The Book of Psalms

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- Chapter 119 -

ALEPH - Blessed are those who keep his law

ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.

Blessed are they who search his testimonies: that seek him with their whole heart.

For they that work iniquity, have not walked in his ways.

Thou hast commanded thy commandments to be kept most diligently.

O! that my ways may be directed to keep thy justifications.

Then shall I not be confounded, when I shall look into all thy commandments.

I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned the judgments of thy justice.

I will keep thy justifications: O! do not thou utterly forsake me.

BETH - Holiness is the fruit of keeping the law of the Lord

BETH. By what doth a young man correct his way? by observing thy words.

With my whole heart have I sought after thee: let me not stray from thy commandments.

Thy words have I hidden in my heart, that I may not sin against thee.

Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy justifications.

With my lips I have pronounced all the judgments of thy mouth.

I have been delighted in the way of thy testimonies, as in all riches.

I will meditate on thy commandments: and I will consider thy ways.

I will think of thy justifications: I will not forget thy words.

GIMEL - Eyes to see the wonders of the Lord

GIMEL. Give bountifully to thy servant, enliven me: and I shall keep thy words.

Open thou my eyes: and I will consider the wondrous things of thy law.

I am a sojourner on the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.

My soul hath coveted to long for thy justifications, at all times.

Thou hast rebuked the proud: they are cursed who decline from thy commandments.

Remove from reproach and contempt: because I have sought after thy testimonies.

For princes sat, and spoke against me: but thy servant was employed in thy justifications.

For thy testimonies are my meditation: and thy justifications my counsel.

DALETH - prayer to understand the ways of the Lord

DALETH. My soul hath cleaved to the pavement: quicken thou me according to thy word.

I have declared my ways, and thou hast heard me: teach me thy justifications.

Make me to understand the way of thy justifications: and I shall be exercised in thy wondrous works.

My soul hath slumbered through heaviness: strengthen thou me in thy words.

Remove from me the way of iniquity: and out of thy law have mercy on me.

I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments I have not forgotten.

I have stuck to thy testimonies, O Lord: put me not to shame.

I have run the way of thy commandments, when thou didst enlarge my heart.

HE - faithfulness based on the promises of God

HE. Set before me for a law the way of thy justifications, O Lord: and I will always seek after it.

Give me understanding, and I will search thy law; and I will keep it with my whole heart.

Lead me into the path of thy commandments; for this same I have desired.

Incline my heart into thy testimonies and not to covetousness.

Turn away my eyes that they may not behold vanity: quicken me in thy way.

Establish thy word to thy servant, in thy fear.

Turn away my reproach, which I have apprehended: for thy judgments are delightful.

Behold I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy justice.

VAU - salvation through the word of the Lord

VAU. Let thy mercy also come upon me, O Lord: thy salvation according to thy word.

So shall I answer them that reproach me in any thing; that I have trusted in thy words.

And take not thou the word of truth utterly out of my mouth: for in thy words have I hoped exceedingly.

So shall I always keep thy law, for ever and ever.

And I walked at large: because I have sought after thy commandments.

And I spoke of thy testimonies before kings: and I was not ashamed.

I meditated also on thy commandments, which I loved.

And I lifted up my hands to thy commandments, which I loved: and I was exercised in thy justifications.

ZAIN - The Word of the Lord is a source of hope and comfort

ZAIN. Be thou mindful of thy word to thy servant, in which thou hast given me hope.

This hath comforted me in my humiliation: because thy word hath enlivened me.

The proud did iniquitously altogether: but I declined not from thy law.

I remembered, O Lord, thy judgments of old: and I was comforted.

A fainting hath taken hold of me, because of the wicked that forsake thy law.

Thy justifications were the subject of my song, in the place of my pilgrimage.

In the night I have remembered thy name, O Lord: and have kept thy law.

This happened to me: because I sought after thy justifications.

HETH - My inheritance is the keeping of your word

HETH. O Lord, my portion, I have said, I would keep the law.

I entreated thy face with all my heart: have mercy on me according to thy word.

I have thought on my ways: and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.

I am ready, and am not troubled: that I may keep thy commandments.

The cords of the wicked have encompassed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.

I rose at midnight to give praise to thee; for the judgments of thy justification.

I am a partaker with all them that fear thee, and that keep thy commandments.

The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy justifications.

TETH - Learning the words of the Lord through suffering

TETH. Thou hast done well with thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word.

Teach me goodness and discipline and knowledge; for I have believed thy commandments.

Before I was humbled I offended; therefore have I kept thy word.

Thou art good; and in thy goodness teach me thy justifications.

The iniquity of the proud hath been multiplied over me: but I will seek thy commandments with my whole heart.

Their heart is curdled like milk: but I have meditated on thy law.

It is good for me that thou hast humbled me, that I may learn thy justifications.

The law of thy mouth is good to me, above thousands of gold and silver.

JOD - The law of the Lord is the foundation for the community of believers

JOD. Thy hands have made me and formed me: give me understanding, and I will learn thy commandments.

They that fear thee shall see me, and shall be glad: because I have greatly hoped in thy words.

I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are equity: and in thy truth thou hast humbled me.

O! let thy mercy be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.

Let thy tender mercies come unto me, and I shall live: for thy law is my meditation.

Let the proud be ashamed, because they have done unjustly towards me: but I will be employed in thy commandments.

Let them that fear thee turn to me and they that know thy testimonies.

Let my heart be undefiled in thy justifications, that I may not be confounded.

KAPH - Longing for peace and comfort

CAPH. My soul hath fainted after thy salvation: and in thy word I have very much hoped.

My eyes have failed for thy word, saying: When wilt thou comfort me?

For I am become like a bottle in the frost: I have not forgotten thy justifications.

How many are the days of thy servant: when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?

The wicked have told me fables: but not as thy law.

All thy statutes are truth: they have persecuted me unjustly, do thou help me.

They had almost made an end of me upon earth: but I have not forsaken thy commandments.

Quicken thou me according to thy mercy: and I shall keep the testimonies of thy mouth.

LAMED - The immutability of the law of the Lord

LAMED. For ever, O Lord, thy word standeth firm in heaven.

Thy truth unto all generations: thou hast founded the earth, and it continueth.

By thy ordinance the day goeth on: for all things serve thee.

Unless thy law had been my meditation, I had then perhaps perished in my abjection.

Thy justifications I will never forget: for by them thou hast given me life.

I am thine, save thou me: for I have sought thy justifications.

The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I have understood thy testimonies.

I have seen an end to all persecution: thy commandment is exceeding broad.

MEM - Love for God's law

MEM. O how have I loved thy law, O Lord! it is my meditation all the day.

Through thy commandment, thou hast made me wiser than my enemies: for it is ever with me.

I have understood more than all my teachers: because thy testimonies are my meditation.

100

I have had understanding above ancients: because I have sought thy commandments.

101

I have restrained my feet from every evil way: that I may keep thy words.

102

I have not declined from thy judgments, because thou hast set me a law.

103

How sweet are thy words to my palate! more than honey to my mouth.

104

By thy commandments I have had understanding: therefore have I hated every way of iniquity.

NUN - The word of the Lord is a lamp unto my feet

105

NUN. Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my paths.

106

I have sworn and am determined to keep the judgments of thy justice.

107

I have been humbled, O Lord, exceedingly: quicken thou me according to thy word.

108

The free offerings of my mouth make acceptable, O Lord: and teach me thy judgments.

109

My soul is continually in my hands: and I have not forgotten thy law.

110

Sinners have laid a snare for me: but I have not erred from thy precepts.

111

I have purchased thy testimonies for an inheritance for ever: because they are a joy to my heart.

112

I have inclined my heart to do thy justifications for ever, for the reward.

SAMEKH - The word of the Lord is my protection and my shield

113

SAMECH. I have hated the unjust: and have loved thy law.

114

Thou art my helper and my protector: and in thy word I have greatly hoped.

115

Depart from me, ye malignant: and I will search the commandments of my God.

116

Uphold me according to thy word, and I shall live: and let me not be confounded in my expectation.

117

Help me, and I shall be saved: and I will meditate always on thy justifications.

118

Thou hast despised all them that fall off from thy judgments; for their thought is unjust.

119

I have accounted all the sinners of the earth prevaricators: therefore have I loved thy testimonies.

120

Pierce thou my flesh with thy fear: for I am afraid of thy judgments.

AIN - The psalmist kept the law of the Lord

121

AIN. I have done judgment and justice: give me not up to them that slander me.

122

Uphold thy servant unto good: let not the proud calumniate me.

123

My eyes have fainted after thy salvation: and for the word of thy justice.

124

Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy: and teach me thy justifications.

125

I am thy servant: give me understanding that I may know thy testimonies.

126

It is time, O Lord, to do: they have dissipated thy law.

127

Therefore have I loved thy commandments above gold and the topaz.

128

Therefore was I directed to all thy commandments: I have hated all wicked ways.

PE - Prayer to keep the law of the Lord

129

PHE. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore my soul hath sought them.

130

The declaration of thy words giveth light: and giveth understanding to little ones.

131

I opened my mouth and panted: because I longed for thy commandments.

132

Look thou upon me, and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of them that love thy name.

133

Direct my steps according to thy word: and let no iniquity have dominion over me.

134

Redeem me from the calumnies of men: that I may keep thy commandments.

135

Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: and teach me thy justifications.

136

My eyes have sent forth springs of water: because they have not kept thy law.

TZADE - The Lord and his law are righteous

137

SADE. Thou art just, O Lord: and thy judgment is right.

138

Thou hast commanded justice thy testimonies: and thy truth exceedingly.

139

My zeal hath made me pine away: because my enemies forgot thy words.

140

Thy word is exceedingly refined: and thy servant hath loved it.

141

I am very young and despised; but I forgot not thy justifications.

142

Thy justice is justice for ever: and thy law is the truth.

143

Trouble and anguish have found me: thy commandments are my meditation.

144

Thy testimonies are justice for ever: give me understanding, and I shall live.

KOPH - Cry for salvation

145

COPH. I cried with my whole heart, hear me, O Lord: I will seek thy justifications.

146

I cried unto thee, save me: that I may keep thy commandments.

147

I prevented the dawning of the day, and cried: because in thy words I very much hoped.

148

My eyes to thee have prevented the morning: that I might meditate on thy words.

149

Hear thou my voice, O Lord, according to thy mercy: and quicken me according to thy mercy.

150

They that persecute me have drawn nigh to iniquity; but they are gone far off from the law.

151

Thou art near, O Lord: and all thy ways are truth.

152

I have known from the beginning concerning thy testimonies: that thou hast founded them for ever.

RESH - Keeping the law of the Lord in times of trouble

153

RES. See my humiliation and deliver me: for I have not forgotten the law.

154

Judge my judgment and redeem me: quicken thou me for thy word’s sake.

155

Salvation is far from sinners; because they have not sought thy justifications.

156

Many, O Lord, are thy mercies: quicken me according to thy judgment.

157

Many are they that persecute me, and afflict me; but I have not declined from thy testimonies.

158

I beheld the transgressors, and I pined away; because they kept not thy word.

159

Behold I have loved thy commandments, O Lord; quicken me thou in thy mercy.

160

The beginning of thy words is truth: all the judgments of thy justice are for ever.

SHIN - Prayer for deliverance from persecution

161

SIN. Princes have persecuted me without cause: and my heart hath been in awe of thy words.

162

I will rejoice at thy words, as one that hath found great spoil.

163

I have hated and abhorred iniquity; but I have loved thy law.

164

Seven times a day I have given praise to thee, for the judgments of thy justice.

165

Much peace have they that love thy law, and to them there is no stumbling block.

166

I looked to thy salvation, O Lord: and I loved thy commandments.

167

My soul hath kept thy testimonies: and hath loved them exceedingly.

168

I have kept thy commandments and thy testimonies: because all my ways are in thy sight.

TAU - Concluding prayer

169

TAU. Let my supplication, O Lord, come near in thy sight: give me understanding according to thy word.

170

Let my request come in before thee; deliver thou me according to thy word.

171

My lips shall utter a hymn, when thou shalt teach me thy justifications.

172

My tongue shall pronounce thy word: because all thy commandments are justice.

173

Let thy hand be with me to save me; for I have chosen thy precepts.

174

I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my meditation.

175

My soul shall live and shall praise thee: and thy judgments shall help me.

176

I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost: seek thy servant, because I have not forgotten thy commandments.

ALEPH - Blessed are those who keep his law

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the LORD’s law.

Blessed are those who keep his statutes, who seek him with their whole heart.

Yes, they do nothing wrong. They walk in his ways.

You have commanded your precepts, that we should fully obey them.

Oh that my ways were steadfast to obey your statutes!

Then I wouldn’t be disappointed, when I consider all of your commandments.

I will give thanks to you with uprightness of heart, when I learn your righteous judgments.

I will observe your statutes. Don’t utterly forsake me.

BETH - Holiness is the fruit of keeping the law of the Lord

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

With my whole heart I have sought you. Don’t let me wander from your commandments.

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Blessed are you, LORD. Teach me your statutes.

With my lips, I have declared all the ordinances of your mouth.

I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches.

I will meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways.

I will delight myself in your statutes. I will not forget your word.

GIMEL - Eyes to see the wonders of the Lord

Do good to your servant. I will live and I will obey your word.

Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of your law.

I am a stranger on the earth. Don’t hide your commandments from me.

My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times.

You have rebuked the proud who are cursed, who wander from your commandments.

Take reproach and contempt away from me, for I have kept your statutes.

Though princes sit and slander me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.

Indeed your statutes are my delight, and my counselors.

DALETH - prayer to understand the ways of the Lord

My soul is laid low in the dust. Revive me according to your word!

I declared my ways, and you answered me. Teach me your statutes.

Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works.

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.

Keep me from the way of deceit. Grant me your law graciously!

I have chosen the way of truth. I have set your ordinances before me.

I cling to your statutes, LORD. Don’t let me be disappointed.

I run in the path of your commandments, for you have set my heart free.

HE - faithfulness based on the promises of God

Teach me, LORD, the way of your statutes. I will keep them to the end.

Give me understanding, and I will keep your law. Yes, I will obey it with my whole heart.

Direct me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in them.

Turn my heart toward your statutes, not toward selfish gain.

Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways.

Fulfill your promise to your servant, that you may be feared.

Take away my disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.

Behold, I long for your precepts! Revive me in your righteousness.

VAU - salvation through the word of the Lord

Let your loving kindness also come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your word.

So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in your word.

Don’t snatch the word of truth out of my mouth, for I put my hope in your ordinances.

So I will obey your law continually, forever and ever.

I will walk in liberty, for I have sought your precepts.

I will also speak of your statutes before kings, and will not be disappointed.

I will delight myself in your commandments, because I love them.

I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love. I will meditate on your statutes.

ZAIN - The Word of the Lord is a source of hope and comfort

Remember your word to your servant, because you gave me hope.

This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has revived me.

The arrogant mock me excessively, but I don’t swerve from your law.

I remember your ordinances of old, LORD, and have comforted myself.

Indignation has taken hold on me, because of the wicked who forsake your law.

Your statutes have been my songs in the house where I live.

I have remembered your name, LORD, in the night, and I obey your law.

This is my way, that I keep your precepts.

HETH - My inheritance is the keeping of your word

The LORD is my portion. I promised to obey your words.

I sought your favor with my whole heart. Be merciful to me according to your word.

I considered my ways, and turned my steps to your statutes.

I will hurry, and not delay, to obey your commandments.

The ropes of the wicked bind me, but I won’t forget your law.

At midnight I will rise to give thanks to you, because of your righteous ordinances.

I am a friend of all those who fear you, of those who observe your precepts.

The earth is full of your loving kindness, LORD. Teach me your statutes.

TETH - Learning the words of the Lord through suffering

You have treated your servant well, according to your word, LORD.

Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.

Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I observe your word.

You are good, and do good. Teach me your statutes.

The proud have smeared a lie upon me. With my whole heart, I will keep your precepts.

Their heart is as callous as the fat, but I delight in your law.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes.

The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

JOD - The law of the Lord is the foundation for the community of believers

Your hands have made me and formed me. Give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.

Those who fear you will see me and be glad, because I have put my hope in your word.

LORD, I know that your judgments are righteous, that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

Please let your loving kindness be for my comfort, according to your word to your servant.

Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.

Let the proud be disappointed, for they have overthrown me wrongfully. I will meditate on your precepts.

Let those who fear you turn to me. They will know your statutes.

Let my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be disappointed.

KAPH - Longing for peace and comfort

My soul faints for your salvation. I hope in your word.

My eyes fail for your word. I say, “When will you comfort me?”

For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke. I don’t forget your statutes.

How many are the days of your servant? When will you execute judgment on those who persecute me?

The proud have dug pits for me, contrary to your law.

All of your commandments are faithful. They persecute me wrongfully. Help me!

They had almost wiped me from the earth, but I didn’t forsake your precepts.

Preserve my life according to your loving kindness, so I will obey the statutes of your mouth.

LAMED - The immutability of the law of the Lord

LORD, your word is settled in heaven forever.

Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it remains.

Your laws remain to this day, for all things serve you.

Unless your law had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.

I will never forget your precepts, for with them, you have revived me.

I am yours. Save me, for I have sought your precepts.

The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me. I will consider your statutes.

I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commands are boundless.

MEM - Love for God's law

How I love your law! It is my meditation all day.

Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me.

I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.

100

I understand more than the aged, because I have kept your precepts.

101

I have kept my feet from every evil way, that I might observe your word.

102

I have not turned away from your ordinances, for you have taught me.

103

How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth!

104

Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

NUN - The word of the Lord is a lamp unto my feet

105

Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.

106

I have sworn, and have confirmed it, that I will obey your righteous ordinances.

107

I am afflicted very much. Revive me, LORD, according to your word.

108

Accept, I beg you, the willing offerings of my mouth. LORD, teach me your ordinances.

109

My soul is continually in my hand, yet I won’t forget your law.

110

The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I haven’t gone astray from your precepts.

111

I have taken your testimonies as a heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.

112

I have set my heart to perform your statutes forever, even to the end.

SAMEKH - The word of the Lord is my protection and my shield

113

I hate double-minded men, 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, that I may keep the commandments of my God.

116

Uphold me according to your word, that I may live. Let me not be ashamed of my hope.

117

Hold me up, and I will be safe, and will have respect for your statutes continually.

118

You reject all those who stray from your statutes, for their deceit is in vain.

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. I am afraid of your judgments.

AIN - The psalmist kept the law of the Lord

121

I have done what is just and righteous. Don’t leave me to my oppressors.

122

Ensure your servant’s well-being. Don’t let the proud oppress me.

123

My eyes fail looking for your salvation, for your righteous word.

124

Deal with your servant according to your loving kindness. Teach me your statutes.

125

I am your servant. Give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies.

126

It is time to act, LORD, for they break your law.

127

Therefore I love your commandments more than gold, yes, more than pure gold.

128

Therefore I consider all of your precepts to be right. I hate every false way.

PE - Prayer to keep the law of the Lord

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 wide and panted, for I longed for your commandments.

132

Turn to me, and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.

133

Establish my footsteps in your word. Don’t let any iniquity have dominion over me.

134

Redeem me from the oppression of man, so I will observe your precepts.

135

Make your face shine on your servant. Teach me your statutes.

136

Streams of tears run down my eyes, because they don’t observe your law.

TZADE - The Lord and his law are righteous

137

You are righteous, LORD. Your judgments are upright.

138

You have commanded your statutes in righteousness. They are fully trustworthy.

139

My zeal wears me out, because my enemies ignore your words.

140

Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.

141

I am small and despised. I don’t forget your precepts.

142

Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness. Your law is truth.

143

Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me. Your commandments are my delight.

144

Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live.

KOPH - Cry for salvation

145

I have called with my whole heart. Answer me, LORD! I will keep your statutes.

146

I have called to you. Save me! I will obey your statutes.

147

I rise before dawn and cry for help. I put my hope in your words.

148

My eyes stay open through the night watches, that I might meditate on your word.

149

Hear my voice according to your loving kindness. Revive me, LORD, according to your ordinances.

150

They draw near who follow after wickedness. They are far from your law.

151

You are near, LORD. All your commandments are truth.

152

Of old I have known from your testimonies, that you have founded them forever.

RESH - Keeping the law of the Lord in times of trouble

153

Consider my affliction, and deliver me, for I don’t forget your law.

154

Plead my cause, and redeem me! Revive me according to your promise.

155

Salvation is far from the wicked, for they don’t seek your statutes.

156

Great are your tender mercies, LORD. Revive me according to your ordinances.

157

Many are my persecutors and my adversaries. I haven’t swerved from your testimonies.

158

I look at the faithless with loathing, because they don’t observe your word.

159

Consider how I love your precepts. Revive me, LORD, according to your loving kindness.

160

All of your words are truth. Every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever.

SHIN - Prayer for deliverance from persecution

161

Princes have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.

162

I rejoice at your word, as one who finds great plunder.

163

I hate and abhor falsehood. I love your law.

164

Seven times a day, I praise you, because of your righteous ordinances.

165

Those who love your law have great peace. Nothing causes them to stumble.

166

I have hoped for your salvation, LORD. I have done your commandments.

167

My soul has observed your testimonies. I love them exceedingly.

168

I have obeyed your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you.

TAU - Concluding prayer

169

Let my cry come before you, LORD. Give me understanding according to your word.

170

Let my supplication come before you. Deliver me according to your word.

171

Let my lips utter praise, for you teach me your statutes.

172

Let my tongue sing of your word, for all your commandments are righteousness.

173

Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.

174

I have longed for your salvation, LORD. Your law is my delight.

175

Let my soul live, that I may praise you. Let your ordinances help me.

176

I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I don’t forget your commandments.