The Book of
PSALMS
Author
The Book of Psalms is a compilation of several ancient collections of Hebrew songs and poems for use in congregational worship, as well as in private devotion. In some collections the ancient compilers gathered together mostly David’s superb songs. In others they drew from a variety of authors such as Moses, Asaph, Heman, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and Ethan. Many are from unnamed sources. Jewish scholars called these “orphan psalms.”
Date
The individual psalms may have been written at dates extending from the Exodus to the restoration after the Babylonian exile. But small collections seem to have been gathered at specific periods in Israel’s history. This collection process helps explain the duplication of certain psalms.
The Book of Psalms was edited in its present form with several variations by the time the Greek Septuagint was translated from the Hebrew, a few centuries before Christ’s advent.
The Ugaritic texts, when contrasted with the more recent Dead Sea Scrolls, show that the imagery, style, and parallelisms of some of the psalms reflect a very ancient Canaanite style and vocabulary. The Book of Psalms, then, reflects the worship, devotional life, and religious sentiment of approximately one thousand years of Israel’s history.
Content
The Hebrew title of this book, Sepher Tehillim, means “Book of Praises.” The Greek titles, Psalmoi or Psalterion, denote a poem that is to be accompanied by a stringed instrument. However, the Psalter contains more than temple songs and hymns of praise. It includes elegies, laments, personal and national prayers, petitions, meditations, instructions, historical anthems, and acrostic tributes to noble themes.
In its final form in our canon of Scripture, the Book of Psalms is subdivided into five smaller books. Each book is a compilation of several ancient collections of songs and poems. A fitting doxology has been placed at the end of each book by its editors. In Book One (Ps. 1—41) most of the songs are attributed to David. Book Two (Ps. 42—72) is a collection of songs by, of, or for David, the sons of Korah, Asaph, and Solomon, with four anonymously written. Book Three (Ps. 73—89) is marked by a large collection of Asaph’s songs. He was King David’s choirmaster (1 Chr. 16:4–7). Although most psalms in Book Four (Ps. 90—106) are without given authors, David and Moses are contributors. More of David’s songs are found in Book Five (Ps. 107—150). The series of songs called the Egyptian Hallel (Ps. 113—118) is found here as well. The final songs (Ps. 146—150) in Book Five are known as the “Great Hallel” series. Each song begins and ends with the Hebrew exclamation of praise, “Hallelujah!”
Informative subheadings are found at the beginning of many of the psalms. The Hebrew preposition used in many of the subheadings can be translated three ways: “to,” “for,” and “of.” That is, “dedicated to,” “for the use of,” and “belonging to.” Those subheadings describing the historical occasion of the psalm all deal with the life of David. Psalms 7, 34, 52, 54, 56, 57, 59, and 142 refer to events during David’s troublesome relationship with Saul; and Psalms 3, 18, 51, 60, and 63 cover the period when David reigned over both Judah and Israel.
Other subheadings preceding psalms refer to the musical instruments that are to accompany them; to the appropriate tune or melody; to which part of the choir is to lead (for example, soprano, tenor, bass); or to what type of psalm it is (for example, meditation, prayer). Some of the meanings of these liturgical and musical notations are unknown to us today.
The word selah appears seventy-one times in the Psalms and has various translations. It comes from a root meaning “to lift up.” It might be a Hebrew equivalent of several more common musical terms. It may indicate an increase in volume, as in the musical notations “crescendo” or “forte.” It could also be the equivalent of a musical pause, rest, or interlude, suggesting a period of silence. The technical musical term, “rest,” calls for silence whereas the term “fermata” refers to a prolonged pitch. The use of selah in a psalm possibly signified a break in the singing for prostrations. Although we do not know the specific meaning of the term, the contexts seem to imply an instruction to pause for reflection on what has been said in preparation for what will follow. In Psalm 9:16, David seems to call the reader/hearer to both pause and meditate. He uses the terms higgaion and selah before continuing to the next section, which likewise concludes with another reflective directive, selah.
Hebrew Poetry
Instead of a rhyming of sounds, Hebrew poetry and song are marked by parallelism, or rhyming of thoughts. Most parallelisms are couplets that state synonymous thoughts in each line (36:5). Others are antithetic, where the second line states the negative of the preceding line (20:8). There are also constructive or synthetic couplets, which tend to add to, or build on to, a thought (19:8, 9). A few parallelisms are causal, revealing the justification for the first line (31:21). Sometimes parallelism involves three lines (1:1), four lines (33:2, 3), or more.
Personal Application
The New Testament apostles frequently used references from the Book of Psalms as texts for teaching Christian doctrine. The forgiveness of sins by grace, the faithfulness of God, the sinfulness of all men (Jew and Gentile), the inclusion of Gentiles in the church, the existence of angels, and the appropriate conduct of saints, are all doctrines reinforced by quotations from the Psalms.
Also, throughout the centuries the Psalms have been a source of personal inspiration and spiritual strength. In the course of dealing with the adversities of life, people are often frustrated by not being able to express adequately their emotional pain or mental anguish. The Psalms release us from that frustration. With emotionally drenched complaints, humble confessions, desperate pleas, penitent prayers, or screams of pain, the writers of the Psalms skillfully expose and express the yearnings of our deepest thoughts. This use of the Psalms is often the first step toward our own deliverance. By song and Spirit they comfort the lonely, strengthen the weary, bind the brokenhearted, and turn the eyes of the downcast up toward their Creator. Hope returns, faith is renewed, and life again becomes bearable.
The Psalms also have a rich history of liturgical and congregational use. King David organized choirs and orchestras, and appointed skilled conductors and composers to lead the worship (1 Chr. 25). He not only composed many psalms himself, but he invented musical instruments (1 Chr. 23:5). Fifty-five psalms are specifically addressed to the “Chief Musician,” or worship leader.
This orchestrated worship was continued in Solomon’s temple, although at different periods of Israel’s history the worship passed through seasons of misuse and abuse. See 2 Chr. 7:6; 29:25–30; Amos 5:23. With the destruction of the second temple in A.D. 70 and the cessation of animal sacrifices, the singing of psalms along with Scripture reading took a place of increasing importance in synagogue worship services.
The first Christian churches comprised mainly Jewish people, so it was natural that they incorporate the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs into their worship (Col. 3:16). Throughout the centuries, in most of the major Christian denominations, hymnbooks composed mostly of psalms set to cultural music patterns have been used in congregational singing. In modern times, churches continue to draw from the Book of Psalms for songs of worship. The worship of the Christian church incorporates not only the lyrics and instruments of the Psalms, but involves clapping (47:1), lifting up hands (141:2), bowing (95:6), standing (134:1), shouting (47:1), and dancing (149:3).
Christ Revealed
Approximately half of the Old Testament references to the Messiah quoted by New Testament writers are from the Book of Psalms. The apostles saw prophetic reference in this book to Christ’s birth (Acts 13:33), His lineage (Matt. 22:42, 43), His zeal (John 2:17), His teaching by parables (Matt. 13:35), His rejection (Matt. 21:42), His priesthood (Heb. 5:6), His betrayal by Judas (John 13:18), His vicarious suffering (Rom. 15:3), His triumphant resurrection (Acts 2:25–28), ascension (Acts 2:34), and reign (1 Cor. 15:27), as well as many other aspects of His ministry.
Some of the prophetic references to Christ are typical, that is, symbolic shadows of future realities. Other references are direct prophetic statements. Either way, the interpretation of these psalms as messianic is verified by Jesus’ own words in Luke 24:44, where He declared that the Psalms spoke concerning Him.
The Holy Spirit at Work
The Book of Psalms, and the principles of worship they reflect, minister to the soul of man and to the heart of God because they are the product of the work of the Holy Spirit. David, the major contributor to the Book of Psalms, was anointed by the Holy Spirit (1 Sam. 16:13). Not only was this anointing for kingship, but it was for the office of a prophet (Acts 2:30); and the prophetic statements he recorded were by the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:44; Acts 1:16). In fact, the lyrics of his songs were composed by the inspiration of the Spirit (2 Sam. 23:1, 2), as were his plans for appointing chief musicians and choirs with their accompanying orchestras (1 Chr. 28:12, 13).
Thus the Psalms are unique and vastly different from the works of secular composers. Both may reflect the depths of agony experienced by the tormented human spirit, with all its pathos, and express the rapturous joy of the freed soul, yet the Psalms move to a higher plane by the creative anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Specific statements show that the Holy Spirit is at work in creating life (104:30); that He faithfully accompanies the believer (139:7); that He guides and instructs (143:10); that He sustains the penitent (51:11, 12); and that He interacts with the rebellious (106:33).
Outline of Psalms
I. Book One 1:1—41:13
A. Introductory songs 1:1—2:12
B. Songs of David 3:1—41:12
C. Doxology 41:13
II. Book Two 42:1—72:20
A. Songs of the sons of Korah 42:1—49:20
B. Song of Asaph 50:1–23
C. Songs of David 51:1—71:24
D. Song of Solomon 72:1–17
E. Doxology 72:18, 19
F. Concluding verse 72:20
III. Book Three 73:1—89:52
A. Songs of Asaph 73:1—83:18
B. Songs of the sons of Korah 84:1—85:13
C. Song of David 86:1–17
D. Songs of the sons of Korah 87:1—88:18
E. Song of Ethan 89:1–51
F. Doxology 89:52
IV. Book Four 90:1—106:48
A. Song of Moses 90:1–17
B. Anonymous songs 91:1—92:15
C. “The Lord Reigns” songs 93:1—100:5
D. Songs of David 101:1–8; 103:1–22
E. Anonymous songs 102:1–28; 104:1—106:47
F. Doxology 106:48
V. Book Five 107:1—150:6
A. Thanksgiving song 107:1–43
B. Songs of David 108:1—110:7
C. Egyptian Hallel 111:1—118:29
D. Alphabetic song on the law 119:1–176
E. Songs of ascents 120:1—134:3
F. Anonymous songs 135:1—137:9
G. Songs of David 138:1—145:21
H. “Praise the Lord” songs 146:1—149:9
I. Doxology 150:1–6
BOOK ONE
Psalms 1–41
PSALM 1
The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly
1 BLESSED ais the man
Who walks not in the *counsel of the 1ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
bNor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2But ahis delight is in the law of the LORD,
bAnd in His law he 1meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
aPlanted by the 1rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall bprosper.
4The ungodly are not so,
But are alike the chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the *congregation of the righteous.
6 For athe LORD knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall *perish.
2
PSALM 2
The Messiah’s Triumph and Kingdom
1WHY ado the 1nations 2rage,
And the people plot a 3vain thing?
2The kings of the earth set themselves,
And the arulers take counsel together,
Against the LORD and against His bAnointed,1* saying,
3 “Let aus break Their bonds in pieces
And cast away Their cords from us.”
4He who sits in the heavens ashall *laugh;
The Lord shall hold them in derision.
5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,
And distress them in His deep displeasure:
6 “Yet I have 1set My King
2On My holy hill of Zion.”
7 “I will declare the 1decree:
The LORD has said to Me,
a‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
8Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your *possession.
9 aYou shall 1break them with a rod of iron;
You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’ ”
10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear,
And *rejoice with trembling.
12 1Kiss the Son, lest 2He be angry,
And you perish in the way,
When aHis wrath is kindled but a little.
bBlessed are all those who *put their trust in Him.
3
PSALM 3
The LORD Helps His Troubled People
A Psalm of David awhen he fled from Absalom his son.
1LORD, how they have increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.
2Many are they who say of me,
“There is no help for him in God.”
Selah
3But You, O LORD, are aa shield 1for me,
My glory and bthe One who lifts up my head.
4I cried to the LORD with my voice,
And aHe heard me from His bholy hill. Selah
5aI lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.
6aI will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me all around.
7Arise, O LORD;
Save me, O my God!
aFor You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone;
You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8aSalvation belongs to the LORD.
Your blessing is upon Your *people. Selah
4
PSALM 4
The Safety of the Faithful
To the 1Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A *Psalm of David.
1HEAR me when I call, O *God of my righteousness!
You have relieved me in my distress;
1Have mercy on me, and hear my *prayer.
2How long, O you sons of men,
Will you turn my glory to shame?
How long will you love worthlessness
And seek falsehood? Selah
3 But know that athe LORD has 1set apart for Himself him who is godly;
The LORD will *hear when I call to Him.
4aBe1 angry, and do not sin.
bMeditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah
5 *Offer athe sacrifices of righteousness,
And bput your trust in the LORD.
6There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
aLORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
7You have put agladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
8aI will both lie down in *peace, and sleep;
bFor You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
5
PSALM 5
A Prayer for Guidance
To the Chief Musician. With 1flutes. A *Psalm of David.
1GIVE aear to my words, O LORD,Consider my 1meditation.
2 Give heed to the voice of my cry,
My King and my God,
For to You I will *pray.
3My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD;
aIn the morning I will direct it to You,
And I will look up.
4For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness,
Nor shall evil 1dwell with You.
5 The aboastful shall not bstand in Your sight;
You hate all workers of *iniquity.
6 You shall destroy those who speak falsehood;
The LORD abhors the abloodthirsty and deceitful man.
7But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy;
In fear of You I will worship toward 1Your holy *temple.
8 aLead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies;
*Make Your way straight before my face.
9For there is no 1faithfulness in their mouth;
Their inward part is destruction;
aTheir throat is an open tomb;
They flatter with their tongue.
10Pronounce them guilty, O God!
Let them fall by their own counsels;
Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions,
For they have rebelled against You.
11 But let all those rejoice who *put their trust in You;
Let them *ever shout for joy, because You 1defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You.
12For You, O LORD, will *bless the *righteous;
With *favor You will surround him as with a shield.
6
PSALM 6
A Prayer of Faith in Time of Distress
To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. aOn 1an eight-stringed harp. A *Psalm of David.
1O LORD, ado not rebuke me in Your *anger,
Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure.
2Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak;
O LORD, aheal* me, for my bones are troubled.
3 My soul also is greatly atroubled;
But You, O LORD—how long?
4 Return, O LORD, deliver me!
Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake!
5aFor in death there is no remembrance of You;
In the *grave who will give You thanks?
6 I am weary with my groaning;
1All night I make my bed swim;
I drench my couch with my tears.
7aMy eye wastes away because of grief;
It grows old because of all my enemies.
8 aDepart from me, all you workers of iniquity;
For the LORD has bheard the voice of my weeping.
9The LORD has heard my supplication;
The LORD will receive my prayer.
10 Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled;
Let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly.
7
PSALM 7
Prayer and Praise for Deliverance from Enemies
A aMeditation1 of David, which he sang to the LORD bconcerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite.
1O LORD my God, in You I *put my trust;
aSave me from all those who persecute me;
And deliver me,
2 aLest they tear me like a lion,
bRending me in pieces, while there is none to deliver.
3O LORD my God, aif I have done this:
If there is biniquity in my hands,
4If I have repaid evil to him who was at peace with me,
Or ahave plundered my enemy without cause,
5 Let the enemy pursue me and overtake me;
Yes, let him trample my life to the earth,
And lay my honor in the dust. Selah
6Arise, O LORD, in Your anger;
aLift Yourself up because of the rage of my enemies;
bRise up 1for me to the judgment You have commanded!
7 So the congregation of the peoples shall surround You;
For their sakes, therefore, return on high.
8The LORD shall judge the peoples;
aJudge me, O LORD, baccording to my righteousness,
And according to my integrity within me.
9Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked *come to an end,
But establish the just;
aFor the righteous God tests the hearts and 1minds.
10 1My defense is of God,
Who saves the aupright in heart.
11 God is a just judge,
And God is angry with the wicked every day.
12If he does not turn back,
He will asharpen His sword;
He bends His bow and makes it ready.
13 He also prepares for Himself instruments of death;
He makes His arrows into fiery shafts.
14aBehold, the wicked brings forth iniquity;
Yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood.
15 He made a pit and dug it out,
aAnd has fallen into the ditch which he made.
16 aHis trouble shall return upon his own head,
And his violent dealing shall come down on 1his own crown.
17I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
8
PSALM 8
The Glory of the LORD in Creation
To the Chief Musician. 1On the instrument of Gath. A Psalm of David.
1O LORD, our Lord,How aexcellent is Your *name in all the earth,
Who have bset Your *glory above the heavens!
2aOut of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have 1ordained *strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence bthe enemy and the avenger.
3When I aconsider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
4aWhat is *man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You bvisit1 him?
5For You have made him a little lower than 1the angels,
And You have crowned him with *glory and honor.
6aYou have made him to have dominion over the works of Your *hands;
bYou have put all things under his feet,
7 All sheep and oxen—
Even the beasts of the field,
8 The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.
9 aO LORD, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!
9
PSALM 9
Prayer and Thanksgiving for the LORD’s Righteous Judgments
To the Chief Musician. To the tune of 1“Death of the Son.” A Psalm of David.
1I WILL praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
2 I will be glad and arejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, bO *Most High.
3When my enemies turn back,
They shall fall and perish at Your presence.
4 For You have maintained my right and my cause;
You sat on the throne judging in righteousness.
5You have rebuked the 1nations,
You have destroyed the wicked;
You have ablotted out their name forever and *ever.
6 O enemy, destructions are finished forever!
And you have destroyed cities;
Even their memory has aperished.
7aBut the LORD shall endure forever;
He has prepared His throne for judgment.
8aHe shall *judge the *world in righteousness,
And He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.
9 The LORD also will be a arefuge1 for the oppressed,
A refuge in *times of trouble.
10And those who aknow Your name will put their trust in You;
For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
11 Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion!
aDeclare His deeds among the people.
12 aWhen He avenges blood, He remembers them;
He does not forget the cry of the 1humble.
13Have mercy on me, O LORD!
Consider my trouble from those who hate me,
You who lift me up from the gates of death,
14 That I may tell of all Your *praise
In the gates of 1the daughter of Zion.
I will arejoice in Your salvation.
15 aThe 1nations have sunk down in the pit which they made;
In the net which they hid, their own foot is caught.
16The LORD is aknown by the judgment He executes;
The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.
bMeditation.1 Selah
17The wicked shall be turned into hell,
And all the 1nations athat forget God.
18 aFor the *needy shall not always be forgotten;
bThe *expectation of the poor shall not perish forever.
19 Arise, O LORD,
Do not let man prevail;
Let the 1nations be judged in Your sight.
20 Put them in *fear, O LORD,
That the 1nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah
10
PSALM 10
A Song of Confidence in God’s Triumph over Evil
1WHY do You stand afar off, O LORD?Why do You hide in times of trouble?
2The wicked in his pride 1persecutes the *poor;
aLet them be caught in the plots which they have devised.
3 For the wicked aboasts of his heart’s desire;
1He bblesses the greedy and renounces the LORD.
4The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God;
1God is in none of his athoughts.
5 His ways 1are always prospering;
Your judgments are far above, out of his sight;
As for all his enemies, he sneers at them.
6 aHe has said in his heart, “I shall not be moved;
bI shall never be in adversity.”
7aHis mouth is full of cursing and bdeceit and oppression;
Under his tongue is trouble and iniquity.
8 He sits in the lurking places of the villages;
In the secret places he murders the innocent;
His eyes are secretly fixed on the helpless.
9 He lies in wait secretly, as a lion in his den;
He lies in wait to catch the poor;
He catches the poor when he draws him into his net.
10 So 1he crouches, he lies low,
That the helpless may fall by his 2strength.
11He has said in his heart,
“God has forgotten;
He hides His face;
He will never see.”
12 Arise, O LORD!
O God, alift up Your hand!
Do not forget the bhumble.
13 Why do the wicked renounce God?
He has said in his heart,
“You will not require an account.”
14But You have aseen, for You observe trouble and grief,
To repay it by Your hand.
The helpless bcommits1 himself to You;
cYou are the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked and the evil man;
Seek out his wickedness until You find none.
16 aThe LORD is King forever and ever;
The nations have perished out of His land.
17 LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble;
You will prepare their heart;
You will cause Your ear to hear,
18To 1do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
That the *man of the earth may 2oppress no more.
11
PSALM 11
Faith in the LORD’s Righteousness
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1IN athe LORD I put my trust;How can you say to my soul,
“Flee as a bird to your mountain”?
2 For look! aThe wicked bend their bow,
They make ready their arrow on the string,
That they may shoot 1secretly at the upright in heart.
3aIf the foundations are destroyed,
What can the righteous do?
4The LORD is in His holy temple,
The LORD’s athrone is in *heaven;
bHis eyes behold,
His eyelids test the sons of men.
5 The LORD atests the righteous,
But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
6Upon the wicked He will rain coals;
Fire and brimstone and a burning wind
aShall be 1the portion of their cup.
7For the LORD is righteous,
He aloves righteousness;
1His countenance beholds the upright.
12
PSALM 12
Man’s Treachery and God’s Constancy
To the Chief Musician. aOn 1an eight-stringed harp. A *Psalm of David.
1HELP,1 LORD, for the godly man aceases!*
For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.
2 aThey speak idly everyone with his neighbor;
With flattering lips and 1a double heart they speak.
3May the LORD 1cut off all flattering lips,
And the tongue that speaks 2proud things,
4 Who have said,
“With our tongue we will prevail;
Our lips are our own;
Who is lord over us?”
5 “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy,
Now I will arise,” says the LORD;
“I will set him in the safety for which he yearns.”
6The *words of the LORD are apure words,
Like silver *tried in a furnace of earth,
Purified seven times.
7 You shall keep them, O LORD,
You shall preserve them from this generation forever.
8The wicked prowl on every side,
When vileness is exalted among the sons of men.
13
PSALM 13
Trust in the Salvation of the LORD
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1HOW long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?
aHow long will You hide Your face from me?
2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart daily?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
3Consider and hear me, O LORD my God;
aEnlighten my eyes,
bLest I sleep the sleep of death;
4 Lest my enemy say,
“I have prevailed against him”;
Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
5 But I have trusted in Your mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
6I will *sing to the LORD,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me.
14
PSALM 14
Folly of the Godless, and God’s Final Triumph
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1THE afool has said in his heart,“There is no God.”
They are corrupt,
They have done abominable works,
There is none who does good.
2 aThe LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men,
To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.
3 aThey have all turned aside,
They have together become corrupt;
There is none who does *good,
No, not one.
4Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge,
Who eat up my people as they eat bread,
And ado not call on the LORD?
5There they are in great *fear,
For God is with the *generation of the righteous.
6 You shame the counsel of the poor,
But the LORD is his arefuge.
7aOh,1 that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion!
bWhen the LORD brings back 2the captivity of His people,
Let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.
15
PSALM 15
The Character of Those Who May Dwell with the LORD
A Psalm of David.
1LORD, awho may 1abide in Your tabernacle?
Who may *dwell in Your holy hill?
2 He who walks uprightly,
And works righteousness,
And speaks the atruth in his heart;
3 He who adoes not backbite with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
bNor does he 1take up a reproach against his friend;
4aIn whose eyes a vile person is despised,
But he honors those who fear the LORD;
He who bswears to his own hurt and does not change;
5He who does not put out his money at usury,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things ashall never be moved.
16
PSALM 16
The Hope of the Faithful, and the Messiah’s Victory
A aMichtam of David.
1 PRESERVE1 me, O God, for in You I put my trust.
2O my soul, you have said to the LORD,
“You are my Lord,
aMy goodness is nothing apart from You.”
3 As for the saints who are on the earth,
“They are the excellent ones, in awhom is all my delight.”
4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god;
Their drink offerings of ablood I will not offer,
bNor take up their names on my lips.
5O LORD, You are the portion of my *inheritance and my cup;
You 1maintain my lot.
6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Yes, I have a good inheritance.
7 I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel;
My 1heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
8 aI have set the LORD always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
9Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My *flesh also will 1rest *in hope.
10aFor You will not leave my soul in 1Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to 2see corruption.
11You will show me the apath of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
17
PSALM 17
Prayer with Confidence in Final Salvation
A Prayer of David.
1HEAR a just cause, O LORD, Attend to my cry;
Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.
2Let my vindication come from Your presence;
Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright.
3You have tested my heart;
You have visited me in the night;
aYou have 1tried* me and have found 2nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth shall not btransgress.
4 Concerning the works of men,
By the word of Your lips,
I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer.
5 aUphold my steps in Your paths,
That my footsteps may not slip.
6 aI have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God;
Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.
7Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand,
O You who 1save those who trust in You
From those who rise up against them.
8Keep me as the 1apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,
9From the wicked who oppress me,
From my deadly enemies who surround me.
10They have closed up their afat hearts;
With their mouths they bspeak proudly.
11 They have now surrounded us in our steps;
They have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth,
12 As a lion is eager to tear his prey,
And like a young lion lurking in secret places.
13 Arise, O LORD,
Confront him, cast him down;
Deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword,
14With Your hand from men, O LORD,
From men of the world who have their portion in this life,
And whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure.
They are satisfied with children,
And leave the rest of their possession for their babes.
15As for me, aI will see Your face in righteousness;
bI shall be satisfied when I cawake in Your likeness.
18
PSALM 18
God the Sovereign Savior
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David athe servant of the LORD, who spoke to the LORD the words of bthis song on the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. And he said:
1I aWILL love You, O LORD, my strength.
2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my 1strength, ain whom I will trust;
My shield and the 2horn* of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I will call upon the LORD, awho is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
4aThe pangs of death surrounded me,
And the floods of 1ungodliness made me afraid.
5 The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me;
The snares of death confronted me.
6In my distress I called upon the LORD,
And cried out to my God;
He heard my voice from His temple,
And my cry came before Him, even to His ears.
7aThen the earth shook and trembled;
The foundations of the hills also quaked and were shaken,
Because He was angry.
8 Smoke *went up from His nostrils,
And devouring fire from His mouth;
Coals were kindled by it.
9 aHe bowed the heavens also, and came down
With darkness under His feet.
10 aAnd He rode upon a cherub, and flew;
bHe flew upon the wings of the wind.
11 He made darkness His secret place;
aHis canopy around Him was dark waters
And thick clouds of the skies.
12 aFrom the brightness before Him,
His thick clouds passed with hailstones and coals of fire.
13 The LORD thundered from heaven,
And the Most High uttered aHis voice,
1Hailstones and coals of fire.
14 aHe sent out His arrows and scattered 1the foe,
Lightnings in abundance, and He vanquished them.
15 Then the channels of the sea were seen,
The foundations of the world were uncovered
At Your rebuke, O LORD,
At the blast of the breath of Your nostrils.
16 aHe sent from above, He took me;
He drew me out of many waters.
17 He delivered me from my strong enemy,
From those who hated me,
For they were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
But the LORD was my support.
19 aHe also brought me out into a broad place;
He delivered me because He delighted in me.
20aThe LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness;
According to the cleanness of my hands
He has recompensed me.
21 For I have kept the ways of the LORD,
And have not wickedly departed from my God.
22 For all His judgments were before me,
And I did not put away His statutes from me.
23 I was also blameless 1before Him,
And I kept myself from my iniquity.
24 aTherefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness,
According to the cleanness of my hands in His sight.
25aWith the merciful You will show Yourself merciful;
With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless;
26 With the pure You will show Yourself pure;
And awith the devious You will show Yourself shrewd.
27 For You will save the humble people,
But will bring down ahaughty looks.
28 aFor You will light my lamp;
The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
29 For by You I can 1run against a troop,
By my God I can leap over a wall.
30 As for God, aHis way is perfect;
bThe *word of the LORD is 1proven;
He is a shield cto all who trust in Him.
31 aFor who is God, except the LORD?
And who is a rock, except our God?
32 It is God who aarms me with *strength,
And makes my way perfect.
33 aHe makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And bsets me on my *high places.
34 aHe teaches my hands to make war,
So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You have also given me the shield of Your salvation;
Your right hand has held me up,
Your gentleness has made me great.
36 You enlarged my path under me,
aSo my feet did not slip.
37 I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them;
Neither did I turn back again till they were destroyed.
38 I have wounded them,
So that they could not rise;
They have fallen under my feet.
39 For You have armed me with *strength for the battle;
You have 1subdued under me those who rose up against me.
40 You have also given me the necks of my enemies,
So that I destroyed those who hated me.
41 They cried out, but there was none to save;
aEven to the LORD, but He did not answer them.
42Then I beat them as fine as the dust before the wind;
I acast them out like dirt in the streets.
43 You have delivered me from the strivings of the people;
aYou have made me the head of the 1nations;
bA people I have not known shall *serve me.
44 As soon as they hear of me they obey me;
The foreigners 1submit to me.
45 aThe foreigners fade away,
And come frightened from their hideouts.
46 The LORD lives!
Blessed be my Rock!
Let the God of my salvation be exalted.
47 It is God who avenges me,
aAnd subdues the peoples under me;
48 He delivers me from my enemies.
aYou also lift me up above those who rise against me;
You have delivered me from the violent man.
49aTherefore I will *give thanks to You, O LORD, among the 1Gentiles,
And sing praises to Your name.
50 aGreat deliverance He gives to His king,
And shows mercy to His anointed,
To David and his 1descendants forevermore.
19
PSALM 19
The Perfect Revelation of the LORD
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1THE aheavens declare the *glory of God; And the bfirmament1 shows 2His handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals *knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language
Where their voice is not heard.
4aTheir 1line has gone out through all the earth,
And their words to the end of the *world.
In them He has set a 2tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
aAnd *rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
6Its rising is from one end of heaven,
And its circuit to the other end;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7aThe law of the LORD is perfect, 1converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making bwise the simple;
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than agold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the 1honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
12Who can *understand his errors?
aCleanse* me from secret faults.
13 Keep back Your servant also from apresumptuous sins;
Let them not have bdominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of 1great transgression.
14aLet the words of my mouth and the meditation of my *heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my 1strength and my bRedeemer.
20
PSALM 20
The Assurance of God’s Saving Work
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1MAY the LORD answer you in the day of trouble;
May the name of the God of Jacob 1defend you;
2May He send you help from the sanctuary,
And strengthen you out of Zion;
3 May He remember all your offerings,
And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah
4 May He grant you according to your heart’s desire,
And afulfill all your 1purpose.
5 We will rejoice in your salvation,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.
6Now I know that the LORD saves His 1anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven
With the saving strength of His right hand.
7Some trust in chariots, and some in ahorses;
But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
8 They have bowed down and fallen;
But we have risen and stand upright.
9Save, LORD!
May the King answer us when we call.
21
PSALM 21
Joy in the Salvation of the LORD
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1THE king *shall have joy in Your strength, O LORD;
And in Your salvation how greatly shall he *rejoice!
2 You have given him his heart’s desire,
And have not withheld the arequest of his lips. Selah
3For You meet him with the blessings of goodness;
You set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
4 aHe asked life from You, and You gave it to him—
Length of days forever and *ever.
5 His glory is great in Your salvation;
Honor and majesty You have placed upon him.
6 For You have made him most blessed forever;
aYou have made him 1exceedingly glad with Your presence.
7For the king trusts in the LORD,
And through the mercy of the *Most High he shall not be 1moved.
8Your hand will find all Your enemies;
Your right hand will find those who hate You.
9You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your anger;
The LORD shall swallow them up in His wrath,
And the fire shall devour them.
10Their offspring You shall destroy from the earth,
And their 1descendants from among the sons of men.
11 For they intended evil against You;
They devised a plot which they are not able to aperform.
12 Therefore You will make them turn their back;
You will make ready Your arrows on Your string toward their faces.
13 Be *exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength!
We will sing and praise Your power.
22
PSALM 22
The Suffering, Praise, and Posterity of the Messiah
To the Chief Musician. Set to 1“The Deer of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David.
1MY aGod, My God, why have You forsaken Me?
Why are You so far from helping Me,
And from the words of My groaning?
2 O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear;
And in the night season, and am not silent.
3But You are *holy,
Enthroned in the apraises of Israel.
4 Our fathers trusted in You;
They trusted, and You delivered them.
5 They cried to You, and were delivered;
aThey trusted in You, and were not ashamed.
6 But I am aa worm, and no man;
bA reproach of men, and despised by the people.
7 aAll those who see Me ridicule Me;
They 1shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
8 “Hea 1trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him;
bLet Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”
9 aBut You are He who took Me out of the womb;
You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts.
10 I was cast upon You from birth.
From My mother’s womb
aYou have been My God.
11 Be not far from Me,
For trouble is near;
For there is none to help.
12aMany bulls have surrounded Me;
Strong bulls of bBashan have encircled Me.
13 aThey 1gape at Me with their mouths,
Like a raging and *roaring lion.
14 I am poured out like water,
aAnd all My bones are out of joint;
My heart is like wax;
It has melted 1within Me.
15aMy strength is dried up like a potsherd,
And bMy tongue clings to My jaws;
You have brought Me to the dust of death.
16For dogs have surrounded Me;
The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.
aThey1 pierced My hands and My feet;
17 I can count all My bones.
aThey look and stare at Me.
18aThey divide My garments among them,
And for My clothing they cast lots.
19 But You, O LORD, do not be far from Me;
O My Strength, hasten to help Me!
20 Deliver Me from the sword,
aMy1 precious life from the power of the dog.
21aSave* Me from the lion’s mouth
And from the horns of the wild oxen!
bYou have answered Me.
22aI will declare Your name to bMy *brethren;
In the midst of the assembly I will *praise You.
23 aYou who fear the LORD, praise Him!
All you 1descendants of Jacob, glorify Him,
And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!
24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;
Nor has He hidden His face from Him;
But awhen He cried to Him, He heard.
25 aMy praise shall be of You in the great assembly;
bI will pay My vows before those who fear Him.
26 The poor shall eat and be *satisfied;
Those who seek Him will praise the LORD.
Let your heart live forever!
27All the ends of the world
Shall remember and turn to the LORD,
And all the families of the 1nations
Shall worship before 2You.
28 aFor the kingdom is the LORD’s,
And He rules over the nations.
29aAll the prosperous of the earth
Shall eat and worship;
bAll those who go down to 1the dust
Shall bow before Him,
Even he who cannot keep himself alive.
30 A posterity shall serve Him.
It will be recounted of the Lord to the next generation,
31 They will come and declare His righteousness to a people who will be born,
That He has done this.
23
PSALM 23
The LORD the Shepherd of His People
A Psalm of David.
1THE LORD is amy shepherd; bI shall not 1want.
2 aHe makes me to lie down in 1green pastures;
bHe leads me beside the 2still *waters.
3He restores my *soul;
aHe leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of athe shadow of death,
bI will *fear no *evil;
cFor You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5You aprepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You banoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will 1dwell in the *house of the LORD
2Forever.
24
PSALM 24
The King of Glory and His Kingdom
A Psalm of David.
1THE aearth* is the LORD’s, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein.
2 For He has afounded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the 1waters.
3aWho may *ascend into the hill of the LORD?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
4He who has aclean hands and ba pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor csworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive blessing from the LORD,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6This is Jacob, the generation of those who aseek Him,
Who seek Your face. Selah
7aLift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
bAnd the King of glory shall come in.
8Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
The LORD mighty in abattle.
9Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
10Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts,
He is the King of glory. Selah
25
PSALM 25
A Plea for Deliverance and Forgiveness
A Psalm of David.
1TO aYou, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, I atrust in You;
Let me not be *ashamed;
bLet not my enemies triumph over me.
3 Indeed, let no one who 1waits* on You be ashamed;
Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.
4 aShow me Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths.
5Lead me in Your truth and *teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.
