Psalms (RSV) 120

Prayer for Deliverance from Slanderers

120 1 <A Song of Ascents.> In my distress I cry to the LORD, that he may answer me:
2
"Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue."
3
What shall be given to you? And what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue?
4
A warrior's sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree!
5
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6
Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace.
7
I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war!


Assurance of God's Protection

121 1 <A Song of Ascents.> I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come?
2
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
3
He will not let your foot be moved, he who keeps you will not slumber.
4
Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5
The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
6
The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.
7
The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
8
The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and for evermore.


Song of Praise and Prayer for Jerusalem

122 1 <A Song of Ascents. Of David.> I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD!"
2
Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!
3
Jerusalem, built as a city which is bound firmly together,
4
to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
5
There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David.
6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! "May they prosper who love you!
7
Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers!"
8
For my brethren and companions' sake I will say, "Peace be within you!"
9
For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.


Supplication for Mercy

123 1 <A Song of Ascents.> To thee I lift up my eyes, O thou who art enthroned in the heavens!
2
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he have mercy upon us.
3
Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt.
4
Too long our soul has been sated with the scorn of those who are at ease, the contempt of the proud.


Thanksgiving for Israel's Deliverance

124 1 <A Song of Ascents. Of David.> If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, let Israel now say --
2
if it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us,
3
then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us;
4
then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us;
5
then over us would have gone the raging waters.
6
Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth!
7
We have escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped!
8
Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.


The Security of God's People

125 1 <A Song of Ascents.> Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides for ever.
2
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people, from this time forth and for evermore.
3
For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous put forth their hands to do wrong.
4
Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts!
5
But those who turn aside upon their crooked ways the LORD will lead away with evildoers! Peace be in Israel!


A Harvest of Joy

126 1 <A Song of Ascents.> When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
2
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
3
The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.
4
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses in the Negeb!
5
May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy!
6
He that goes forth weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.


God's Blessings in the Home

127 1 <A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.> Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
2
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3
Lo, sons are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
4
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one's youth.
5
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.


The Happy Home of the Faithful

128 1 <A Song of Ascents.> Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!
2
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.
3
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
4
Lo, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.
5
The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!
6
May you see your children's children! Peace be upon Israel!


Prayer for the Downfall of Israel's Enemies

129 1 <A Song of Ascents.> "Sorely have they afflicted me from my youth," let Israel now say --
2
"Sorely have they afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me.
3
The plowers plowed upon my back; they made long their furrows."
4
The LORD is righteous; he has cut the cords of the wicked.
5
May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backward!
6
Let them be like the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up,
7
with which the reaper does not fill his hand or the binder of sheaves his bosom,
8
while those who pass by do not say, "The blessing of the LORD be upon you! We bless you in the name of the LORD!"


Waiting for Divine Redemption

130 1 <A Song of Ascents.> Out of the depths I cry to thee, O LORD!
2
Lord, hear my voice! Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!
3
If thou, O LORD, shouldst mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?
4
But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
5
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
6
my soul waits for the LORD more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.
7
O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plenteous redemption.
8
And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.


Song of Quiet Trust

131 1 <A Song of Ascents. Of David.> O LORD, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.
2
But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother's breast; like a child that is quieted is my soul.
3
O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.


The Eternal Dwelling of God in Zion

132 1 <A Song of Ascents.> Remember, O LORD, in David's favor, all the hardships he endured;
2
how he swore to the LORD and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
3
"I will not enter my house or get into my bed;
4
I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,
5
until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob."
6
Lo, we heard of it in Ephrathah, we found it in the fields of Jaar.
7
"Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!"
8
Arise, O LORD, and go to thy resting place, thou and the ark of thy might.
9
Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness, and let thy saints shout for joy.
10
For thy servant David's sake do not turn away the face of thy anointed one.
11
The LORD swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: "One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne.
12
If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies which I shall teach them, their sons also for ever shall sit upon your throne."
13
For the LORD has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his habitation:
14
"This is my resting place for ever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
15
I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread.
16
Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy.
17
There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.
18
His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon himself his crown will shed its luster."


The Blessedness of Unity

133 1 <A Song of Ascents.> Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
2
It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down upon the beard, upon the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!
3
It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life for evermore.


Praise in the Night

134 1 <A Song of Ascents.> Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, who stand by night in the house of the LORD!
2
Lift up your hands to the holy place, and bless the LORD!
3
May the LORD bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!


Praise for God's Goodness and Might

135 1 Praise the LORD. Praise the name of the LORD, give praise, O servants of the LORD,
2
you that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God!
3
Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing to his name, for he is gracious!
4
For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel as his own possession.
5
For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
6
Whatever the LORD pleases he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.
7
He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
8
He it was who smote the first-born of Egypt, both of man and of beast;
9
who in thy midst, O Egypt, sent signs and wonders against Pharaoh and all his servants;
10
who smote many nations and slew mighty kings,
11
Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan,
12
and gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to his people Israel.
13
Thy name, O LORD, endures for ever, thy renown, O LORD, throughout all ages.
14
For the LORD will vindicate his people, and have compassion on his servants.
15
The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
16
They have mouths, but they speak not, they have eyes, but they see not,
17
they have ears, but they hear not, nor is there any breath in their mouths.
18
Like them be those who make them! -- yea, every one who trusts in them!
19
O house of Israel, bless the LORD! O house of Aaron, bless the LORD!
20
O house of Levi, bless the LORD! You that fear the LORD, bless the LORD!
21
Blessed be the LORD from Zion, he who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the LORD!


God's Work in Creation and in History

136 1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures for ever.
2
O give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures for ever.
3
O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
4
to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
5
to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
6
to him who spread out the earth upon the waters, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
7
to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
8
the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
9
the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
10
to him who smote the first-born of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
11
and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
12
with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
13
to him who divided the Red Sea in sunder, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
14
and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
15
but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
16
to him who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
17
to him who smote great kings, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
18
and slew famous kings, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
19
Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
20
and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
21
and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
22
a heritage to Israel his servant, for his steadfast love endures for ever.
23
It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
24
and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures for ever;
25
he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures for ever.
26
O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures for ever.


Lament over the Destruction of Jerusalem

137 1 By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion.
2
On the willows there we hung up our lyres.
3
For there our captors required of us songs, and our tormentors, mirth, saying, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"
4
How shall we sing the LORD's song in a foreign land?
5
If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither!
6
Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy!
7
Remember, O LORD, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem, how they said, "Rase it, rase it! Down to its foundations!"
8
O daughter of Babylon, you devastator! Happy shall he be who requites you with what you have done to us!
9
Happy shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock!


Thanksgiving and Praise

138 1 <A Psalm of David.> I give thee thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing thy praise;
2
I bow down toward thy holy temple and give thanks to thy name for thy steadfast love and thy faithfulness; for thou hast exalted above everything thy name and thy word.
3
On the day I called, thou didst answer me, my strength of soul thou didst increase.
4
All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, for they have heard the words of thy mouth;
5
and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD.
6
For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he knows from afar.
7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou dost preserve my life; thou dost stretch out thy hand against the wrath of my enemies, and thy right hand delivers me.
8
The LORD will fulfil his purpose for me; thy steadfast love, O LORD, endures for ever. Do not forsake the work of thy hands.


The Inescapable God

139 1 <To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.> O LORD, thou hast searched me and known me!
2
Thou knowest when I sit down and when I rise up; thou discernest my thoughts from afar.
3
Thou searchest out my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4
Even before a word is on my tongue, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
5
Thou dost beset me behind and before, and layest thy hand upon me.
6
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.
7
Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8
If I ascend to heaven, thou art there! If I make my bed in Sheol, thou art there!
9
If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10
even there thy hand shall lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
11
If I say, "Let only darkness cover me, and the light about me be night,"
12
even the darkness is not dark to thee, the night is bright as the day; for darkness is as light with thee.
13
For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother's womb.
14
I praise thee, for thou art fearful and wonderful. Wonderful are thy works! Thou knowest me right well;
15
my frame was not hidden from thee, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth.
16
Thy eyes beheld my unformed substance; in thy book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
17
How precious to me are thy thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18
If I would count them, they are more than the sand. When I awake, I am still with thee.
19
O that thou wouldst slay the wicked, O God, and that men of blood would depart from me,
20
men who maliciously defy thee, who lift themselves up against thee for evil!
21
Do I not hate them that hate thee, O LORD? And do I not loathe them that rise up against thee?
22
I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies.
23
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!
24
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!


Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies

140 1 <To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.> Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,
2
who plan evil things in their heart, and stir up wars continually.
3
They make their tongue sharp as a serpent's, and under their lips is the poison of vipers. Selah
4
Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet.
5
Arrogant men have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net, by the wayside they have set snares for me. Selah
6
I say to the LORD, Thou art my God; give ear to the voice of my supplications, O LORD!
7
O LORD, my Lord, my strong deliverer, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
8
Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not further his evil plot! Selah
9
Those who surround me lift up their head, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!
10
Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into pits, no more to rise!
11
Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!
12
I know that the LORD maintains the cause of the afflicted, and executes justice for the needy.
13
Surely the righteous shall give thanks to thy name; the upright shall dwell in thy presence.


Prayer for Preservation from Evil

141 1 <A Psalm of David.> I call upon thee, O LORD; make haste to me! Give ear to my voice, when I call to thee!
2
Let my prayer be counted as incense before thee, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice!
3
Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD, keep watch over the door of my lips!
4
Incline not my heart to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity; and let me not eat of their dainties!
5
Let a good man strike or rebuke me in kindness, but let the oil of the wicked never anoint my head; for my prayer is continually against their wicked deeds.
6
When they are given over to those who shall condemn them, then they shall learn that the word of the LORD is true.
7
As a rock which one cleaves and shatters on the land, so shall their bones be strewn at the mouth of Sheol.
8
But my eyes are toward thee, O LORD God; in thee I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!
9
Keep me from the trap which they have laid for me, and from the snares of evildoers!
10
Let the wicked together fall into their own nets, while I escape.


Prayer for Deliverance from Persecutors

142 1 <A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer.> I cry with my voice to the LORD, with my voice I make supplication to the LORD,
2
I pour out my complaint before him, I tell my trouble before him.
3
When my spirit is faint, thou knowest my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me.
4
I look to the right and watch, but there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me, no man cares for me.
5
I cry to thee, O LORD; I say, Thou art my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.
6
Give heed to my cry; for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors; for they are too strong for me!
7
Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to thy name! The righteous will surround me; for thou wilt deal bountifully with me.


Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies

143 1 <A Psalm of David.> Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my supplications! In thy faithfulness answer me, in thy righteousness!
2
Enter not into judgment with thy servant; for no man living is righteous before thee.
3
For the enemy has pursued me; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.
4
Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled.
5
I remember the days of old, I meditate on all that thou hast done; I muse on what thy hands have wrought.
6
I stretch out my hands to thee; my soul thirsts for thee like a parched land. Selah
7
Make haste to answer me, O LORD! My spirit fails! Hide not thy face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the Pit.
8
Let me hear in the morning of thy steadfast love, for in thee I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to thee I lift up my soul.
9
Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies! I have fled to thee for refuge!
10
Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God! Let thy good spirit lead me on a level path!
11
For thy name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life! In thy righteousness bring me out of trouble!
12
And in thy steadfast love cut off my enemies, and destroy all my adversaries, for I am thy servant.


Prayer for National Deliverance and Security

144 1 <A Psalm of David.> Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle;
2
my rock and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues the peoples under him.
3
O LORD, what is man that thou dost regard him, or the son of man that thou dost think of him?
4
Man is like a breath, his days are like a passing shadow.
5
Bow thy heavens, O LORD, and come down! Touch the mountains that they smoke!
6
Flash forth the lightning and scatter them, send out thy arrows and rout them!
7
Stretch forth thy hand from on high, rescue me and deliver me from the many waters, from the hand of aliens,
8
whose mouths speak lies, and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
9
I will sing a new song to thee, O God; upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to thee,
10
who givest victory to kings, who rescuest David thy servant.
11
Rescue me from the cruel sword, and deliver me from the hand of aliens, whose mouths speak lies, and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
12
May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace;
13
may our garners be full, providing all manner of store; may our sheep bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields;
14
may our cattle be heavy with young, suffering no mischance or failure in bearing; may there be no cry of distress in our streets!
15
Happy the people to whom such blessings fall! Happy the people whose God is the LORD!


The Greatness and the Goodness of God

145 1 <A Song of Praise. Of David.> I will extol thee, my God and King, and bless thy name for ever and ever.
2
Every day I will bless thee, and praise thy name for ever and ever.
3
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
4
One generation shall laud thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.
5
On the glorious splendor of thy majesty, and on thy wondrous works, I will meditate.
6
Men shall proclaim the might of thy terrible acts, and I will declare thy greatness.
7
They shall pour forth the fame of thy abundant goodness, and shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
8
The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9
The LORD is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.
10
All thy works shall give thanks to thee, O LORD, and all thy saints shall bless thee!
11
They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and tell of thy power,
12
to make known to the sons of men thy mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of thy kingdom.
13
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.
14
The LORD upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.
15
The eyes of all look to thee, and thou givest them their food in due season.
16
Thou openest thy hand, thou satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
17
The LORD is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings.
18
The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.
19
He fulfils the desire of all who fear him, he also hears their cry, and saves them.
20
The LORD preserves all who love him; but all the wicked he will destroy.
21
My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.


Praise for God's Help

146 1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
2
I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have being.
3
Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no help.
4
When his breath departs he returns to his earth; on that very day his plans perish.
5
Happy is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6
who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith for ever;
7
who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free;
8
the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.
9
The LORD watches over the sojourners, he upholds the widow and the fatherless; but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
10
The LORD will reign for ever, thy God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!


Praise for God's Care for Jerusalem

147 1 Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is seemly.
2
The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
3
He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.
4
He determines the number of the stars, he gives to all of them their names.
5
Great is our LORD, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.
6
The LORD lifts up the downtrodden, he casts the wicked to the ground.
7
Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God upon the lyre!
8
He covers the heavens with clouds, he prepares rain for the earth, he makes grass grow upon the hills.
9
He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens which cry.
10
His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man;
11
but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.
12
Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
13
For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your sons within you.
14
He makes peace in your borders; he fills you with the finest of the wheat.
15
He sends forth his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.
16
He gives snow like wool; he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.
17
He casts forth his ice like morsels; who can stand before his cold?
18
He sends forth his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow.
19
He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and ordinances to Israel.
20
He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances. Praise the LORD!


Praise for God's Universal Glory

148 1 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights!
2
Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his host!
3
Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars!
4
Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
5
Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they were created.
6
And he established them for ever and ever; he fixed their bounds which cannot be passed.
7
Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,
8
fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command!
9
Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!
10
Beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds!
11
Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!
12
Young men and maidens together, old men and children!
13
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.
14
He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him. Praise the LORD!


Praise for God's Goodness to Israel

149 1 Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful!
2
Let Israel be glad in his Maker, let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King!
3
Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with timbrel and lyre!
4
For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with victory.
5
Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches.
6
Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,
7
to wreak vengeance on the nations and chastisement on the peoples,
8
to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron,
9
to execute on them the judgment written! This is glory for all his faithful ones. Praise the LORD!


Praise for God's Surpassing Greatness

150 1 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament!
2
Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his exceeding greatness!
3
Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp!
4
Praise him with timbrel and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!
5
Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6
Let everything that breathes praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!



Psalms (RSV) 120