempt on nobles†
made them wander in a trackless waste.†
41But he lifted the needy† out of their affliction
and increased their families like flocks.
42The upright see and rejoice,†
but all the wicked shut their mouths.†
43Whoever is wise,† let him heed these things
and consider the great love† of the LORD.
A song. A psalm of David.
1My heart is steadfast, O God;
I will sing and make music with all my soul.
2Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
3I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
4For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
5Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
and let your glory be over all the earth.†
6Save us and help us with your right hand,
that those you love may be delivered.
7God has spoken from his sanctuary:
“In triumph I will parcel out Shechem
and measure off the Valley of Succoth.
8Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine;
Ephraim is my helmet,
Judah† my scepter.
9Moab is my washbasin,
upon Edom I toss my sandal;
over Philistia I shout in triumph.”
10Who will bring me to the fortified city?
Who will lead me to Edom?
11Is it not you, O God, you who have rejected us
and no longer go out with our armies?†
12Give us aid against the enemy,
for the help of man is worthless.
13With God we will gain the victory,
and he will trample down our enemies.
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
1O God, whom I praise,
do not remain silent,†
2for wicked and deceitful men
have opened their mouths against me;
they have spoken against me with lying tongues.†
3With words of hatred† they surround me;
they attack me without cause.†
4In return for my friendship they accuse me,
but I am a man of prayer.†
5They repay me evil for good,†
and hatred for my friendship.
6Appoint[187] an evil man[188] to oppose him;
let an accuser[189] † stand at his right hand.
7When he is tried, let him be found guilty,
and may his prayers condemn† him.
8May his days be few;
may another take his place† of leadership.
9May his children be fatherless
and his wife a widow.†
10May his children be wandering beggars;
may they be driven[190] from their ruined homes.
11May a creditor seize all he has;
may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor.†
12May no one extend kindness to him
or take pity† on his fatherless children.
13May his descendants be cut off,†
their names blotted out† from the next generation.
14May the iniquity of his fathers† be remembered before the LORD;
may the sin of his mother never be blotted out.
15May their sins always remain before the LORD,
that he may cut off the memory† of them from the earth.
16For he never thought of doing a kindness,
but hounded to death the poor
and the needy† and the brokenhearted.†
17He loved to pronounce a curse—
he found no pleasure in blessing—
may it be[192] far from him.
18He wore cursing† as his garment;
it entered into his body like water,†
into his bones like oil.
19May it be like a cloak wrapped about him,
like a belt tied forever around him.
20May this be the LORD’s payment† to my accusers,
to those who speak evil† of me.
21But you, O Sovereign LORD,
deal well with me for your name’s sake;†
out of the goodness of your love,† deliver me.
22For I am poor and needy,
and my heart is wounded within me.
23I fade away like an evening shadow;†
I am shaken off like a locust.
24My knees give† way from fasting;
my body is thin and gaunt.
25I am an object of scorn† to my accusers;
when they see me, they shake their heads.†
26Help me,† O LORD my God;
save me in accordance with your love.
27Let them know† that it is your hand,
that you, O LORD, have done it.
28They may curse,† but you will bless;
when they attack they will be put to shame,
but your servant will rejoice.†
29My accusers will be clothed with disgrace
and wrapped in shame† as in a cloak.
30With my mouth I will greatly extol the LORD;
in the great throng† I will praise him.
31For he stands at the right hand† of the needy one,
to save his life from those who condemn him.
Of David. A psalm.
The Exaltation of a Holy City in the Psalms and in the Myths
Psalm 110 An ancient city would often have its own local myth that exalted that city and its patron god above all other cities and gods. These myths served to reassure the inhabitants that their city and its shrine were somehow superior to all others. One such myth comes from Sumerian civilization and was meant to glorify the city of Uruk (“Map 1”) and its goddess, Inanna.
In the myth the god Enki possesses all the qualities of civilization in his city, Eridu. These qualities include, among others, kingship, priestly orders, crafts (carpentry, metal-working, etc.), jurisprudence and truth. Curiously, negative elements such as prostitution and deceit are also included among the qualities of civilization.1 Inanna ventures to Eridu and is welcomed by Enki. While in a drunken state Enki confers upon Inanna the qualities of civilization, described in the story as physical objects. She proceeds to load them onto her boat and sails away. Too late, Enki realizes what he has done and tries to retrieve them, but Inanna has already conveyed them to Uruk. Thus Uruk is exalted as the favored city of Inanna.
View of Dormition Abbey on modern Mount Zion
Photograph: © Kim Guess/Bible Places.com
In the Bible, and especially in the Psalms, Zion is exalted as the chosen city of God. The difference between the exaltation of Zion and the story of Inanna and Enki is profound. The Sumerian story is pure myth: Abstract qualities are described as physical objects, and gods seek to outwit or overpower one another. In contrast, Zion was exalted because of God’s covenant with David and the promise of a Messiah, a greater son of David who was yet to come. The Messiah would be a king (Ps 110:1–2) but also a priest (v. 4) and warrior (vv. 5–6). We see a similar exaltation of Zion and its Messiah in Psalm 2. In short, the exaltation of Zion is not grounded in a myth but in a historical event (God’s choice of David) and in a hope for the future (the advent of the Messiah).
1. See “Prostitution in the Ancient World.”
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.Ӡ
2The LORD will extend your mighty scepter† from Zion;
you will rule in the midst of your enemies.
3Your troops will be willing
on your day of battle.
Arrayed in holy majesty,†
from the womb of the dawn
you will receive the dew of your youth.[193]
4The LORD has sworn
and will not change his mind:†
“You are a priest forever,†
in the order of Melchizedek.†”
5The Lord is at your right hand;†
he will crush kings† on the day of his wrath.†
6He will judge the nations,† heaping up the dead†
and crushing the rulers† of the whole earth.
7He will drink from a brook beside the way[194];
therefore he will lift up his head.†
1Praise the LORD.[196]
I will extol the LORD with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
2Great are the works† of the LORD;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and compassionate.†
5He provides food† for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
6He has shown his people the power of his works,
giving them the lands of other nations.
7The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.†
8They are steadfast for ever† and ever,
done in faithfulness and uprightness.
9He provided redemption† for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever—
holy and awesome† is his name.
10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;†
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.†
To him belongs eternal praise.†
1Praise the LORD.[198]
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,†
who finds great delight† in his commands.
2His children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4Even in darkness light dawns† for the upright,
for the gracious and compassionate and righteous† man.[199]
5Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,†
who conducts his affairs with justice.
6Surely he will never be shaken;
a righteous man will be remembered† forever.
7He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast,† trusting in the LORD.
8His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.†
9He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor,†
his righteousness endures forever;
his horn[200] will be lifted† high in honor.
10The wicked man will see† and be vexed,
he will gnash his teeth† and waste away;†
the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.†
Praise, O servants of the LORD,†
praise the name of the LORD.
2Let the name of the LORD be praised,
both now and forevermore.†
3From the rising of the sun† to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised.
4The LORD is exalted† over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens.†
5Who is like the LORD our God,†
the One who sits enthroned† on high,
6who stoops down to look†
on the heavens and the earth?
7He raises the poor† from the dust
and lifts the needy† from the ash heap;
8he seats them† with princes,
with the princes of their people.
9He settles the barren† woman in her home
as a happy mother of children.
Praise the LORD.
1When Israel came out of Egypt,†
the house of Jacob from a people of foreign tongue,
2Judah became God’s sanctuary,
Israel his dominion.
3The sea looked and fled,†
the Jordan turned back;†
4the mountains skipped like rams,
the hills like lambs.
5Why was it, O sea, that you fled,
O Jordan, that you turned back,
6you mountains, that you skipped like rams,
you hills, like lambs?
7Tremble, O earth,† at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
8who turned the rock into a pool,
the hard rock into springs of water.†
1Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name be the glory,†
because of your love and faithfulness.
2Why do the nations say,
“Where is their God?”†
3Our God is in heaven;†
he does whatever pleases him.†
4But their idols are silver and gold,
made by the hands of men.†
5They have mouths, but cannot speak,†
eyes, but they cannot see;
6they have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but they cannot smell;
7they have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but they cannot walk;
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
8Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.
9O house of Israel, trust in the LORD—
he is their help and shield.
10O house of Aaron,† trust in the LORD—
he is their help and shield.
11You who fear him, trust in the LORD—
he is their help and shield.
12The LORD remembers us and will bless us:
He will bless the house of Israel,
he will bless the house of Aaron,
13he will bless those who fear† the LORD—
small and great alike.
14May the LORD make you increase,†
both you and your children.
15May you be blessed by the LORD,
the Maker of heaven† and earth.
16The highest heavens belong to the LORD,†
but the earth he has given† to man.
17It is not the dead† who praise the LORD,
those who go down to silence;
18it is we who extol the LORD,
both now and forevermore.†
Praise the LORD.[202]
1I love the LORD,† for he heard my voice;
A Pagan’s Prayer of Thanks
Psalm 116 Many Biblical passages are in form similar to pagan texts, but the formal similarity only makes the differences in content more apparent. An Akkadian psalm from Ugarit (referred to by scholars as Ugartica 5.162)1 is outwardly similar to Biblical psalms of thanksgiving, such as Psalm 86 or 116. Like the writer of Psalm 116:3, the Akkadian psalmist described himself as being at death’s door (probably due to illness) and vividly portrayed how he was wasting away, unable to eat anything but his own tears (see 42:3). Like Psalm 116:8 or Jonah 2, the Akkadian poet ultimately celebrated the fact that his god had snatched him from the grave.
What is distinctive, however, is the manner in which the Akkadian psalmist sought help from his god via magic and ritual.2 He had surrounded himself by omen takers, who looked for favorable signs from incense clouds and the entrails of lambs. He depicted his brothers as having been drenched in blood and described them as being like possessed men (they practiced self-mutilation in an attempt to compel their god to act; see 1Ki 18:28–29). In contrast, although the Biblical psalmist spoke of making a sacrifice of thanksgiving (Ps 116:17), there is no implication of manipulation of divine power through magic, nor is there the sense of frantic desperation that pervades the Akkadian text. The Biblical psalmist could even make the astonishing and profound statement, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (v. 15).
1. See “Ugarit/Ras Shamra.”
2. For similar uses of magic, see “‘I Will Praise the Lord of Wisdom’” and “A Hittite Ritual Against Plague.”
he heard my cry† for mercy.
2Because he turned his ear† to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
3The cords of death† entangled me,
the anguish of the grave[203] came upon me;
I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
4Then I called on the name† of the LORD:
“O LORD, save me!†”
5The LORD is gracious and righteous;†
our God is full of compassion.
6The LORD protects the simplehearted;
when I was in great need,† he saved me.
7Be at rest† once more, O my soul,
for the LORD has been good† to you.
8For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul† from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling,
9that I may walk before the LORD
in the land of the living.†
10I believed;† therefore[204] I said,
“I am greatly afflicted.”
11And in my dismay I said,
“All men are liars.”†
12How can I repay the LORD
for all his goodness to me?
13I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name† of the LORD.
14I will fulfill my vows† to the LORD
in the presence of all his people.
15Precious in the sight† of the LORD
is the death of his saints.
16O LORD, truly I am your servant;†
I am your servant, the son of your maidservant[205];†
you have freed me from my chains.
17I will sacrifice a thank offering† to you
and call on the name of the LORD.
18I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people,
19in the courts† of the house of the LORD—
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD.[206]
1Praise the LORD, all you nations;†
extol him, all you peoples.
2For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD† endures forever.
Praise the LORD.[207]
1Give thanks to the LORD,† for he is good;
The Horned Altar
Psalm 118 The two most important ritual altars of Israel’s religious life were the bronze altar of sacrifice and the golden altar of incense. A conspicuous feature of their design was four “horns” rising from each of the four corners, which were to be of one piece with the altar itself rather than attached separately (Ex 27:2; 30:2). Archaeological excavations have provided examples of this construction in an incense altar discovered at Megiddo and a sacrificial altar from an Israelite sanctuary at Beersheba.1
The precise function of the horns remains uncertain. Since the Hebrew term for altar, mizbeah, literally means “place of ritual slaughter,” it has been suggested that the horns functioned as pegs to secure the animal about to be offered (Ps 118:27). This seems unlikely, however, since the animal was ritually slaughtered before being placed on the altar and would require no restraint (Lev 1:5–9). Perhaps the horns on the altar, and especially those of the altar of incense, which was not used for sacrifice, may be explained by the broader role of the altar within temple liturgy. Priests were commanded to daub these horns with sacrificial blood to symbolically effect purification from sin and thus to remove ritual impurity from the entire altar and sanctuary (Lev 4:7; 16:18).2
In addition to their role in sacrificial offerings, altars served to memorialize a theophany or physical appearance of the Lord (Ge 12:7; 35:1–7) and were intimately associated with the divine presence (Ex 20:24). It is possible that altars were constructed so as to imitate mountains upon which sacrifices were offered and with which God’s presence was associated. This would explain the law prescribing that free-standing altars in Israel be constructed of packed earth or a mound of unhewn stones (Ex 20:24–26). The horns on the elaborate altars of the temple could suggest a more “stylized” mountain. Whatever the case, the special sanctity of the altar, and of the horns in particular, is evidenced by the asylum granted to anyone who seized them (1Ki 1:50–51; 2:28–34).
See also “Ancient Altars.”
Altars from Megiddo
Preserving Bible Times; © Dr. James C. Martin; permission of The Israel Museum
1. See “Megiddo” and “Beersheba.”
2. See also “Sacrifices and Offerings in the Bible and the Ancient Near East” and “Ritual Purity in Israel and the Ancient Near East.”
his love endures forever.†
2Let Israel say:†
“His love endures forever.”
3Let the house of Aaron say:
“His love endures forever.”
4Let those who fear the LORD say:
“His love endures forever.”
5In my anguish† I cried to the LORD,
and he answered† by setting me free.
6The LORD is with me;† I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?†
7The LORD is with me; he is my helper.†
I will look in triumph on my enemies.†
8It is better to take refuge in the LORD†
than to trust in man.†
9It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.†
10All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.†
11They surrounded me† on every side,†
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
12They swarmed around me like bees,†
but they died out as quickly as burning thorns;†
in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
13I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the LORD helped me.†
14The LORD is my strength† and my song;
he has become my salvation.†
15Shouts of joy† and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
“The LORD’s right hand† has done mighty things!
16The LORD’s right hand is lifted high;
the LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!”
17I will not die† but live,
and will proclaim† what the LORD has done.
18The LORD has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.†
19Open for me the gates† of righteousness;
I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.
20This is the gate of the LORD
through which the righteous may enter.†
21I will give you thanks, for you answered me;†
you have become my salvation.
22The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone;†
23the LORD has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25O LORD, save us;
O LORD, grant us success.
26Blessed is he who comes† in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you.[208]
27The LORD is God,
and he has made his light shine† upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up[209] to the horns of the altar.
28You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God,† and I will exalt† you.
29Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Aleph
1Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk† according to the law of the LORD.
2Blessed are they who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart.†
3They do nothing wrong;†
they walk in his ways.
4You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.
5Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!
6Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.
7I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.
8I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.
Beth
9How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.†
10I seek you with all my heart;†
do not let me stray from your commands.†
11I have hidden your word in my heart†
that I might not sin against you.
12Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.†
13With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.†
14I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15I meditate on your precepts†
and consider your ways.
16I delight† in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
Gimel
17Do good to your servant,† and I will live;
I will obey your word.
18Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
19I am a stranger on earth;†
do not hide your commands from me.
20My soul is consumed† with longing
for your laws† at all times.
21You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed
and who stray† from your commands.
22Remove from me scorn† and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.
23Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.
Daleth
25I am laid low in the dust;†
preserve my life† according to your word.
26I recounted my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.†
27Let me understand the teaching of your precepts;
then I will meditate on your wonders.†
28My soul is weary with sorrow;†
strengthen me† according to your word.
29Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me through your law.
30I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.
31I hold fast† to your statutes, O LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.
32I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free.
He
33Teach me,† O LORD, to follow your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.
34Give me understanding, and I will keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
35Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
36Turn my heart† toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.†
37Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life† according to your word.[211]
38Fulfill your promise† to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
39Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.
40How I long† for your precepts!
Preserve my life in your righteousness.
Waw
41May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;
42then I will answer† the one who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.
44I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.
45I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.
46I will speak of your statutes before kings†
and will not be put to shame,
47for I delight in your commands
because I love them.
48I lift up my hands to[212] your commands, which I love,
and I meditate on your decrees.
Zayin
49Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.
50My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.†
51The arrogant mock me† without restraint,
but I do not turn† from your law.
52I remember† your ancient laws, O LORD,
and I find comfort in them.
53Indignation grips me† because of the wicked,
who have forsaken your law.†
54Your decrees are the theme of my song
wherever I lodge.
55In the night I remember† your name, O LORD,
and I will keep your law.
56This has been my practice:
I obey your precepts.
Heth
57You are my portion,† O LORD;
I have promised to obey your words.
58I have sought your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me† according to your promise.†
59I have considered my ways†
and have turned my steps to your statutes.
60I will hasten and not delay
to obey your commands.
61Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
I will not forget† your law.
62At midnight† I rise to give you thanks
for your righteous laws.
63I am a friend to all who fear you,†
to all who follow your precepts.
64The earth is filled with your love,† O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
Teth
65Do good to your servant
according to your word, O LORD.
66Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I believe in your commands.
67Before I was afflicted I went astray,†
but now I obey your word.
68You are good,† and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.†
69Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,†
I keep your precepts with all my heart.
70Their hearts are callous† and unfeeling,
but I delight in your law.
71It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.
72The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.†
Yodh
73Your hands made me† and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.
74May those who fear you rejoice† when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.
75I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous,
and in faithfulness† you have afflicted me.
76May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.
77Let your compassion† come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
78May the arrogant† be put to shame for wronging me without cause;†
but I will meditate on your precepts.
79May those who fear you turn to me,
those who understand your statutes.
80May my heart be blameless toward your decrees,
that I may not be put to shame.
Kaph
81My soul faints† with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.
82My eyes fail,† looking for your promise;
I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees.
84How long† must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors?
85The arrogant dig pitfalls† for me,
contrary to your law.
86All your commands are trustworthy;†
help me,† for men persecute me without cause.†
87They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken† your precepts.
88Preserve my life according to your love,
and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.
Lamedh
89Your word, O LORD, is eternal;†
it stands firm in the heavens.
90Your faithfulness† continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.†
91Your laws endure† to this day,
for all things serve you.
92If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.
94Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.
95The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
but I will ponder your statutes.
96To all perfection I see a limit;
but your commands are boundless.
Mem
97Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate† on it all day long.
98Your commands make me wiser† than my enemies,
for they are ever with me.
99I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.
100I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.†
101I have kept my feet† from every evil path
so that I might obey your word.
102I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.
103How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey† to my mouth!†
104I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.†
Nun
105Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light† for my path.
106I have taken an oath† and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.
107I have suffered much;
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.
108Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth,†
and teach me your laws.
109Though I constantly take my life in my hands,†
I will not forget your law.
110The wicked have set a snare† for me,
but I have not strayed† from your precepts.
111Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
112My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.†
Samekh
113I hate double-minded men,†
but I love your law.
114You are my refuge and my shield;†
I have put my hope† in your word.
115Away from me,† you evildoers,
that I may keep the commands of my God!
116Sustain me† according to your promise, and I will live;
do not let my hopes be dashed.†
117Uphold me, and I will be delivered;
I will always have regard for your decrees.
118You reject all who stray from your decrees,
for their deceitfulness is in vain.
119All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;†
therefore I love your statutes.
120My flesh trembles† in fear of you;
I stand in awe of your laws.
Ayin
121I have done what is righteous and just;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122Ensure your servant’s well-being;†
let not the arrogant oppress me.
123My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
looking for your righteous promise.†
124Deal with your servant according to your love
and teach me your decrees.†
125I am your servant;† give me discernment
that I may understand your statutes.
126It is time for you to act, O LORD;
your law is being broken.
127Because I love your commands
more than gold,† more than pure gold,
128and because I consider all your precepts right,
I hate every wrong path.†
Pe
129Your statutes are wonderful;
therefore I obey them.
130The unfolding of your words gives light;†
it gives understanding to the simple.†
131I open my mouth and pant,†
longing for your commands.†
132Turn to me and have mercy† on me,
as you always do to those who love your name.
133Direct my footsteps according to your word;†
let no sin rule† over me.
134Redeem me from the oppression of men,†
that I may obey your precepts.
135Make your face shine† upon your servant
and teach me your decrees.
136Streams of tears† flow from my eyes,
for your law is not obeyed.†
Tsadhe
137Righteous are you,† O LORD,
and your laws are right.†
138The statutes you have laid down are righteous;†
they are fully trustworthy.
139My zeal wears me out,†
for my enemies ignore your words.
140Your promises have been thoroughly tested,†
and your servant loves them.
141Though I am lowly and despised,†
I do not forget your precepts.
142Your righteousness is everlasting
and your law is true.†
143Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands are my delight.
144Your statutes are forever right;
give me understanding† that I may live.
Qoph
145I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD,
and I will obey your decrees.
146I call out to you; save me
and I will keep your statutes.
147I rise before dawn† and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.
148My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,†
that I may meditate on your promises.
149Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws.
150Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
but they are far from your law.
151Yet you are near,† O LORD,
and all your commands are true.†
152Long ago I learned from your statutes
that you established them to last forever.†
Resh
153Look upon my suffering† and deliver me,
for I have not forgotten† your law.
154Defend my cause† and redeem me;†
preserve my life according to your promise.
155Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek out† your decrees.
156Your compassion is great, O LORD;
preserve my life† according to your laws.
157Many are the foes who persecute me,†
but I have not turned from your statutes.
158I look on the faithless with loathing,†
for they do not obey your word.
159See how I love your precepts;
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your love.
160All your words are true;
all your righteous laws are eternal.
Sin and Shin
161Rulers persecute me† without cause,
but my heart trembles at your word.
162I rejoice in your promise
like one who finds great spoil.†
163I hate and abhor falsehood
but I love your law.
164Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous laws.
165Great peace† have they who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.
166I wait for your salvation,† O LORD,
and I follow your commands.
167I obey your statutes,
for I love them greatly.
168I obey your precepts and your statutes,
for all my ways are known† to you.
Taw
169May my cry come† before you, O LORD;
give me understanding according to your word.
170May my supplication come† before you;
deliver me† according to your promise.
171May my lips overflow with praise,†
for you teach me† your decrees.
172May my tongue sing of your word,
for all your commands are righteous.
173May your hand be ready to help† me,
for I have chosen† your precepts.
174I long for your salvation,† O LORD,
and your law is my delight.
175Let me live† that I may praise you,
and may your laws sustain me.
176I have strayed like a lost sheep.†
Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten your commands.
A song of ascents.
1I call on the LORD in my distress,†
and he answers me.
2Save me, O LORD, from lying lips†
and from deceitful tongues.†
3What will he do to you,
and what more besides, O deceitful tongue?
4He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows,†
with burning coals of the broom tree.
5Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech,
that I live among the tents of Kedar!†
6Too long have I lived
among those who hate peace.
7I am a man of peace;
but when I speak, they are for war.
A song of ascents.
1I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.†
3He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5The LORD watches over† you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6the sun† will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7The LORD will keep you from all harm†—
he will watch over your life;
8the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.†
A song of ascents. Of David.
1I rejoiced with those who said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the LORD.;”
2Our feet are standing
in your gates, O Jerusalem.
3Jerusalem is built like a city
that is closely compacted together.
4That is where the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD,
to praise the name of the LORD
according to the statute given to Israel.
5There the thrones for judgment stand,
the thrones of the house of David.
6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May those who love† you be secure.
7May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels.”
8For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9For the sake of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek your prosperity.†
A song of ascents.
1I lift up my eyes to you,
to you whose throne† is in heaven.
2As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD† our God,
till he shows us his mercy.
3Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us,
for we have endured much contempt.
4We have endured much ridicule from the proud,
much contempt from the arrogant.
A song of ascents. Of David.
1If the LORD had not been on our side—
let Israel say†—
2if the LORD had not been on our side
when men attacked us,
3when their anger flared against us,
they would have swallowed us alive;
4the flood would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us,
5the raging waters
would have swept us away.
6Praise be to the LORD,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
7We have escaped like a bird
out of the fowler’s snare;†
the snare has been broken,
and we have escaped.
8Our help is in the name of the LORD,
the Maker of heaven† and earth.
A song of ascents.
1Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be shaken† but endures forever.
2As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds† his people
both now and forevermore.
3The scepter of the wicked will not remain†
over the land allotted to the righteous,
for then the righteous might use
their hands to do evil.†
4Do good, O LORD,† to those who are good,
to those who are upright in heart.†
5But those who turn† to crooked ways†
the LORD will banish with the evildoers.
Peace be upon Israel.†
A song of ascents.
1When the LORD brought back† the captives to[213] Zion,
we were like men who dreamed.[214]
2Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.†
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things† for them.”
3The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.†
4Restore our fortunes,[215] O LORD,
like streams in the Negev.†
5Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.†
6He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.
A song of ascents. Of Solomon.
1Unless the LORD builds† the house,
A Hittite Blessing for a House
Psalm 127 Virtually all people are concerned for the well-being of their own home and household. Frequently people will invoke divine help for the protection of their families, but often the differences we see among such invocations are far greater than what they have in common.
A Hittite text has been discovered that describes ritual purification of a house deemed to have become ritually polluted. The reason for the alleged defilement is unclear; perhaps its inhabitants had suffered from misfortune or infertility or the house itself had manifested problems such as mildew. The text explains that an exorcist came and ritually recited various possible explanations for the defilement, suggesting that perhaps a perjurer, murderer or witch had entered the house. The exorcist proceeded with an elaborate ritual involving the recitation of myths and magic formulas, while making animal sacrifices and pouring out libations at various locations. All of this was meant to encourage primordial deities to carry off the uncleanness of the house to the underworld.
Although the Old Testament specifies a number of rituals that concern uncleanness, none involves magic formulas, recitation of myths or the invocation of infernal deities. In fact, the Old Testament is extremely practical in its outlook regarding household defilement (see Lev 14:33–57). Psalm 127 vividly illustrates the Old Testament attitude toward the welfare of a household. First, security comes from God, not from personal diligence (vv. 1–2). Second, children, as a gift from God, constitute the true wealth of a home (vv. 3–5). Reverence for God and devotion to family are at the heart of the Bible’s teaching on the well-being of a home, in contrast to the superstition of pagan teaching.
Hittite child’s toy
Preserving Bible Times; © Dr. James C. Martin; permission of Turkish Antiquities
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches† over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
2In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food† to eat—
for he grants sleep† to[216] those he loves.
3Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward† from him.
4Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one’s youth.
5Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies† in the gate.
A song of ascents.
1Blessed are all who fear the LORD,†
who walk in his ways.†
2You will eat the fruit of your labor;†
blessings and prosperity† will be yours.
3Your wife will be like a fruitful vine†
within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots†
around your table.
4Thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
5May the LORD bless you from Zion†
all the days of your life;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,
6and may you live to see your children’s children.†
Peace be upon Israel.†
A song of ascents.
1They have greatly oppressed me from my youth†—
let Israel say†—
2they have greatly oppressed me from my youth,
but they have not gained the victory† over me.
3Plowmen have plowed my back
and made their furrows long.
4But the LORD is righteous;†
he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.
5May all who hate Zion†
be turned back in shame.†
6May they be like grass on the roof,
which withers† before it can grow;
7with it the reaper cannot fill his hands,
nor the one who gathers fill his arms.
8May those who pass by not say,
“The blessing of the LORD be upon you;
we bless you† in the name of the LORD.;”
A song of ascents.
1Out of the depths† I cry to you, O LORD;
2O Lord, hear my voice.†
Let your ears be attentive†
to my cry for mercy.
3If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins,
O Lord, who could stand?†
4But with you there is forgiveness;†
therefore you are feared.†
5I wait for the LORD,† my soul waits,
and in his word† I put my hope.
6My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen† wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.†
7O Israel, put your hope† in the LORD,
for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
8He himself will redeem† Israel
from all their sins.
A song of ascents. Of David.
1My heart is not proud,† O LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
2But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul† within me.
3O Israel, put your hope† in the LORD
both now and forevermore.
A song of ascents.
1O LORD, remember David
Historians in the Ancient World
Psalm 132 The poet of Psalm 132 looked back to the covenant with David and to the history of the ark of the covenant as the basis for his prayer1—a reflection that the Bible is rooted in history, not theology divorced from human events and cultures.
Suetonius’s Lives of the Twelve Caesars; Austria, c. 1470
© The Schøyen Collection; photography courtesy of Mr. Martin Schøyen
The works of ancient historians, because they provide context, are of great value in Biblical studies. Important historians include:
• Herodotus of Halicarnassus2 (c. 484–425 B.C.): His great work is called the Historia (“investigation”). An account of the wars between the Greeks and Persians, his work includes other stories as well, including an interesting, if not fully credible, account of ancient Egyptian culture.
• Thucydides (c. 460–400 B.C.): Perhaps the greatest ancient historian, this Greek general wrote a lucid and gripping account of the Peloponnesian War (431–404 B.C.) between the Athenians and the Spartan alliance.3 His work, which models scrupulous research and careful writing, has survived intact but ends abruptly.
• Manetho: Manetho, an Egyptian priest who lived during the reign of Ptolemy I (305–282 B.C.), compiled a history of Egypt. Unfortunately, his work has survived only in fragments, as quoted by other ancient writers (e.g., Josephus and Eusebius). His division of Egyptian history into 30 dynasties is still followed.4
• Berosus: The first true historian of the Mesopotamian region was this Babylonian priest. In about 290 B.C. he authored three books in Greek on Babylonian history. Berosus’s history also survives only in pieces, as cited by Josephus and Eusebius. His original work covered the history of the region from the mythological past to the Assyrians, Babylonians and Persians.
• Demetrius the Chronographer (third century B.C.): Demetrius, a Jewish historian, recorded the history of his people, focusing on Biblical Israel and using the Septuagint as his primary source. He desired to illuminate the Bible’s historical background and to resolve exegetical difficulties. His work too survives only in fragments.
• Flavius Josephus (c. A.D. 37–100): Josephus was the most famous Jewish historian. His History of the Jewish War, describing the A.D. 66–70 war between Judea and Rome,5 ranks with Thucydides’ history as one of the greatest ancient historical works. Josephus, of a priestly background (a Pharisee),6 began the war as a combatant for the losing side. He also wrote a chronology of the Jewish people from earliest times to nearly A.D. 100 (Antiquities of the Jews). Josephus used the Septuagint as his primary source for the Biblical period but was also influenced by Hellenistic culture. He is our chief source of information regarding Herod the Great,7 and he referred to John the Baptist, Jesus and James, the brother of Jesus, although the authenticity of his description of Jesus is disputed.8
• Polybius (c. 200–118 B.C.): Although a Greek, Polybius was the greatest historian of early Rome. His history is a major source for the study of the Punic Wars (Rome vs. Carthage).9
• Appian of Alexandria (second century A.D.): Another Greek historian, he focused on the rise of the Roman Republic.
• Publius Cornelius Tacitus (c. A.D. 56–120): Tacitus was the primary historian of the Roman Empire. His Histories and Annals focus on the imperial history of the first century A.D.
• Dio Cassius (died c. A.D. 229): His work described the history of Rome from its founding to the time of Alexander Severus (A.D. 222–235). Unfortunately, much of it has been lost.
• Suetonius (c. A.D. 69–112): Suetonius (The Lives of the Caesars)10 wrote a biography of the early Roman emperors.
• Plutarch (c. A.D. 46–119): Another biographer, he authored the Parallel Lives of Famous Greeks and Romans, a valuable resource for Greek and Roman history.
• Eusebius of Caesarea (c. A.D. 263–339): Eusebius was the church’s first great historian. His Ecclesiastical History, sometimes criticized for being more a defense of Christianity than a history, details chronologically the story of the rise of Christianity and is of enormous value.
1. See “The Tabernacle and the Ark.”
2. See, for example, “Herodotus and the Fall of Babylon.”
3. See “Athens” and “Greece: From Independent City-states Through Alexander the Great.”
4. See “A Breakdown of Ancient Egyptian History.”
5. See “Josephus and the Fall of Jerusalem.”
6. See “The Pharisees.”
7. See “Herod the Great.”
8. See “Nonbiblical Sources for the Historical Jesus.”
9. See “The Roman Empire.”
10.See, for example, “Claudius, Emperor of Rome.”
and all the hardships he endured.
2He swore an oath to the LORD
and made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:†
3“I will not enter my house
or go to my bed—
4I will allow no sleep to my eyes,
no slumber to my eyelids,
5till I find a place† for the LORD,
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
we came upon it in the fields of Jaar[217]:[218] †
7“Let us go to his dwelling place;†
let us worship at his footstool†—
8arise, O LORD,† and come to your resting place,
you and the ark of your might.
9May your priests be clothed with righteousness;†
may your saints sing for joy.”
10For the sake of David your servant,
do not reject your anointed one.
11The LORD swore an oath to David,†
a sure oath that he will not revoke:
“One of your own descendants†
I will place on your throne—
12if your sons keep my covenant
and the statutes I teach them,
then their sons will sit
on your throne† for ever and ever.”
13For the LORD has chosen Zion,†
he has desired it for his dwelling:
14“This is my resting place for ever and ever;†
here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it—
15I will bless her with abundant provisions;
her poor will I satisfy with food.†
16I will clothe her priests† with salvation,
and her saints will ever sing for joy.
17“Here I will make a horn[219] grow† for David
and set up a lamp† for my anointed one.
18I will clothe his enemies with shame,†
but the crown on his head will be resplendent.”
A song of ascents. Of David.
1How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together† in unity!
2It is like precious oil poured on the head,†
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.
3It is as if the dew of Hermon†
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,†
even life forevermore.†
A song of ascents.
1Praise the LORD, all you servants† of the LORD
An Akkadian Prayer to the Gods of the Night
Psalm 134 There are several short Akkadian liturgies known as Prayers to the Gods of the Night. These poems, which are prayers to the celestial stars, were recited at night. One example describes the silence of the city when doors were bolted, the palace was quiet and the people were asleep. Even the major deities (e.g., the sun god) had retreated into the lap of heaven, meaning that they were not visible at that time. The petitioner addressed the night gods, represented by the various constellations, asking for a favorable omen. He then performed a ritual of extispicy (seeking an answer to his inquiry through an interpretation of the form of the animal organs).1
It may be that Psalm 134 is also an evening liturgy, but it is vastly different from the Akkadian poems. Psalm 134 may be a dialogue of praise sung between Yahweh’s worshipers as they left the temple in the evening and the Levites who would guard it by night.2 The worshipers exhorted the Levites to continue to praise the Lord throughout the night, while the Levites in turn pronounced a benediction upon the congregants. Yahweh does not cease to work simply because it is nighttime; indeed, the Protector of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps (121:4). The Israelites were not to worship the heavenly bodies as the surrounding nations did, for they are not divine beings but simply part of God’s creation that also glorify him (Ge 1:14–18; Ps 8:3; 136:7–9; 148:3). Worship of the Lord is to continue uninterrupted by day and night.
1. See also “Akkadian Divination.”
2. See “The Levites and the Priests.”
who minister by night† in the house of the LORD.
2Lift up your hands† in the sanctuary
and praise the LORD.
3May the LORD, the Maker of heaven† and earth,
bless you from Zion.†
1Praise the LORD.[220]
Praise the name of the LORD;
praise him, you servants† of the LORD,
2you who minister in the house† of the LORD,
in the courts† of the house of our God.
3Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;†
sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.†
4For the LORD has chosen Jacob† to be his own,
Israel to be his treasured possession.†
5I know that the LORD is great,†
that our Lord is greater than all gods.†
6The LORD does whatever pleases him,†
in the heavens and on the earth,
in the seas and all their depths.
7He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth;
he sends lightning with the rain†
and brings out the wind† from his storehouses.†
8He struck down the firstborn† of Egypt,
the firstborn of men and animals.
9He sent his signs† and wonders into your midst, O Egypt,
against Pharaoh and all his servants.†
10He struck down many† nations
and killed mighty kings—
11Sihon† king of the Amorites,
Og king of Bashan
and all the kings of Canaan†—
12and he gave their land as an inheritance,†
an inheritance to his people Israel.
13Your name, O LORD, endures forever,†
your renown,† O LORD, through all generations.
14For the LORD will vindicate his people
and have compassion on his servants.†
15The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
made by the hands of men.
16They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but they cannot see;
17they have ears, but cannot hear,
nor is there breath in their mouths.
18Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.
19O house of Israel, praise the LORD;
O house of Aaron, praise the LORD;
20O house of Levi, praise the LORD;
you who fear him, praise the LORD.
21Praise be to the LORD from Zion,†
to him who dwells in Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD.
1Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.†
His love endures forever.†
2Give thanks to the God of gods.†
His love endures forever.
3Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
4to him who alone does great wonders,†
His love endures forever.
5who by his understanding† made the heavens,†
His love endures forever.
6who spread out the earth† upon the waters,†
His love endures forever.