Weekly Bible Reading: 10/13 – 10/19

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Psalms 1-2

KJV

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

2 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,
Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

NKJV

The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly

1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the [a]ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he [b]meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the [c]rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

The Messiah’s Triumph and Kingdom

2 Why do the [d]nations [e]rage,
And the people plot a [f]vain thing?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
And the rulers take counsel together,
Against the Lord and against His Anointed,[g] saying,
“Let us break Their bonds in pieces
And cast away Their cords from us.”

He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
The Lord shall hold them in derision.
Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,
And distress them in His deep displeasure:
“Yet I have [h]set My King
[i]On My holy hill of Zion.”

“I will declare the [j]decree:
The Lord has said to Me,
‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
You shall [k]break them with a rod of iron;
You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’ ”

10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
12 [l]Kiss the Son, lest [m]He be angry,
And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 1:1 wicked
b. Psalm 1:2 ponders by talking to himself
c. Psalm 1:3 channels
d. Psalm 2:1 Gentiles
e. Psalm 2:1 throng tumultuously
f. Psalm 2:1 worthless or empty
g. Psalm 2:2 Christ, Commissioned One, Heb. Messiah
h. Psalm 2:6 Lit. installed
i. Psalm 2:6 Lit. Upon Zion, the hill of My holiness
j. Psalm 2:7 Or decree of the Lord: He said to Me
k. Psalm 2:9 So with MT, Tg.; LXX, Syr., Vg. rule (cf. Rev. 2:27)
l. Psalm 2:12 LXX, Vg. Embrace discipline; Tg. Receive instruction
m. Psalm 2:12 LXX the Lord

NIV

Psalm 1

Blessed is the one
    who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
    or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

Not so the wicked!
    They are like chaff
    that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Psalm 2

Why do the nations conspire[a]
    and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
    against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
“Let us break their chains
    and throw off their shackles.”

The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
    the Lord scoffs at them.
He rebukes them in his anger
    and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
“I have installed my king
    on Zion, my holy mountain.”

I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son;
    today I have become your father.
Ask me,
    and I will make the nations your inheritance,
    the ends of the earth your possession.
You will break them with a rod of iron[b];
    you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;
    be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear
    and celebrate his rule with trembling.
12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry
    and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
    Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 2:1 Hebrew; Septuagint rage
b. Psalm 2:9 Or will rule them with an iron scepter (see Septuagint and Syriac)

NLT

Psalm 1

Oh, the joys of those who do not
    follow the advice of the wicked,
    or stand around with sinners,
    or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord,
    meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
    bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
    and they prosper in all they do.

But not the wicked!
    They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
    Sinners will have no place among the godly.
For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,
    but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

Psalm 2

Why are the nations so angry?
    Why do they waste their time with futile plans?
The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
    the rulers plot together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.
“Let us break their chains,” they cry,
    “and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

But the one who rules in heaven laughs.
    The Lord scoffs at them.
Then in anger he rebukes them,
    terrifying them with his fierce fury.
For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne
    in Jerusalem,[a] on my holy mountain.”

The king proclaims the Lord’s decree:
“The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son.[b]
    Today I have become your Father.[c]
Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,
    the whole earth as your possession.
You will break[d] them with an iron rod
    and smash them like clay pots.’”

10 Now then, you kings, act wisely!
    Be warned, you rulers of the earth!
11 Serve the Lord with reverent fear,
    and rejoice with trembling.
12 Submit to God’s royal son,[e] or he will become angry,
    and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities—
for his anger flares up in an instant.
    But what joy for all who take refuge in him!

Footnotes:
a. 2:6 Hebrew on Zion.
b. 2:7a Or Son; also in 2:12.
c. 2:7b Or Today I reveal you as my son.
d. 2:9 Greek version reads rule. Compare Rev 2:27.
e. 2:12 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

MEV

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
nor stands in the path of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
    that brings forth its fruit in its season;
its leaf will not wither,
    and whatever he does will prosper.

The ungodly are not so,
    but are like the chaff
    which the wind drives away.
Therefore the ungodly will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the ungodly will perish.

Psalm 2

Why do the nations rage,
    and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
    and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord
    and against His anointed, saying,
“Let us tear off their bonds
    and cast away their ropes from us.”

He who sits in the heavens laughs;
    the Lord ridicules them.
Then He will speak to them in His wrath
    and terrify them in His burning anger:
“I have installed My king
    on Zion, My holy hill.”

I will declare the decree of the Lord:

He said to me, “You are My son;
    this day have I begotten you.
Ask of Me,
    and I will give you the nations for your inheritance,
    and the ends of the earth for your possession.
You will break them with a scepter of iron;
    you will dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

10 Now then, you kings, be wise;
    be admonished, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear;
    tremble with trepidation!
12 Kiss the son, lest He become angry,
    and you perish in the way,
for His wrath kindles in a flash.
    Blessed are all who seek refuge in Him.

Psalms 3-4

KJV

3 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

4 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him.
Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.
There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

NKJV

The Lord Helps His Troubled People

A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son.

3 Lord, how they have increased who trouble me!
Many are they who rise up against me.
Many are they who say of me,
There is no help for him in God.” Selah

But You, O Lord, are a shield [a]for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
I cried to the Lord with my voice,
And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah

I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me all around.

Arise, O Lord;
Save me, O my God!
For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone;
You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.
Salvation belongs to the Lord.
Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah

The Safety of the Faithful

To the [b]Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

4 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have relieved me in my distress;
[c]Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

How long, O you sons of men,
Will you turn my glory to shame?
How long will you love worthlessness
And seek falsehood? Selah
But know that the Lord has [d]set apart for Himself him who is godly;
The Lord will hear when I call to Him.

Be[e] angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And put your trust in the Lord.

There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.
You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 3:3 Lit. around
b. Psalm 4:1 Choir Director
c. Psalm 4:1 Be gracious to me
d. Psalm 4:3 Many Heb. mss., LXX, Tg., Vg. made wonderful
e. Psalm 4:4 Lit. Tremble or Be agitated

NIV

Psalm 3[a]

A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.

Lord, how many are my foes!
    How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me,
    “God will not deliver him.”[b]

But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
    my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
I call out to the Lord,
    and he answers me from his holy mountain.

I lie down and sleep;
    I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
I will not fear though tens of thousands
    assail me on every side.

Arise, Lord!
    Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
    break the teeth of the wicked.

From the Lord comes deliverance.
    May your blessing be on your people.

Psalm 4[c]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

Answer me when I call to you,
    my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
    have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
    How long will you love delusions and seek false gods[d]?[e]
Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him.

Tremble and[f] do not sin;
    when you are on your beds,
    search your hearts and be silent.
Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
    and trust in the Lord.

Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
    Let the light of your face shine on us.
Fill my heart with joy
    when their grain and new wine abound.

In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety.

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 3:1 In Hebrew texts 3:1-8 is numbered 3:2-9.
b. Psalm 3:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 4 and 8.
c. Psalm 4:1 In Hebrew texts 4:1-8 is numbered 4:2-9.
d. Psalm 4:2 Or seek lies
e. Psalm 4:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 4.
f. Psalm 4:4 Or In your anger (see Septuagint)

NLT

Psalm 3

A psalm of David, regarding the time David fled from his son Absalom.

O Lord, I have so many enemies;
    so many are against me.
So many are saying,
    “God will never rescue him!” Interlude[a]

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
    you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
I cried out to the Lord,
    and he answered me from his holy mountain. Interlude

I lay down and slept,
    yet I woke up in safety,
    for the Lord was watching over me.
I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies
    who surround me on every side.

Arise, O Lord!
    Rescue me, my God!
Slap all my enemies in the face!
    Shatter the teeth of the wicked!
Victory comes from you, O Lord.
    May you bless your people. Interlude

Psalm 4

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.

Answer me when I call to you,
    O God who declares me innocent.
Free me from my troubles.
    Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

How long will you people ruin my reputation?
    How long will you make groundless accusations?
    How long will you continue your lies? Interlude
You can be sure of this:
    The Lord set apart the godly for himself.
    The Lord will answer when I call to him.

Don’t sin by letting anger control you.
    Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude
Offer sacrifices in the right spirit,
    and trust the Lord.

Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”
    Let your face smile on us, Lord.
You have given me greater joy
    than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

Footnotes:
a. 3:2 Hebrew Selah. The meaning of this word is uncertain, though it is probably a musical or literary term. It is rendered Interlude throughout the Psalms.

MEV

Psalm 3

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

Lord, how my foes have multiplied!
    Many rise up against me!
Many are saying about my life,
    “There is no help for him in God.” Selah[a]

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,
    my glory and the One who raises up my head.
I cried to the Lord with my voice,
    and He answered me from His holy hill. Selah

I lay down and slept;
    I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.
I will not be afraid of multitudes of people
    who have set themselves against me all around.

Arise, O Lord;
    save me, O my God!
For You have struck all my enemies on the cheek;
    You have broken the teeth of the wicked.

Salvation belongs to the Lord.
    Your blessing is on Your people. Selah

Psalm 4

For the Music Director. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

Hear me when I call,
    O God of my righteousness!
You have given me relief when I was in distress;
    have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

O people, how long will you turn my glory into shame?
    How long will you love vanity and seek after lies? Selah
Know that the Lord set apart the faithful for Himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to Him.

Tremble in awe, and do not sin.
    Commune with your own heart on your bed,
    and be still. Selah
Offer sacrifices of righteousness,
    and trust in the Lord.

Many are saying, “Who will show us any good?”
    Lift up the light of Your face over us.
You have placed gladness in my heart
    that is better than when their corn and their new wine abound.

I will both lie down in peace and sleep;
    for You, Lord,
    make me dwell safely and securely.

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 3:2 Musical term for a pause or change in the music.

Psalms 5-6

KJV

5 Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.
Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.
But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
10 Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.
11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
12 For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

6 O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long?
Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake.
For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping.
The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.
10 Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

NKJV

A Prayer for Guidance

To the Chief Musician. With [a]flutes. A Psalm of David.

5 Give ear to my words, O Lord,
Consider my [b]meditation.
Give heed to the voice of my cry,
My King and my God,
For to You I will pray.
My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;
In the morning I will direct it to You,
And I will look up.

For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness,
Nor shall evil [c]dwell with You.
The boastful shall not stand in Your sight;
You hate all workers of iniquity.
You shall destroy those who speak falsehood;
The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy;
In fear of You I will worship toward [d]Your holy temple.
Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies;
Make Your way straight before my face.

For there is no [e]faithfulness in their mouth;
Their inward part is destruction;
Their throat is an open tomb;
They flatter with their tongue.
10 Pronounce them guilty, O God!
Let them fall by their own counsels;
Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions,
For they have rebelled against You.

11 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You [f]defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You.
12 For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

A Prayer of Faith in Time of Distress

To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. On [g]an eight-stringed harp. A Psalm of David.

6 O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger,
Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure.
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak;
O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled.
My soul also is greatly troubled;
But You, O Lord—how long?

Return, O Lord, deliver me!
Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake!
For in death there is no remembrance of You;
In the grave who will give You thanks?

I am weary with my groaning;
[h]All night I make my bed swim;
I drench my couch with my tears.
My eye wastes away because of grief;
It grows old because of all my enemies.

Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity;
For the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping.
The Lord has heard my supplication;
The Lord will receive my prayer.
10 Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled;
Let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly.

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 5:1 Heb. nehiloth
b. Psalm 5:1 Lit. groaning
c. Psalm 5:4 Lit. sojourn
d. Psalm 5:7 Lit. the temple of Your holiness
e. Psalm 5:9 uprightness
f. Psalm 5:11 protect, lit. cover
g. Psalm 6:1 Heb. sheminith
h. Psalm 6:6 Or Every night

NIV

Psalm 5[a]

For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

Listen to my words, Lord,
    consider my lament.
Hear my cry for help,
    my King and my God,
    for to you I pray.

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
    in the morning I lay my requests before you
    and wait expectantly.
For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
    with you, evil people are not welcome.
The arrogant cannot stand
    in your presence.
You hate all who do wrong;
    you destroy those who tell lies.
The bloodthirsty and deceitful
    you, Lord, detest.
But I, by your great love,
    can come into your house;
in reverence I bow down
    toward your holy temple.

Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness
    because of my enemies—
    make your way straight before me.
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
    their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;
    with their tongues they tell lies.
10 Declare them guilty, O God!
    Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
    for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
    let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;
    you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Psalm 6[b]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. According to sheminith.[c] A psalm of David.

Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger
    or discipline me in your wrath.
Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint;
    heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.
My soul is in deep anguish.
    How long, Lord, how long?

Turn, Lord, and deliver me;
    save me because of your unfailing love.
Among the dead no one proclaims your name.
    Who praises you from the grave?

I am worn out from my groaning.

All night long I flood my bed with weeping
    and drench my couch with tears.
My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
    they fail because of all my foes.

Away from me, all you who do evil,
    for the Lord has heard my weeping.
The Lord has heard my cry for mercy;
    the Lord accepts my prayer.
10 All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish;
    they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 5:1 In Hebrew texts 5:1-12 is numbered 5:2-13.
b. Psalm 6:1 In Hebrew texts 6:1-10 is numbered 6:2-11.
c. Psalm 6:1 Title: Probably a musical term

NLT

Psalm 5

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by the flute.

O Lord, hear me as I pray;
    pay attention to my groaning.
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,
    for I pray to no one but you.
Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
    Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness;
    you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked.
Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence,
    for you hate all who do evil.
You will destroy those who tell lies.
    The Lord detests murderers and deceivers.

Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house;
    I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.
Lead me in the right path, O Lord,
    or my enemies will conquer me.
Make your way plain for me to follow.

My enemies cannot speak a truthful word.
    Their deepest desire is to destroy others.
Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
    Their tongues are filled with flattery.[a]
10 O God, declare them guilty.
    Let them be caught in their own traps.
Drive them away because of their many sins,
    for they have rebelled against you.

11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
    let them sing joyful praises forever.
Spread your protection over them,
    that all who love your name may be filled with joy.
12 For you bless the godly, O Lord;
    you surround them with your shield of love.

Psalm 6

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by an eight-stringed instrument.[b]

O Lord, don’t rebuke me in your anger
    or discipline me in your rage.
Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak.
    Heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.
I am sick at heart.
    How long, O Lord, until you restore me?

Return, O Lord, and rescue me.
    Save me because of your unfailing love.
For the dead do not remember you.
    Who can praise you from the grave?[c]

I am worn out from sobbing.
    All night I flood my bed with weeping,
    drenching it with my tears.
My vision is blurred by grief;
    my eyes are worn out because of all my enemies.

Go away, all you who do evil,
    for the Lord has heard my weeping.
The Lord has heard my plea;
    the Lord will answer my prayer.
10 May all my enemies be disgraced and terrified.
    May they suddenly turn back in shame.

Footnotes:
a. 5:9 Greek version reads with lies. Compare Rom 3:13.
b. 6:Title Hebrew with stringed instruments; according to the sheminith.
c. 6:5 Hebrew from Sheol?

MEV

Psalm 5

For the Music Director. With the flutes. A Psalm of David.

Give ear to my words, O Lord;
    consider my meditation.
Listen to the voice of my cry,
    my King and my God,
    for to You will I pray.

O Lord, in the morning You will hear my voice;
    in the morning I will direct my prayer to You,
    and I will watch expectantly.
For You are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness,
    nor will evil dwell with You.
Those who boast will not stand in Your sight;
    You hate all workers of iniquity.
You will destroy those who speak lies;
    the Lord abhors
    the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
But as for me, in the abundance of Your mercy
    I will enter Your house;
in fear of You I will worship
    at Your holy temple.

Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness
    because of my enemies;
    make Your way straight before me.
For there is no uprightness in their mouth;
    destruction is in their midst;
their throat is an open tomb;
    they flatter with their tongue.
10 Declare them guilty, O God;
    may they fall by their own counsels;
cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions,
    for they have rebelled against You.
11 But may all those who seek refuge in You rejoice;
    may they ever shout for joy,
because You defend them;
    may those who love Your name be joyful in You.

12 For You, Lord, will bless the righteous;
    You surround him with favor like a shield.

Psalm 6

For the Music Director. With stringed instruments. According to The Sheminith. A Psalm of David.

O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger,
    nor discipline me in the heat of Your anger.
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am weak;
    O Lord, heal me, for my bones are terrified.
My soul is greatly troubled,
    but You, O Lord, how long?

Return, O Lord, rescue my soul.
    Save me for the sake of Your lovingkindness.
For in death there is no remembrance of You;
    in Sheol who will give You thanks?

I am weary with my groaning;
    all night I flood my bed with weeping;
    I drench my couch with my tears.
My eye wastes away from grief;
    it grows weak because of all those hostile to me.

Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity;
    for the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping.
The Lord has heard my supplication;
    the Lord accepts my prayer.
10 May all my enemies be ashamed and greatly terrified;
    may they turn back and be suddenly ashamed.

Psalms 7

KJV

7 O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:
Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.
O Lord my God, If I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;
If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)
Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.
Arise, O Lord, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded.
So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high.
The Lord shall judge the people: judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.
Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.
11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
13 He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.
14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.
15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.
16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.
17 I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.

NKJV

Prayer and Praise for Deliverance from Enemies

A Meditation[a] of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite.

7 O Lord my God, in You I put my trust;
Save me from all those who persecute me;
And deliver me,
Lest they tear me like a lion,
Rending me in pieces, while there is none to deliver.

O Lord my God, if I have done this:
If there is iniquity in my hands,
If I have repaid evil to him who was at peace with me,
Or have plundered my enemy without cause,
Let the enemy pursue me and overtake me;
Yes, let him trample my life to the earth,
And lay my honor in the dust. Selah

Arise, O Lord, in Your anger;
Lift Yourself up because of the rage of my enemies;
Rise up [b]for me to the judgment You have commanded!
So the congregation of the peoples shall surround You;
For their sakes, therefore, return on high.
The Lord shall judge the peoples;
Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness,
And according to my integrity within me.

Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end,
But establish the just;
For the righteous God tests the hearts and [c]minds.
10 [d]My defense is of God,
Who saves the upright in heart.

11 God is a just judge,
And God is angry with the wicked every day.
12 If he does not turn back,
He will sharpen His sword;
He bends His bow and makes it ready.
13 He also prepares for Himself instruments of death;
He makes His arrows into fiery shafts.

14 Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity;
Yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood.
15 He made a pit and dug it out,
And has fallen into the ditch which he made.
16 His trouble shall return upon his own head,
And his violent dealing shall come down on [e]his own crown.

17 I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 7:1 Heb. Shiggaion
b. Psalm 7:6 So with MT, Tg., Vg.; LXX O Lord my God
c. Psalm 7:9 Lit. kidneys, the most secret part of man
d. Psalm 7:10 Lit. My shield is upon God
e. Psalm 7:16 The crown of his own head

NIV

Psalm 7[a]

A shiggaion[b] of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjamite.

Lord my God, I take refuge in you;
    save and deliver me from all who pursue me,
or they will tear me apart like a lion
    and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me.

Lord my God, if I have done this
    and there is guilt on my hands—
if I have repaid my ally with evil
    or without cause have robbed my foe—
then let my enemy pursue and overtake me;
    let him trample my life to the ground
    and make me sleep in the dust.[c]

Arise, Lord, in your anger;
    rise up against the rage of my enemies.
    Awake, my God; decree justice.
Let the assembled peoples gather around you,
    while you sit enthroned over them on high.
    Let the Lord judge the peoples.
Vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness,
    according to my integrity, O Most High.
Bring to an end the violence of the wicked
    and make the righteous secure—
you, the righteous God
    who probes minds and hearts.

10 My shield[d] is God Most High,
    who saves the upright in heart.
11 God is a righteous judge,
    a God who displays his wrath every day.
12 If he does not relent,
    he[e] will sharpen his sword;
    he will bend and string his bow.
13 He has prepared his deadly weapons;
    he makes ready his flaming arrows.

14 Whoever is pregnant with evil
    conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment.
15 Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out
    falls into the pit they have made.
16 The trouble they cause recoils on them;
    their violence comes down on their own heads.

17 I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness;
    I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 7:1 In Hebrew texts 7:1-17 is numbered 7:2-18.
b. Psalm 7:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
c. Psalm 7:5 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.
d. Psalm 7:10 Or sovereign
e. Psalm 7:12 Or If anyone does not repent, / God

NLT

Psalm 7

A psalm[a] of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush of the tribe of Benjamin.

I come to you for protection, O Lord my God.
    Save me from my persecutors—rescue me!
If you don’t, they will maul me like a lion,
    tearing me to pieces with no one to rescue me.
O Lord my God, if I have done wrong
    or am guilty of injustice,
if I have betrayed a friend
    or plundered my enemy without cause,
then let my enemies capture me.
    Let them trample me into the ground
    and drag my honor in the dust. Interlude

Arise, O Lord, in anger!
    Stand up against the fury of my enemies!
    Wake up, my God, and bring justice!
Gather the nations before you.
    Rule over them from on high.
    The Lord judges the nations.
Declare me righteous, O Lord,
    for I am innocent, O Most High!
End the evil of those who are wicked,
    and defend the righteous.
For you look deep within the mind and heart,
    O righteous God.

10 God is my shield,
    saving those whose hearts are true and right.
11 God is an honest judge.
    He is angry with the wicked every day.

12 If a person does not repent,
    God[b] will sharpen his sword;
    he will bend and string his bow.
13 He will prepare his deadly weapons
    and shoot his flaming arrows.

14 The wicked conceive evil;
    they are pregnant with trouble
    and give birth to lies.
15 They dig a deep pit to trap others,
    then fall into it themselves.
16 The trouble they make for others backfires on them.
    The violence they plan falls on their own heads.

17 I will thank the Lord because he is just;
    I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

Footnotes:
a. 7:Title Hebrew A shiggaion, probably indicating a musical setting for the psalm.
b. 7:12 Hebrew he.

MEV

Psalm 7

A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite.

O Lord my God, in You I put my trust;
    save me from all those who persecute me, and deliver me,
lest they tear my soul like a lion,
    rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.

O Lord my God, if I have done this,
    if there is iniquity in the palms of my hands,
if I have repaid evil to him who was at peace with me,
    or have delivered my adversary without cause,
then may the enemy pursue my life and overtake me;
    may my enemy trample my life to the ground,
    and lay my honor in the dust. Selah

Arise, O Lord, in Your anger;
    rise up because of the rage of my adversaries,
    and awaken Yourself for me; You have commanded justice.
The congregation of the peoples surround You;
    return above it to heaven’s heights.
    The Lord will judge the peoples;
grant me justice, O Lord, according to my righteousness,
    and according to my integrity within me.
May the evil of the wicked come to an end;
    may You vindicate the righteous one;
You are a righteous God who examines the minds and hearts.

10 My defense depends on God,
    who saves the upright in heart.
11 God is a righteous judge,
    and God has indignation every day.
12 If one does not repent,
    God will sharpen His sword;
    He has bent His bow and made it ready.
13 He has prepared for Himself deadly weapons;
    He makes His arrows flaming shafts.

14 The wicked man writhes in pain of iniquity;
    he has conceived mischief and brought forth falsehood.
15 He who digs a hole and hollows it
    will then fall into his own pit.
16 His mischief will return on his own head;
    his violence will descend on the crown of his own head.

17 I will thank the Lord according to His righteousness,
    and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

Psalms 8

KJV

8 O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

NKJV

The Glory of the Lord in Creation

To the Chief Musician. [a]On the instrument of Gath. A Psalm of David.

8 O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!

Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have [b]ordained strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit[c] him?
For You have made him a little lower than [d]the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.

You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
All sheep and oxen—
Even the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 8:1 Heb. Al Gittith
b. Psalm 8:2 established
c. Psalm 8:4 give attention to or care for
d. Psalm 8:5 Heb. Elohim, God; LXX, Syr., Tg., Jewish tradition angels

NIV

Psalm 8[a]

For the director of music. According to gittith.[b] A psalm of David.

Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory
    in the heavens.
Through the praise of children and infants
    you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
    to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?[c]

You have made them[d] a little lower than the angels[e]
    and crowned them[f] with glory and honor.
You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
    you put everything under their[g] feet:
all flocks and herds,
    and the animals of the wild,
the birds in the sky,
    and the fish in the sea,
    all that swim the paths of the seas.

Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 8:1 In Hebrew texts 8:1-9 is numbered 8:2-10.
b. Psalm 8:1 Title: Probably a musical term
c. Psalm 8:4 Or what is a human being that you are mindful of him, / a son of man that you care for him?
d. Psalm 8:5 Or him
e. Psalm 8:5 Or than God
f. Psalm 8:5 Or him
g. Psalm 8:6 Or made him ruler . . . ; / . . . his

NLT

Psalm 8

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by a stringed instrument.[a]

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
    Your glory is higher than the heavens.
You have taught children and infants
    to tell of your strength,[b]
silencing your enemies
    and all who oppose you.

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
    the moon and the stars you set in place—
what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
    human beings that you should care for them?[c]
Yet you made them only a little lower than God[d]
    and crowned them[e] with glory and honor.
You gave them charge of everything you made,
    putting all things under their authority—
the flocks and the herds
    and all the wild animals,
the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
    and everything that swims the ocean currents.

O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!

Footnotes:
a. 8:Title Hebrew according to the gittith.
b. 8:2 Greek version reads to give you praise. Compare Matt 21:16.
c. 8:4 Hebrew what is man that you should think of him, / the son of man that you should care for him?
d. 8:5a Or Yet you made them only a little lower than the angels; Hebrew reads Yet you made him [i.e., man] a little lower than Elohim.
e. 8:5b Hebrew him [i.e., man]; similarly in 8:6.

MEV

Psalm 8

For the Music Director. According to The Gittith. A Psalm of David.

O Lord, our Lord,
    how excellent is Your name in all the earth!

You have set Your glory
    above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
    You have ordained strength
because of Your enemies,
    to silence the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider Your heavens,
    the work of Your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which You have established,
what is man that You are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that You attend to him?

For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
    and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him dominion over the works of Your hands;
    You have put all things under his feet,
all sheep and oxen,
    and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air,
    and the fish of the sea,
    and whatever travels the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Lord,
    how excellent is Your name in all the earth!


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