LORD than to put confidence in man: 9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence princes. 10 All nations compassed me about but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. 11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the Load I will destroy them. 12 They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. 13 Thou hast thrust sore at me, that I might fall but the Lond helped me. 14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. 15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. 16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. 17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. 18 The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go in to them, and I will praise the LORD: 20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. 21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. 22 The stone which the builders. refused is become the head stone of the corner. 23 This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. 24 This is the day which the LORD hath made: we will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. 26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. 27 God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. 28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee thou art my God, I will exalt thee. 29 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. PSALM CXIX. ALEPH. BLESSED are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. 4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. Psal. CXVIII. This noble and prophetic hymn was originally sung in commemoration of a great national triumph; but it is applicable in its spiritual and higher sense to the victory of Christ, whereby the kingdom of heaven is established for ever and ever, and salvation made secure to all who place their trust in his merits. See Matth. xxi. 42; Acts, iv. 11; Ephes. ii. 20; 1 Pet. ii. 4-7. 50 that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. 8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. BETH. 9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. 13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy 20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times. 21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. 22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies. 23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. 24 Thy testimonies also are my delight, and my counsellors. DALETII. 25 My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word. 26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes. 27 Make nie to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. 28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou nie according unto thy word. 29 Remove from me the way of lying; and grant me thy law graciously. 30 I have chosen the way of truth; thy judgments have I laid before me. 31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame. 32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. HE. 33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes, and I shall keep it unto the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 33 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. 36 lucline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetous ness. 37 Turn away mine eyes from beholling vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. 38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. 39 Turn away my reproach which I fear; for thy judgments are good. 40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts; quicken me in thy righteousness. VAU. 41 Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word. 42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. 43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. 44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. 45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. 46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. 47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. 48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which 1 have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes. ZAIN. 49 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction for thy word hath quickened me. 51 The proud have had me greatly in derision; yet have I not declined from thy law. 52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself. 53 Horror hath taken hold upon me, because of the wicked that forsake thy law. 54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. 55 I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. 56 This I had, because I kept thy precepts. CHETH. 57 Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words. 58 I entreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word. 59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. 60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. 61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me but I have not forgotten thy law. 62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments. 63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. 64 The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy teach me thy statutes. TETH. 65 Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word. 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept thy word. 68 Thou art good, and doest good teach me thy statutes. 69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. 70 Their heart is as fat as grease: but I delight in thy law. 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. JOD. 73 Thy hands have made me, and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. 74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word. 75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. 76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. 77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight. 78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts. 79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. 80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes, that I be not ashamed. CAPH. 81 My soul fainteth for thy salvation; but I hope in thy word. 82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? 83 For I am become like a bottle. in the smoke; yet do I not forget the statutes. 84 How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? 85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law. 86 All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. 87 They had almost consumed me upon earth: but I forsook not thy precepts. 88 Quicken me after thy loving kindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth. LAMED. 89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. 90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. 91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. 92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. 93 i will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. 94 I am thine, save me: for I have sought thy precepts. 95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies. 96 I have seen an end of all per fection, but thy commandment is exceeding broad. MEM. 97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. 98 Thou, through thy command. ments, hast made me wiser than mine enemies; for they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. 101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. 102 I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. 103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. 113 I hate rain thoughts: but thy law do I love. 114 Thou art my hiding-place and my shield: I hope in thy word. 115 Depart from me, ye evildoers for I will keep the commandments of my God. 116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. 117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. 118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes : for their deceit is falsehood. 119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies. 120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments. AIN. 121 I have done judgment and justice leave me not to mine op pressors. 122 Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me. 123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness. 124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes. 125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies, 126 It is time for thee, LORD, to work; for they have made void thy law. 127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold, yea, above fine gold. 128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every faise way. PE. 129 Thy testimonies are wonder. ful therefore doth my soul keep them. 130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. 131 1 opened my mouth, and pauted: for I longed for thy com mandments. 132 Look thou upon me, and he merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. 133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. 134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts. 135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. 136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law. TZADDI. 137 Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments. 138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful. 139 My zeal hath consumed me; because mine enemies have forgotten thy words. 140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it. 141 I am small and despised; yet do not I forget thy precepts. 142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. 143, Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me; yet thy commandments are my delights. 144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live. 172 My tongue shall speak of thy word for all thy commandments are righteousness. 173 Let thine hand help me: for I have chosen thy precepts. 174 I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight. 175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me. 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments. PSALM CXX. A song of degrees. IN my distress I cried unto 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 unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? Psal. CXIX. The devout reader finds within the compass of this venerated psalm sentiments of the most fervent holiness, precepts of wisdom and experience, assurances of divine favour founded on the knowledge of the Almighty's goodness, and confessions and prayers fitted for all periods of Christian exertion. To render it thus various in its language and applications, the Divine Spirit has laid open the secrets of the human heart when impressed with the first 6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil; he shall preserve thy soul. 8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in, from this time forth, and even for evermore. PSALM CXXII. A song of degrees of David. I WAS glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. 2 Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together: 4 Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD. 5 For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusa lem: they shall prosper that love thee. visitings of penitence and hope, has brought into the clearest light the decrees of heavenly mercy, and, anticipating the gospel, has described by infallible signs the nature of internal religion and the change which it produces in the soul. Psal. CXX. The title of this, and also of the fourteen following psalms, is a song of degrees," or steps. Commentators are doubtful why they are so called, some supposing that a certain kind of melody was signified thereby; others that they are so named because composed at the coming up from Babylon. By another set of eritics the title is said to have been derived from the circumstance of their being employed by the priests when they pronounced any of those special benedictions, which they usually uttered from some lofty position; while, in the fourth place, its origin is ascribed to their being sung, in times of great national excitement, from the steps leading up to the temple. But whatever be the origin of the title by which they are known, the Church has always regarded them as of peculiar value in her services. The present psalm is said to have been composed during the captivity. Psal. CXXI. A most beautiful little hymn it breathes the very spirit of faith and hope. 7 Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. 8 For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. 9 Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good. PSALM CXXIII. A song of degrees. INTO thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. UNT 2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us. 3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us for we are exceedingly filled with contempt. 4 Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud. PSALM CXXIV. A song of degrees of David. IF it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; 2 If it had not been the Load who was on our side, when men rose up against us: 3 Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us : 4 Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: 5 Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. 6 Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. 7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. 8 Our help is in the name of the Loup, who made heaven and earth. PSALM CXXV. A song of degrees. THEY that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. 2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth, even for ever. 3 For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righte ous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. 4 Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts. 5 As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel. Psal. CXXII. This is supposed to have been one of the songs with which the people expressed their joy, as they went up in companies to the great festivals held at Jerusalem. Psal. CXXIII. Humility delights to use the language of this psalm. Psal. CXXIV. How readily may every Christian apply this psalm to his own case! Psal. CXXV. Both prayer and precept give a heavenly grace to this short psalm. PSALM CXXVI. A song of degrees. WHEN the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. 3 The LORD hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad. 4 Turn again our captivity, O LonD, as the streams in the south. 5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. PSALM CXXVII. A song of degrees for Solomon. EXCEPT the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but 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 giveth his beloved sleep. 3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. PSALM CXXVIII. A song of degrees. BLESSED is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. 2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. 3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive-plants round about thy table. 4 Behold, that thus shall the back; they made long their furrows. 4 The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked. 5 Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Zion: 6 Let them be as the grass upon the house-tops, which withereth. afore it groweth up; 7 Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand, nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom. 8 Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD. PSALM CXXX. A song of degrees. OUT of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. 2 LORD, hear my voice; let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. 3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O LORD, who shall stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. 5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. 6 My soul waiteth for the LORD more than they that watch for the morning; I say, more than they that watch for the morning. 7 Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LouD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. 8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. his afflictions: 2 How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob; 3 Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; 4 I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, 5 Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob. 6 Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah; we found it in the fields of the wood. 7 We will go into his tabernacles; we will worship at his footstool. 8 Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength. 9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy. Psal. CXXIX. A song of praise for deliverance from scornful and terrible enemies. Psal. CXXX. The truest personal experience will recognize in the language of this psalm the very savour of its own thoughts. Peal. CXXXI. Pure and simplehearted humility is the sweet sentiment of this psalm. 10 For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed. 11 The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. 12 If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that shall teach them, their children. shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore. 13 For the LORD hath chosen Zion he hath desired it for his habitation. 14 This is my rest for ever: here will I 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 will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. 18 His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish. PSALM CXXXIII. A song of degrees of David. BEHOLD, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard; that went down the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. PSALM CXXXIV. A song of degrees. BEHOLD, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD. 2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. 3 The LORD, that made heaven and earth, bless thee out of Zion. PSALM CXXXV. PRAISE ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD. 2 Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God, 3 Praise the LORD; for the LORD Psal. CXXXII. It was with this noble song that the ark was carried into the temple of Solomon when its gates were first opened to the awe-inspired and rejoicing Israelites. The true Israel still remains; and in the people of God are the prophetic words of the psalm gloriously fulfilled. Psalm CXXXIII. Let us keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, is the song of the true members of the Church in all ages. Psal. CXXXIV. This psalm was sung by the priests when at the close of the evening service the gates of the temple were shut; and the ministering course dividing into two parts, those who left the temple sang the first two verses of this psalm as they departed, and were answered from within by those who remained, in the words of the last verse, The Lord that made heaven and earth, bless thee out of Zion," is good; sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant. 4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and israel for his peculiar treasure. 5 For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. 6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. 7 He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings for the rain: he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries. 8 Who smote the first-born of Egypt. both of man and beast. " 9 Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his Servants. 10 Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings; 11 Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaau; 12 And gave their land for an heritage, an heritage unto Israel his people. 13 Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever, and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations. 14 For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants. 15 The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. 16 They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; 17 They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths. 18 They that make them are like unto them so is every one that trusteth 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 ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD. 21 Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD. PSALM CXXXVI. GIVE thanks unto the LORD; for he is good for his mercy endureth for ever. 2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. 3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his merey endureth for ever. 4 To him who alone doeth great wonders for his mercy endureth for ever. 5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens for his mercy endureth for ever. 6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever. 7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: 8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: 9 The moon and stars to rule by night for his mercy endureth for ever. 10 To him that smote Egypt in their first-born: for his mercy endureth for ever: 11 And brought out Israel from Psal. CXXXV. A festival song. and one full of animating remembrances. among them: for his mercy endureth for ever: 12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched-out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever. 13 To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for, ever: 14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever: 15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever. 16 To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever. 17 To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: 18 And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: 19 Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever: 20 And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever: 21 And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever: 22 Even an heritage unto Israel his servant for his mercy endureth for ever. 23 Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: 24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies for his mercy endureth for ever. 25 Who giveth food to all flesh : for his mercy endureth for ever. 26. O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.. BY PSALM CXXXVII Y the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down; yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. 2 We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. 3 For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. 4 How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land? 5 If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. 6 If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chie joy. 7 Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof. 8 O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. 9 Happy shall he be that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones. PSALM CXXXVIII. I WILL praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. Psal. CXXXVI. Another magnificent hymn of praise to Him who rules equally the courses of nature and the turbulent elements of the human world. Psal. CXXXVII. The most varied feelings are expressed in this short but interesting psalm. Cap. tivity breathes its melancholy plaint -patriotism exults in the prospect of approaching triumphs-and pro 2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving kindness, and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. 3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. 4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth. 5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD. 6 Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly but the proud he knoweth afar off. thou hand 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me shalt stretch forth thine against the wrath of mine enemies, aud the right hand shall save tne. 8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. PSALM CXXXIX. To the chief musician, A psalm of David. LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising: thou understandest my thought afar off. 3 Thou compassest my path, and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. 5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. 7 Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the carkness and the light are both alike to thee. 13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. 17 How precious also are thy phecy, speaking in the language of stern revenge, throws its solemn mystery over the whole. Psal. CXXXVIII. Devotion mingles with experience in this psalm, to make it acceptable to the heart of the believer. |