Sing to the Lord a New Song

A psalm of encouragement to praise and sing to God with songs and dance and instruments. God delights in the humble and they will have salvation. The saints here would be the believers.

The praise of God is also a weapon. It can be used against the enemies because in praising God, judgement will come on the wicked enemies. This is also mentioned elsewhere to let the Lord fight the battle for us, as we give it to His hands.


Psalm 149
Praise to God for His Salvation and Judgment

1 Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
And His praise in the assembly of saints.

2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

3 Let them praise His name with the dance;
Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.

4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the humble with salvation.

5 Let the saints be joyful in glory;
Let them sing aloud on their beds.

6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,

7 To execute vengeance on the nations,
And punishments on the peoples;

8 To bind their kings with chains,
And their nobles with fetters of iron;

9 To execute on them the written judgment—
This honor have all His saints.
Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord from the Heavens

Praise the LORD who is deserving of all praises from all things of His creation. The psalmist writes that the sun and moon, and all the angels praise Him. All peoples on the Earth from kings to servants should praise the Lord. This final one may be fulfilled when the Lord returns to reign over us.



Psalm 148
Praise to the Lord from Creation

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 hosts!

3 Praise Him, sun and moon;
Praise Him, all you stars of light!

4 Praise Him, you heavens of heavens,
And you waters above the heavens!

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For He commanded and they were created.

6 He also established them forever and ever;
He made a decree which shall not pass away.

7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
You great sea creatures and all the depths;

8 Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;

9 Mountains and all hills;
Fruitful trees and all cedars;

10 Beasts and all cattle;
Creeping things and flying fowl;

11 Kings of the earth and all peoples;
Princes and all judges of the earth;

12 Both young men and maidens;
Old men and children.

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For His name alone is exalted;
His glory is above the earth and heaven.

14 And He has exalted the horn of His people,
The praise of all His saints—
Of the children of Israel,
A people near to Him.
Praise the Lord!

For it is Good to Sing Praises to Our God

There are many reasons to sing praises to God and this psalm highlights them. The God who forms the clouds, the rain, the grass on the mountain; He also cares for the brokenhearted, the humble, knows us by name, against the wicked.

Repeatedly it is written that the LORD likes those who fear him and depend on His mercy. He has provided for them in terms of food, defence, good climate. And more importantly he has revealed his Word, law and statutes to His people.


Psalm 147
Praise to God for His Word and Providence

1 Praise the Lord!
For it is good to sing praises to our God;
For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.

2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.

3 He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.

4 He counts the number of the stars;
He calls them all by name.

5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;
His understanding is infinite.

6 The Lord lifts up the humble;
He casts the wicked down to the ground.

7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
Sing praises on the harp to our God,

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

9 He gives to the beast its food,
And to the young ravens that cry.

10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse;
He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him,
In those who hope in His mercy.

12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!
Praise your God, O Zion!

13 For He has strengthened the bars of your gates;
He has blessed your children within you.

14 He makes peace in your borders,
And fills you with the finest wheat.

15 He sends out His command to the earth;
His word runs very swiftly.

16 He gives snow like wool;
He scatters the frost like ashes;

17 He casts out His hail like morsels;
Who can stand before His cold?

18 He sends out His word and melts them;
He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow.

19 He declares His word to Jacob,
His statutes and His judgments to Israel.

20 He has not dealt thus with any nation;
And as for His judgments, they have not known them.
Praise the Lord!

Happy Is He Who Has The God Of Jacob For His Help

The psalmist has many reasons to praise God. Here he encourages us not to put our trust on any man, because they are fallible just like anyone. But instead trust in God who is infallible. So he says "Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God,"

God is the creator of the Universe. In addition, God also attend to the needs of his people. God cares for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoners, the blind, the strangers, the fatherless, the widow but not the wicked. Also God loves the righteous but not that in God's eyes it is faith that is seen as righteousness as oppose to doing the right thing only.





Psalm 146
The Happiness of Those Whose Help Is the Lord

1 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!

2 While I live I will praise the Lord;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

3 Do not put your trust in princes,
Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.

4 His spirit departs, he returns to his earth;
In that very day his plans perish.

5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
Whose hope is in the Lord his God,

6 Who made heaven and earth,
The sea, and all that is in them;
Who keeps truth forever,

7 Who executes justice for the oppressed,
Who gives food to the hungry.
The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.

8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;
The Lord raises those who are bowed down;
The Lord loves the righteous.

9 The Lord watches over the strangers;
He relieves the fatherless and widow;
But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.

10 The Lord shall reign forever—
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord!

And All Flesh Shall Bless His Holy Name

David the psalmist praise God for His greatness and majesty. Perhaps more than just the works of creation, David was also praising God for His goodness, righteousness, compassion, mercy, patience. David describes God's rule as everlasting from generation to generation all would know His greatness. This is a God who provides, protects and forms a relationship with those who call on him honestly, who feat Him and who love Him.


Psalm 145
A Song of God’s Majesty and Love
A Praise of David.

1 I will extol You, my God, O King;
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.

2 Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.

3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
And His greatness is unsearchable.

4 One generation shall praise Your works to another,
And shall declare Your mighty acts.

5 I[a] will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty,
And on Your wondrous works.[b]

6 Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts,
And I will declare Your greatness.

7 They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness,
And shall sing of Your righteousness.

8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion,
Slow to anger and great in mercy.

9 The Lord is good to all,
And His tender mercies are over all His works.

10 All Your works shall praise You, O Lord,
And Your saints shall bless You.

11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom,
And talk of Your power,

12 To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts,
And the glorious majesty of His kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.[c]

14 The Lord upholds all who fall,
And raises up all who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all look expectantly to You,
And You give them their food in due season.

16 You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.

17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways,
Gracious in all His works.

18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.

19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and save them.
20 The Lord preserves all who love Him,
But all the wicked He will destroy.

21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord,
And all flesh shall bless His holy name
Forever and ever.

Happy are the People whose God is the Lord!

This psalm has a personal introduction of who the LORD is to the psalmist. David who is most likely the psalmist here, describes the LORD as his rock, lovingkindness, refuge, fortress, deliverer. He knows God well and wholeheartedly trusts and depends on God.

Then in the next part, he expands the view of who God really is and describes how insignificant in stature man is compared to God. Yet this God who controls the the awesome power of nature and beyond is someone we can pray too, as the psalmist experienced. Because of this, the psalmist can praise and sing to and about God. He is thankful that God is a deliverer and a provider and blesses His people with abundance.



Psalm 144
A Song to the Lord Who Preserves and Prospers His People
A Psalm of David.

1 Blessed be the Lord my Rock,
Who trains my hands for war,
And my fingers for battle—

2 My lovingkindness and my fortress,
My high tower and my deliverer,
My shield and the One in whom I take refuge,
Who subdues my people[a] under me.

3 Lord, what is man, that You take knowledge of him?
Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him?

4 Man is like a breath;
His days are like a passing shadow.

5 Bow down Your heavens, O Lord, and come down;
Touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.

6 Flash forth lightning and scatter them;
Shoot out Your arrows and destroy them.

7 Stretch out Your hand from above;
Rescue me and deliver me out of great waters,
From the hand of foreigners,

8 Whose mouth speaks lying words,
And whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

9 I will sing a new song to You, O God;
On a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You,

10 The One who gives salvation to kings,
Who delivers David His servant
From the deadly sword.

11 Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners,
Whose mouth speaks lying words,
And whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood—

12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth;
That our daughters may be as pillars,
Sculptured in palace style;

13 That our barns may be full,
Supplying all kinds of produce;
That our sheep may bring forth thousands
And ten thousands in our fields;

14 That our oxen may be well laden;
That there be no breaking in or going out;
That there be no outcry in our streets.

15 Happy are the people who are in such a state;
Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!

For The Enemy Has Persecuted My Soul

The psalmist, David, was most likely in a time of great persecution by his enemies. His appeal to God is based on knowing God is faithful and righteoues. He knows he is not perfect but asks to be delivered from his current situation where he describes "my spirit is overwhelmed within me,
my heart within me is distressed".

He remembers the past, before the time of persecution, where he enjoyed walking with God. And these memories comfort him and remind him that he can trust God. He knows about God's lovingkindness, uprightnessm, mercy and that God's Spirit is good. He invites God to teach him, lead him and revive him and to destroy his enemies



Psalm 143
An Earnest Appeal for Guidance and Deliverance
A Psalm of David.

1 Hear my prayer, O Lord,
Give ear to my supplications!
In Your faithfulness answer me,
And in Your righteousness.

2 Do not enter into judgment with Your servant,
For in Your sight no one living is righteous.

3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul;
He has crushed my life to the ground;
He has made me dwell in darkness,
Like those who have long been dead.

4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me;
My heart within me is distressed.

5 I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all Your works;
I muse on the work of Your hands.

6 I spread out my hands to You;
My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah

7 Answer me speedily, O Lord;
My spirit fails!
Do not hide Your face from me,
Lest I be like those who go down into the pit.

8 Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You.

9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies;
In You I take shelter.[a]

10 Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness.

11 Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake!
For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.

12 In Your mercy cut off my enemies,
And destroy all those who afflict my soul;
For I am Your servant.

When My Spirit Was Overwhelmed Within Me

A psalm where David cries out to God to deliver from his persecutors. He describes the depth of his despair with words like "my spirit was overwhelmed within me", "no one who acknowledges me", "no one cares for my soul". Some of us may feel this way at some times and to different degrees. But we can learn much from David in that during such despair, he still cries out to God and knows that God is his refuge. He finishes with much hope that God will deal "bountifully" with him and he will be able to praise God's name.



Psalm 142
A Plea for Relief from Persecutors
A Contemplation[a] of David. A Prayer when he was in the cave.

1 I cry out to the Lord with my voice;
With my voice to the Lord I make my supplication.

2 I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare before Him my trouble.

3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,
Then You knew my path.
In the way in which I walk
They have secretly set a snare for me.

4 Look on my right hand and see,
For there is no one who acknowledges me;
Refuge has failed me;
No one cares for my soul.

5 I cried out to You, O Lord:
I said, “You are my refuge,
My portion in the land of the living.

6 Attend to my cry,
For I am brought very low;
Deliver me from my persecutors,
For they are stronger than I.

7 Bring my soul out of prison,
That I may praise Your name;
The righteous shall surround me,
For You shall deal bountifully with me.”

Let My Prayer Be Set Before You As Incense

The psalmist, David, cries out to God to hear him. A few interesting prayer request he makes to God which is not only for improving his character but to improve his relationship with God. He prays that God watch over his lips mouth, guard his heart from wicked and evil things, let himself be rebuked and disciplined by righteous people when he needs it.

Such is an honest prayer by a man after God's heart. His eyes are constantly focused on God, whom he takes refuge in. He asks God to nourish his soul. Finally, for a man with many enemies, he asks God to help him escape the traps of his enemies.


Psalm 141
Prayer for Safekeeping from Wickedness
A Psalm of David.

1 Lord, I cry out to You;
Make haste to me!
Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You.

2 Let my prayer be set before You as incense,
The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips.

4 Do not incline my heart to any evil thing,
To practice wicked works
With men who work iniquity;
And do not let me eat of their delicacies.

5 Let the righteous strike me;
It shall be a kindness.
And let him rebuke me;
It shall be as excellent oil;
Let my head not refuse it.
For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked.

6 Their judges are overthrown by the sides of the cliff,
And they hear my words, for they are sweet.

7 Our bones are scattered at the mouth of the grave,
As when one plows and breaks up the earth.

8 But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord;
In You I take refuge;
Do not leave my soul destitute.

9 Keep me from the snares they have laid for me,
And from the traps of the workers of iniquity.

10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
While I escape safely.

Deliver Me, O Lord, From Evil Men

A plea from the psalmist who seems to be in danger from his enemies. So the psalmist calls upon God to protect him against his wicked enemies. He even calls upon God to heap burning coals on them and cast them to fire. In his view the enemies are truly wicked and he asks God to stop them before they get exalted or established themselves.

Although this may sound harsh, but the psalmist acknowledges that God is on the side of the afflicted and the poor. Also that the righteous and upright will dwell with God.


Psalm 140
Prayer for Deliverance from Evil Men
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

1 Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men;
Preserve me from violent men,

2 Who plan evil things in their hearts;
They continually gather together for war.

3 They sharpen their tongues like a serpent;
The poison of asps is under their lips. Selah

4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
Preserve me from violent men,
Who have purposed to make my steps stumble.

5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords;
They have spread a net by the wayside;
They have set traps for me. Selah

6 I said to the Lord: “You are my God;
Hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord.

7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation,
You have covered my head in the day of battle.

8 Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked;
Do not further his wicked scheme,
Lest they be exalted. Selah

9 “As for the head of those who surround me,
Let the evil of their lips cover them;

10 Let burning coals fall upon them;
Let them be cast into the fire,
Into deep pits, that they rise not up again.

11 Let not a slanderer be established in the earth;
Let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow him.”

12 I know that the Lord will maintain
The cause of the afflicted,
And justice for the poor.

13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name;
The upright shall dwell in Your presence.

O Lord, You Have Searched Me and Known Me

The Lord God knows us in every way, even to the minutest detail, as this psalmist has learnt. God is also everywhere and so He is able to help us whereever we are. There is no running and no hiding from God, and how wonderful that is the case.

God knows us when we are in the womb and even before we were born. God has written us in His book before we were formed. This psalmist, probably David, knows that God knows him fully. He is able to place his confidence and trust in God and to know that no matter when, no matter where, whether in light or darkness, He can count on God to lead him.


Psalm 139
God’s Perfect Knowledge of Man
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

1 O Lord, You have searched me and known me.

2 You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.

3 You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.

5 You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.

7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?

8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10 Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall[a] on me,”
Even the night shall be light about me;

12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

13 For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.

14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;[b]
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.

15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.

19 Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God!
Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men.

20 For they speak against You wickedly;
Your enemies take Your name in vain.[c]

21 Do I not hate them, O Lord, who hate You?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?

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 anxieties;

24 And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

I Will Praise You With My Whole Heart

A reminder of the faithfulness and caring of the LORD towards his people. The psalmist, David, thank and praise God for who He is. God is acknowledged for His lovingkindness and truth. And perhaps even more, the psalmist reveals God's care and concern for the lowly as opposed to the proud. He cares for His people who are in trouble and protects them against their enemies. The psalmist end his prayer with God to keep on protecting him, knowing the himself is a creation of God.


Psalm 138
The Lord’s Goodness to the Faithful
A Psalm of David.

1 I will praise You with my whole heart;
Before the gods I will sing praises to You.

2 I will worship toward Your holy temple,
And praise Your name
For Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.

3 In the day when I cried out, You answered me,
And made me bold with strength in my soul.

4 All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O Lord,
When they hear the words of Your mouth.

5 Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
For great is the glory of the Lord.

6 Though the Lord is on high,
Yet He regards the lowly;
But the proud He knows from afar.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies,
And Your right hand will save me.

8 The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;
Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

By the Rivers of Babylon

The Israelites were exiled to the land of Babylon when Judah was conquered by the Babylonians. This psalm describes the irony and sadness of the exiles in Babylon when their captors asked them to recite the joyful songs and music about their homeland Zion. The psalmist couldn't bear the memory of his beloved Jerusalem and so could not really sing of the joyous songs while they were forbidden to live in their own land.


Psalm 137

 1 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept
   when we remembered Zion.
2 There on the poplars
   we hung our harps,
3 for there our captors asked us for songs,
   our tormentors demanded songs of joy;
   they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
 4 How can we sing the songs of the LORD
   while in a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, Jerusalem,
   may my right hand forget its skill.
6 May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth
   if I do not remember you,
if I do not consider Jerusalem
   my highest joy.

 7 Remember, LORD, what the Edomites did
   on the day Jerusalem fell.
“Tear it down,” they cried,
   “tear it down to its foundations!”
8 Daughter Babylon, doomed to destruction,
   happy is the one who repays you
   according to what you have done to us.
9 Happy is the one who seizes your infants
   and dashes them against the rocks.

For His Mercy Endures Forever

"For His mercy endures forever" - is the chorus for this psalm. Each line of that chorus is preceded by a description of who God is or what He has done. The first part reveals God as the Almighty Lord of lords and the creator of the whole universe. It is through Him who made the heavens and earth and the day and night - same as the description from Genesis.

The next part describes God as the personal God of Israel whom He had chosen. We are reminded that it is He who saved the Israelites from Egypt and parted the Red Sea. He is the God who helped them conquer the land promised to them, including defeating the famous, possibly giant kings, Og of Bashan, Sihon of the Amorites. He is the God who rescues His people and provides for them.

And perhaps the theme is also that throughout the continuous trials and sufferings and rebellion of His people, God's mercy for them has been very enduring.



Psalm 136
Thanksgiving to God for His Enduring Mercy

1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
    For His mercy endures forever.
2 Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!
    For His mercy endures forever.
3 Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
    For His mercy endures forever:
4 To Him who alone does great wonders,
    For His mercy endures forever;
5 To Him who by wisdom made the heavens,
    For His mercy endures forever;
6 To Him who laid out the earth above the waters,
    For His mercy endures forever;
7 To Him who made great lights,
    For His mercy endures forever—
8 The sun to rule by day,
    For His mercy endures forever;
9 The moon and stars to rule by night,
    For His mercy endures forever.
10 To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn,
    For His mercy endures forever;
11 And brought out Israel from among them,
    For His mercy endures forever;
12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm,
    For His mercy endures forever;
13 To Him who divided the Red Sea in two,
    For His mercy endures forever;
14 And made Israel pass through the midst of it,
For His mercy endures forever;
15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,
    For His mercy endures forever;
16 To Him who led His people through the wilderness,
    For His mercy endures forever;
17 To Him who struck down great kings,
    For His mercy endures forever;
18 And slew famous kings,
    For His mercy endures forever—
19 Sihon king of the Amorites,
    For His mercy endures forever;
20 And Og king of Bashan,
    For His mercy endures forever—
21 And gave their land as a heritage,
    For His mercy endures forever;
22 A heritage to Israel His servant,
    For His mercy endures forever.
23 Who remembered us in our lowly state,
    For His mercy endures forever;
24 And rescued us from our enemies,
    For His mercy endures forever;
25 Who gives food to all flesh,
    For His mercy endures forever.
26 Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven!
    For His mercy endures forever.

Praise the Lord, for the Lord is Good

A call to praise God, and a description of who God is and what He has done. It describes His Majesty as the Lord over all nature as well as the one who chose Jacob and involved in the history of His people. It describes God's role in the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and the subsequent conquest of the land promised to His children.

It also compares God with the false idols made by men with eyes that cannot see and mouths that cannot speak. This psalm call not only the priests to bless the Lord but all who fear and believe in Him are called to bless and praise God.


Psalm 135
Praise to God in Creation and Redemption

1 Praise the Lord!
Praise the name of the Lord;
Praise Him, O you servants of the Lord!

2 You who 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 praises to His name, for it is pleasant.

4 For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself,
Israel for His special treasure.

5 For I know that the Lord is great,
And our Lord is above all gods.

6 Whatever the Lord pleases He does,
In heaven and in earth,
In the seas and in all deep places.

7 He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth;
He makes lightning for the rain;
He brings the wind out of His treasuries.

8 He destroyed the firstborn of Egypt,
Both of man and beast.

9 He sent signs and wonders into the midst of you, O Egypt,
Upon Pharaoh and all his servants.

10 He defeated many nations
And slew mighty kings—

11 Sihon king of the Amorites,
Og king of Bashan,
And all the kingdoms of Canaan—

12 And gave their land as a heritage,
A heritage to Israel His people.

13 Your name, O Lord, endures forever,
Your fame, O Lord, throughout all generations.

14 For the Lord will judge His people,
And He will 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 do not speak;
Eyes they have, but they do not see;

17 They have ears, but they do not hear;
Nor is there any breath in their mouths.

18 Those who make them are like them;
So is everyone who trusts in them.

19 Bless the Lord, O house of Israel!
Bless the Lord, O house of Aaron!

20 Bless the Lord, O house of Levi!
You who fear the Lord, bless the Lord!

21 Blessed be the Lord out of Zion,
Who dwells in Jerusalem!
Praise the Lord!

Behold, Bless the Lord

A simple psalm to remind us to praise and bless the Lord at night. Blessings and praises come from both our mouths as well as with lifted hands. Also a reminder that the Lord is God who made the heaven and earth. It must be a wonderful end to a day to look up into the night sky and praise the Lord with lifted hands.


Psalm 134
Praising the Lord in His House at Night
A Song of Ascents.

1 Behold, bless the Lord,
All you servants of the Lord,
Who by night stand in the house of the Lord!

2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary,
And bless the Lord.

3 The Lord who made heaven and earth
Bless you from Zion!

For Brethren to Dwell Together in Unity

An encouraging psalm for the children of God to live peacefully and in harmony with each other. God values this so much and it is described as being like oil running from the head to the beard and to the garments, when people live in unity. Another imagery is like dew flowing down the mountain of Zion. It is written that in such unity, God's blessing will be there also. On the reverse side, when there is no blessing, the cause is due to lack of unity in His children.


Psalm 133
Blessed Unity of the People of God
A Song of Ascents. Of David.

1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!

2 It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Running down on the beard,
The beard of Aaron,
Running down on the edge of his garments.

3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
Descending upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the Lord commanded the blessing—
Life forevermore.

Lord, Remember David

The psalmist recalls the exemplary way which David approached God. David is famously described as "after God's own heart". Here it mentions that David would not sleep until he finds God. So the psalmist encourages all to seek out the LORD in His tabernacle and the priests to be prepared. It establishes the LORD as the God of Israel who has a special relation with them, enabling them to be accessible to Him.

In the last part, God answers that He is in His resting place. He will bless his people with provision, especially the poor, give salvation to His people. The final verses may be a reference to the Messiah with words like "horn of David", "the Anointed" and "His crown shall flourish".


Psalm 132
The Eternal Dwelling of God in Zion
A Song of Ascents.

1 Lord, remember David
And all his afflictions;

2 How he swore to the Lord,
And vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:

3 “Surely I will not go into the chamber of my house,
Or go up to the comfort of 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 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah;
We found it in the fields of the woods.[a]

7 Let us go into His tabernacle;
Let us worship at His footstool.

8 Arise, O Lord, to Your resting place,
You and the ark of Your strength.

9 Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness,
And let Your saints shout for joy.

10 For Your servant David’s sake,
Do not turn away the face of Your Anointed.

11 The Lord has sworn in truth to David;
He will not turn from it:
“I will set upon your throne the fruit of your body.

12 If your sons will keep My covenant
And My testimony which I shall teach them,
Their sons also shall sit upon your throne forevermore.”

13 For the Lord has chosen Zion;
He has desired it for His dwelling place:

14 “This is My resting place forever;
Here I will dwell, for I have desired it.

15 I will abundantly bless her provision;
I will satisfy her poor with bread.

16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation,
And her saints shall shout aloud for joy.

17 There I will make the horn of David grow;
I will prepare a lamp for My Anointed.

18 His enemies I will clothe with shame,
But upon Himself His crown shall flourish.”

Lord, My Heart is Not Haughty

A simple psalm in hope and submission to the LORD. The first verse may express abandoning ambitions and stature which the worldly view craves for. It also shows a humble intellect in not worrying about matters too complex to solve or understand. Perhaps one example is world hunger - a problem which is confronting but too massive to be solved by anyone or organization alone. Yet we still help in any small way that we can.

The second verse reveals the inner peace as a result of putting our trust in God. He compares it with a child who is weaned yet at peace with his mother. The final verse is a simple but powerful call for Israel to continue to trust and hope in the LORD forever.


Psalm 131
Simple Trust in the Lord
A Song of Ascents. Of David.

1 Lord, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.

2 Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3 O Israel, hope in the Lord
From this time forth and forever.

Out of the Depths I Have Cried to You, O Lord

The psalmist calls to God to listen to his cries. The first part reveals his understanding that he himself is sinful, yet God has forgiveness. The psalmist also understood that if God does not have forgiveness, no one else can stand before God - Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

In the second part the psalmist reveals his active waiting for the LORD. In waiting, there is hope and he does this continuously every morning. In the Hope, there is redemption and mercy.



Psalm 130
Waiting for the Redemption of the Lord
A Song of Ascents.

1 Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord;

2 Lord, hear my voice!
Let Your ears be attentive
To the voice of my supplications.

3 If You, Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?

4 But there is forgiveness with You,
That You may be feared.

5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
And in His word I do hope.

6 My soul waits for the Lord
More than those who watch for the morning—
Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.

7 O Israel, hope in the Lord;
For with the Lord there is mercy,
And with Him is abundant redemption.

8 And He shall redeem Israel
From all his iniquities.

Yet They Have Not Prevailed Against Me

The psalmist describes the constant attack by the enemies yet they were not able to defeat him. He gave glory to God for being the one who saved him from the wicked. As the enemies failed to prevail against him, instead he prevailed against the enemy by standing firm.

He continues to pray to God to make his enemies plots and schemes be unfruitful and fail. Essentially the enemy will be put to shame as they encounter one failure after another. Also others who see the enemies and they will know the blessing is not on the enemies.


Psalm 129
Song of Victory over Zion’s Enemies
Song of Ascents.

1 “Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth,”
Let Israel now say—

2 “Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth;
Yet they have not prevailed against me.

3 The plowers plowed on my back;
They made their furrows long.”

4 The Lord is righteous;
He has cut in pieces the cords of the wicked.

5 Let all those who hate Zion
Be put to shame and turned back.

6 Let them be as the grass on the housetops,
Which withers before it grows up,

7 With which the reaper does not fill his hand,
Nor he who binds sheaves, his arms.

8 Neither let those who pass by them say,
“The blessing of the Lord be upon you;
We bless you in the name of the Lord!”

Your Wife Shall Be Like a Fruitful Vine

A short psalm that contains the key definitions of how to be blessed and the results of blessing.

The straightforward way to be blessed by the LORD is: 1) Fear God 2) Walk in His ways.

The result of the LORD's blessings on us are:
- our work will be fruitful and we will be happy
- the wife would bear numerous children
- the joy of having children around us




Psalm 128
Blessings of Those Who Fear the Lord
A Song of Ascents.

1 Blessed is every one who fears the Lord,
Who walks in His ways.

2 When you eat the labor of your hands,
You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.

3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
In the very heart of your house,
Your children like olive plants
All around your table.

4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
Who fears the Lord.

5 The Lord bless you out of Zion,
And may you see the good of Jerusalem
All the days of your life.

6 Yes, may you see your children’s children.
Peace be upon Israel!

The Lord Builds the House

Two main themes here which can be inter-related. The first is that our work can only be fruitful if it is blessed by God. We can work the hardest but unless "the Lord builds the house", our efforts are in vain. This even applies to work related to the service of the Lord.

The second is the blessing of having children. The Scripture encourage us to be thankful for them. It describes children as a "heritage from the Lord" and is a reward for the womb. It is also describes as arrows and the man who has many will be happy.


Psalm 127
Laboring and Prospering with the Lord
A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.

1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.

5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Then Our Mouth Was Filled With Laughter

The joy of the people is expressed in this Psalm, in particular relating to the event that God brought the captive Israelites back to their homeland. This most likely refers to the Babylonian captivity, but it is also reminiscent of the deliverance from Egypt; as well as God's deliverance of us from our former selves into His family.

The second part may be open to misinterpretation about those who are weeping and sow in tears will be rejoicing in the future. Some may view this as an encouragement to weep or be sorrowful so that we will be rewarded with joy. But an understanding of God and His son Jesus will clarify this. There are many descriptions in Scriptures showing people dancing and singing with joy and praising God, eg the Israelites at their victories and deliverance and David's worship of God. So the Scripture here is more likely saying that for those who happen to be in tears and weeping, not that it is encouraged, they can look forward to rejoicing in the future as God delivers them.


Psalm 126
A Joyful Return to Zion
A Song of Ascents.

1 When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion,
We were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us,
And we are glad.
4 Bring back our captivity, O Lord,
As the streams in the South.
5 Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.
6 He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him.

So the Lord Surrounds His People

A short psalm but no less in impact. The imagery of the first message is like we too, are like Jerusalem or Mount Zion, steadfast and immovable as we trust in the LORD. The LORD will surround His people like the mountains around Jerusalem, offering protection from every direction.

The call is for us to keep on doing good and be upright, and trust in the LORD's goodness toward us. In contrast, those who continue in their wicked ways will be led away.


Psalm 125
The Lord the Strength of His People
A Song of Ascents.

1 Those who trust in the Lord
Are like Mount Zion,
Which cannot be moved, but abides forever.

2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So the Lord surrounds His people
From this time forth and forever.

3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
On the land allotted to the righteous,
Lest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity.

4 Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,
And to those who are upright in their hearts.

5 As for such as turn aside to their crooked ways,
The Lord shall lead them away
With the workers of iniquity.
Peace be upon Israel!

Lord Who Was On Our Side

A recognition of the role the LORD played in our lives. This psalm specifically mentioned the occasions when God saved the Israelites. It about the acknowledgement that without God, they would have perished in many instances. The God of heavens and Earth was and is and will be on our sides.


Psalm 124
The Lord the Defense of His People
A Song of Ascents. Of David.

1 “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 alive,
When their wrath was kindled against us;

4 Then the waters would have overwhelmed us,
The stream would have gone over our soul;

5 Then the swollen waters
Would have gone over our soul.”

6 Blessed be the Lord,
Who has not given us as prey to their teeth.

7 Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers;[a]
The snare is broken, and we have escaped.

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

So Our Eyes Look to the Lord Our God

Two key items from this psalm:
- The writer describes us fallen humanity harbouring scorn and contempt in us. Essentially, the sinful character in us sometimes produces sinful actions.
- But we children of God, know to look up at our Master, knowing that He sees us, seeking His help and His guidance. 


Psalm 123
Prayer for Relief from Contempt
A Song of Ascents.

1 Unto You I lift up my eyes,
O You who dwell in the heavens.

2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters,
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
So our eyes look to the Lord our God,
Until He has mercy on us.

3 Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us!
For we are exceedingly filled with contempt.

4 Our soul is exceedingly filled
With the scorn of those who are at ease,
With the contempt of the proud.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

The people cannot wait to get into the House of the Lord. They were looking forward to give thanks and praise the name of the LORD. This is also where we are encouraged to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem". The promises include prosperity to those who love Jerusalem.


Psalm 122
The Joy of Going to the House of the Lord

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

1 I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go into the house of the Lord.”
2 Our feet have been standing
Within your gates, O Jerusalem!
3 Jerusalem is built
As a city that is compact together,
4 Where the tribes go up,
The tribes of the Lord,
To the Testimony of Israel,
To give thanks to the name of the Lord.
5 For thrones are set there for judgment,
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,
Prosperity within your palaces.”
8 For the sake of my brethren and companions,
I will now say, “Peace be within you.”
9 Because of the house of the Lord our God
I will seek your good.

He Who Keeps You Will Not Slumber

The psalmist looks forward to God arriving to help him. He trusts in the LORD that He who is the Creator will also not let him down. The LORD is a keeper and He preserves His people from evil. He will guard as whenever we go.


Psalm 121
God the Help of Those Who Seek Him
A Song of Ascents.

1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
8 The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.

In My Distress I Cried to the Lord

Those against us may include they who lie or gossip about us. They use words to spread lies. But the psalmist shows how to call upon God, to deliver him from his distress.



Psalm 120
Plea for Relief from Bitter Foes
A Song of Ascents.

1 In my distress I cried to the Lord,
And He heard me.
2 Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips
And from a deceitful tongue.
3 What shall be given to you,
Or what shall be done to you,
You false tongue?
4 Sharp arrows of the warrior,
With coals of the broom tree!
5 Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech,
That I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6 My soul has dwelt too long
With one who hates peace.
7 I am for peace;
But when I speak, they are for war.

Aleph Beth Gimel Daleth

This may be one of the longest chapter in all of the Scripture. Below is a simple summary for each section, labelled by the Hebrew letters.
The whole theme of this chapter is on one simple topic - the WORD of God.


Aleph - Obey all of God's commandments and laws and walk in His ways
Beth - Learn God's ways through His Word.
Gimel - Delight in God's Word.
Daleth - Ask God for help in absorbing His Word.
He - Ask God to teach us His Word.
WaW - God's Word is good for teaching, testifying, delighting in and for meditating on.
Zayin - Take comfort in the Word.
Heth - Obey the Word and trust in the LORD's mercy and favor.
Teth - Return to God and cling to His Word for Restoration.
Yod -Have good understanding of the Word, so that we can share with others who need it.
Kaf - Even when persecuted, cling on to the Word
Lamed - The WORD is from Heaven, saves us from perishing, gives us life.
Mem - The WORD is sweet, it gives wisdom and understanding as we meditate on it.
Nun - Your word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path.
Samek - The Word is our hope, straying from it brings rejection.
Ayin - God's commandments are right, love it more than fine gold.
Pe - The Word gives light and understanding, appeal to God to keep us safe and free so we may learn the Word
Tsadde - God's testimonies and judgements are right and everlasting.
Qoph - Hope and meditate on God's Word. Keep God's Word before asking for help.
Resh - Appeal to God to save us from the enemies, taking hold of the promises in the Word.
Shin - Love God's Word like a great treasure, hope in His salvation for us.
Tau - Remember God's commandments, delight in God's law, hold on to salvation and deliverance promised in the WORD.


Psalm 119
Meditations on the Excellencies of the Word of God

א Aleph


1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
Who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the whole heart!
3 They also do no iniquity;
They walk in His ways.
4 You have commanded us
To keep Your precepts diligently.
5 Oh, that my ways were directed
To keep Your statutes!
6 Then I would not be ashamed,
When I look into all Your commandments.
7 I will praise You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep Your statutes;
Oh, do not forsake me utterly!

ב Beth

9 How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
10 With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O Lord!
Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have declared
All the judgments of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
16 I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.

ג Gimel

17 Deal bountifully with Your servant,
That I may live and keep Your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may see
Wondrous things from Your law.
19 I am a stranger in the earth;
Do not hide Your commandments from me.
20 My soul breaks with longing
For Your judgments at all times.
21 You rebuke the proud—the cursed,
Who stray from Your commandments.
22 Remove from me reproach and contempt,
For I have kept Your testimonies.
23 Princes also sit and speak against me,
But Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
24 Your testimonies also are my delight
And my counselors.

ד Daleth

25 My soul clings to the dust;
Revive me according to Your word.
26 I have declared my ways, and You answered me;
Teach me Your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts;
So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.
28 My soul melts from heaviness;
Strengthen me according to Your word.
29 Remove from me the way of lying,
And grant me Your law graciously.
30 I have chosen the way of truth;
Your judgments I have laid before me.
31 I cling to Your testimonies;
O Lord, do not put me to shame!
32 I will run the course of Your commandments,
For You shall enlarge my heart.

ה He

33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,
And I shall keep it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law;
Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
For I delight in it.
36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies,
And not to covetousness.
37 Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things,
And revive me in Your way.[a]
38 Establish Your word to Your servant,
Who is devoted to fearing You.
39 Turn away my reproach which I dread,
For Your judgments are good.
40 Behold, I long for Your precepts;
Revive me in Your righteousness.

ו Waw

41 Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord—
Your salvation according to Your word.
42 So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me,
For I trust in Your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
For I have hoped in Your ordinances.
44 So shall I keep Your law continually,
Forever and ever.
45 And I will walk at liberty,
For I seek Your precepts.
46 I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings,
And will not be ashamed.
47 And I will delight myself in Your commandments,
Which I love.
48 My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments,
Which I love,
And I will meditate on Your statutes.

ז Zayin

49 Remember the word to Your servant,
Upon which You have caused me to hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction,
For Your word has given me life.
51 The proud have me in great derision,
Yet I do not turn aside from Your law.
52 I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord,
And have comforted myself.
53 Indignation has taken hold of me
Because of the wicked, who forsake Your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs
In the house of my pilgrimage.
55 I remember Your name in the night, O Lord,
And I keep Your law.
56 This has become mine,
Because I kept Your precepts.

ח Heth

57 You are my portion, O Lord;
I have said that I would keep Your words.
58 I entreated Your favor with my whole heart;
Be merciful to me according to Your word.
59 I thought about my ways,
And turned my feet to Your testimonies.
60 I made haste, and did not delay
To keep Your commandments.
61 The cords of the wicked have bound me,
But I have not forgotten Your law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You,
Because of Your righteous judgments.
63 I am a companion of all who fear You,
And of those who keep Your precepts.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of Your mercy;
Teach me Your statutes.

ט Teth

65 You have dealt well with Your servant,
O Lord, according to Your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
For I believe Your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word.
68 You are good, and do good;
Teach me Your statutes.
69 The proud have forged a lie against me,
But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.
70 Their heart is as fat as grease,
But I delight in Your law.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes.
72 The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of coins of gold and silver.

י Yod

73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me;
Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.
74 Those who fear You will be glad when they see me,
Because I have hoped in Your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right,
And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.
76 Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort,
According to Your word to Your servant.
77 Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live;
For Your law is my delight.
78 Let the proud be ashamed,
For they treated me wrongfully with falsehood;
But I will meditate on Your precepts.
79 Let those who fear You turn to me,
Those who know Your testimonies.
80 Let my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes,
That I may not be ashamed.

ך Kaph

81 My soul faints for Your salvation,
But I hope in Your word.
82 My eyes fail from searching Your word,
Saying, “When will You comfort me?”
83 For I have become like a wineskin in smoke,
Yet I do not forget Your statutes.
84 How many are the days of Your servant?
When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?
85 The proud have dug pits for me,
Which is not according to Your law.
86 All Your commandments are faithful;
They persecute me wrongfully;
Help me!
87 They almost made an end of me on earth,
But I did not forsake Your precepts.
88 Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,
So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.

ל Lamed

89 Forever, O Lord,
Your word is settled in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
You established the earth, and it abides.
91 They continue this day according to Your ordinances,
For all are Your servants.
92 Unless Your law had been my delight,
I would then have perished in my affliction.
93 I will never forget Your precepts,
For by them You have given me life.
94 I am Yours, save me;
For I have sought Your precepts.
95 The wicked wait for me to destroy me,
But I will consider Your testimonies.
96 I have seen the consummation of all perfection,
But Your commandment is exceedingly broad.

ם Mem

97 Oh, how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
98 You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies;
For they are ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the ancients,
Because I keep Your precepts.
101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way,
That I may keep Your word.
102 I have not departed from Your judgments,
For You Yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are Your words to my taste,
Sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.

ן Nun

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
106 I have sworn and confirmed
That I will keep Your righteous judgments.
107 I am afflicted very much;
Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
108 Accept, I pray, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord,
And teach me Your judgments.
109 My life is continually in my hand,
Yet I do not forget Your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me,
Yet I have not strayed from Your precepts.
111 Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever,
For they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, to the very end.

ס Samek

113 I hate the double-minded,
But I love Your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in Your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
For I will keep the commandments of my God!
116 Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live;
And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
117 Hold me up, and I shall be safe,
And I shall observe Your statutes continually.
118 You reject all those who stray from Your statutes,
For their deceit is falsehood.
119 You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross;
Therefore I love Your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of You,
And I am afraid of Your judgments.

ע Ayin

121 I have done justice and righteousness;
Do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Be surety for Your servant for good;
Do not let the proud oppress me.
123 My eyes fail from seeking Your salvation
And Your righteous word.
124 Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy,
And teach me Your statutes.
125 I am Your servant;
Give me understanding,
That I may know Your testimonies.
126 It is time for You to act, O Lord,
For they have regarded Your law as void.
127 Therefore I love Your commandments
More than gold, yes, than fine gold!
128 Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things
I consider to be right;
I hate every false way.

פ Pe

129 Your testimonies are wonderful;
Therefore my soul keeps them.
130 The entrance of Your words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple.
131 I opened my mouth and panted,
For I longed for Your commandments.
132 Look upon me and be merciful to me,
As Your custom is toward those who love Your name.
133 Direct my steps by Your word,
And let no iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Redeem me from the oppression of man,
That I may keep Your precepts.
135 Make Your face shine upon Your servant,
And teach me Your statutes.
136 Rivers of water run down from my eyes,
Because men do not keep Your law.

ץ Tsadde

137 Righteous are You, O Lord,
And upright are Your judgments.
138 Your testimonies, which You have commanded,
Are righteous and very faithful.
139 My zeal has consumed me,
Because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
140 Your word is very pure;
Therefore Your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised,
Yet I do not forget Your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness,
And Your law is truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have overtaken me,
Yet Your commandments are my delights.
144 The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting;
Give me understanding, and I shall live.

ק Qoph

145 I cry out with my whole heart;
Hear me, O Lord!
I will keep Your statutes.
146 I cry out to You;
Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.
147 I rise before the dawning of the morning,
And cry for help;
I hope in Your word.
148 My eyes are awake through the night watches,
That I may meditate on Your word.
149 Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness;
O Lord, revive me according to Your justice.
150 They draw near who follow after wickedness;
They are far from Your law.
151 You are near, O Lord,
And all Your commandments are truth.
152 Concerning Your testimonies,
I have known of old that You have founded them forever.

ר Resh

153 Consider my affliction and deliver me,
For I do not forget Your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;
Revive me according to Your word.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
For they do not seek Your statutes.
156 Great are Your tender mercies, O Lord;
Revive me according to Your judgments.
157 Many are my persecutors and my enemies,
Yet I do not turn from Your testimonies.
158 I see the treacherous, and am disgusted,
Because they do not keep Your word.
159 Consider how I love Your precepts;
Revive me, O Lord, according to Your lovingkindness.
160 The entirety of Your word is truth,
And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.

שׁ Shin

161 Princes persecute me without a cause,
But my heart stands in awe of Your word.
162 I rejoice at Your word
As one who finds great treasure.
163 I hate and abhor lying,
But I love Your law.
164 Seven times a day I praise You,
Because of Your righteous judgments.
165 Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble.
166 Lord, I hope for Your salvation,
And I do Your commandments.
167 My soul keeps Your testimonies,
And I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,
For all my ways are before You.

ת Tau

169 Let my cry come before You, O Lord;
Give me understanding according to Your word.
170 Let my supplication come before You;
Deliver me according to Your word.
171 My lips shall utter praise,
For You teach me Your statutes.
172 My tongue shall speak of Your word,
For all Your commandments are righteousness.
173 Let Your hand become my help,
For I have chosen Your precepts.
174 I long for Your salvation, O Lord,
And Your law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise You;
And let Your judgments help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep;
Seek Your servant,
For I do not forget Your commandments.

Do Not Let the Sun Go Down on Your Wrath

Truth of the Word once again proven by Science.

In the article: "Science Confirms: Don’t Go to Sleep Angry"
http://lifehacker.com/5877576/science-confirms-dont-go-to-sleep-sleep-angry

Quote:
"The old anecdotal saying that you should never go to sleep angry just got backed up by science, thanks to UMass Amherst neuroscientists."
....
"The study points to the practice that you should try to resolve these feelings before you go to sleep so that you can have a less visceral reaction to the problem in the morning."


Here is the Word of God, told to His people thousands of years ago.

Psalm 4:4
Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah

Ephesians 4
26 “Be angry, and do not sin”:[f] do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
27 nor give place to the

His Mercy Endures Forever

A few very helpful themes from this psalm as summarised in these key verses:
- "His mercy endures forever" - He will never get tired of us - how reassuring.
- "It is better to trust in the LORD" - than anyone else in the world.
- "in the name of the Lord I will destroy them" - there is power in His name.
- "The right hand of the Lord does valiantly."

This psalm brings to reminder God's mercy and salvation. Although God is the Almighty creator, He personally extends His mercy and saves each of us. The psalmist and anyone who understands what God has done for us will respond in thanksgiving and praise.



Psalm 118
Praise to God for His Everlasting Mercy

1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

2 Let Israel now say,
“His mercy endures forever.”

3 Let the house of Aaron now say,
“His mercy endures forever.”

4 Let those who fear the Lord now say,
“His mercy endures forever.”

5 I called on the Lord in distress;
The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.

6 The Lord is on my side;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?

7 The Lord is for me among those who help me;
Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.

8 It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in man.

9 It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in princes.

10 All nations surrounded me,
But in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

11 They surrounded me,
Yes, they surrounded me;
But in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

12 They surrounded me like bees;
They were quenched like a fire of thorns;
For in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.

13 You pushed me violently, that I might fall,
But the Lord helped me.

14 The Lord is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation.[a]

15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation
Is in the tents of the righteous;
The right hand of the Lord does valiantly.

16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted;
The right hand of the Lord does valiantly.

17 I shall not die, but live,
And declare the works of the Lord.

18 The Lord has chastened me severely,
But He has not given me over to death.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness;
I will go through them,
And I will praise the Lord.

20 This is the gate of the Lord,
Through which the righteous shall enter.

21 I will praise You,
For You have answered me,
And have become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.

23 This was the Lord’s doing;
It is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Save now, I pray, O Lord;
O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity.

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
We have blessed you from the house of the Lord.

27 God is the Lord,
And He has given us light;
Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.

28 You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.

29 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

Praise the Lord, All You Gentiles!

Is this the shortest chapter in the Bible? Is there another chapter with one or two verses only? In any case, shortness does not reflect on the content nor the quality.

This psalm calls for praises to God, not among His chosen people, the Israelites, but rather the Gentiles. Even before our LORD Jesus came in the flesh, the Israelites had already begin to fulfil their roles as God's light to the world. They are shining forth of God's glory - clearly reflected in this chapter as they call on all peoples to praise God. It also reveals to all people the merciful and kind nature of God and that He is everlasting truth.


Psalm 117
Let All Peoples Praise the Lord

1 Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles!
Laud Him, all you peoples!
2 For His merciful kindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!