Psalm 119
ALEPH
How blest are the ones who are blameless,
who live the LORD's laws lest they fall.
How blest are those keeping his statutes,
pursuing the LORD above all.
They don't do what's wicked or evil,
but follow the paths you've laid out.
You've charged us to follow your precepts,
and keep them without any doubt.
Oh, that my ways might be established,
to keep the decrees that you've taught.
Then I'll not be shamed nor confounded,
when keeping the doctrine you've wrought.
As I learn your just regulations,
I'll praise you with sincerity.
I'll keep your decrees and your statutes;
oh, please do not give up on me.
BETH
How can a young man remain righteous?
By heeding your word every day.
With all of my heart I have sought you;
don't let me from your commands stray.
Your word in my heart have I hidden,
that I might not sin against you.
How blessed are you, LORD Jehovah;
oh, teach me your statutes anew.
I've often repeated your judgements,
and rules from your mouth that you've told.
Rejoicing in your testimonies
much more than in wealth that I hold.
I'll meditate on your commandments,
and ponder the ways you have set.
Delighting in your regulations;
your word will I never forget.
GIMEL
Deal generously with your servant,
so that I might live to obey.
Uncover my eyes to discover
your laws in a fresh and new way.
On earth, I am naught but a stranger;
don't hide your commandments from me!
My soul is consumed with a longing
for your laws continually.
You reprimand arrogant people,
those wandering from your commands.
Remove from me their scornful insults;
I've followed the laws you demand.
Though slandered by princes and rulers,
I meditate on your laws still.
Your statutes are my greatest pleasure;
they guide and admonish my will.
DALETH
My soul clings to dust — I'm in ashes;
breathe into me your word to live.
I told you my plans, and you answered;
now teach me the laws you would give.
Make clear to me all of your precepts,
I'll dwell on your wonders I see.
My soul is so weary of sorrow;
revive me with your word to me.
Keep me from the way of the faithless;
with grace, grant the law you require.
I've chosen the way of the faithful;
your judgements are my heart's desire.
I cleave unto your testimonies;
Jehovah, don't put me to shame.
I'll run the course of your commandments;
my heart, LORD, has not been the same.
HE
Teach me, LORD, the way of your statutes,
and from them I'll never depart.
Help me to obey your instructions,
to keep them with all of my heart.
Lead me in your path of commandments,
for that's where my pleasure remains.
Turn my heart to your testimonies,
and not to material gains.
Turn my eyes from things that are worthless;
revive me in your ways so dear.
Confirm to your servant your promise;
produce in me reverent fear.
Remove from me taunts that I've dreaded,
for your regulations are good.
I long to obey your commandments!
Your goodness makes my life renewed.
WAW
LORD, give me your loving devotion;
salvation that you've promised me.
When taunted, then I'll have an answer,
for trusting your word totally.
Do not snatch your word of truth from me,
I've hoped in your judgements to be.
For I will obey your instructions,
forever and eternally.
I'll freely walk out in the open,
pursuing your precepts I claim.
I'll speak before kings of your statutes
without any fear nor with shame.
I love and adore your commandments,
because they're so precious to me.
I'll honor and love your commandments,
and meditate on your decree.
ZAYIN
Remember your word to your servant;
you've given me hope for this strife.
It comforts me in my affliction;
your promise has given me life.
The proud have me in great derision;
your laws, though, have I not declined.
I ponder on your ancient judgements;
in them, LORD, is comfort I find.
I rage at the wicked's rejection —
your laws, they've abandoned and dodged.
Your statutes — the theme to my singing,
wherever I've sojourned and lodged.
At night, LORD, your name I remember,
and I've kept the laws you have made.
My whole life has this been my practice;
your precepts, I've always obeyed.
HETH
You are and have been, LORD, my portion;
I promised, your word to embrace.
With all my heart, I see your favor;
you promised to show me your grace.
I've pondered my own life's direction,
I followed your laws with my feet.
With no hesitation I hurry
to keep your commandments — complete.
Though bound by the cords of the wicked,
I have not forgotten your law.
At midnight I rise up to praise you;
your judgements still have me in awe.
I'm friend to all those who would fear you,
and all those who keep your decree.
The earth's full of your lovingkindness;
O LORD, teach your statutes to me.
TETH
LORD, you have dealt well with your servant,
just as your word promised to do.
Teach me your good judgement and knowledge,
I trust the commandments from you.
Before my affliction, I wandered,
but follow now all that you say.
You're good, and do only what's good, LORD;
oh, teach me your statutes, I pray.
Though proud smear my good reputation,
my heart keeps your laws, undeterred.
Their hearts are unfeeling and calloused;
yet I will delight in your word.
Twas good for me that I was humbled;
I know now what your statutes hold.
The law from your mouth is more precious
than chests full of silver and gold.
YODH
You made me with your hands and formed me;
gave sense that your word can be known.
Those fearing you see me and smile,
since I hope in your word alone.
I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous;
by faith has my judgement occurred.
Oh, comfort me now with your mercy;
your servant, I wait on your word.
Surround me with your tender mercies,
to live and delight in your law.
Disgrace, then, the proud who have wronged me;
I'll ponder your precepts with awe.
Unite me with all those who fear you,
those knowing your statutes — the same.
Let my heart be sound in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame.
KAPH
I long for and need your salvation;
I trust in your word, hopefully.
My eyes fail when seeking your promise;
I ask, When will you comfort me?
Like wineskins in smoke, I am shriveled;
yet will not forget your decrees.
How long must your servant endure this?
When will you judge my enemies?
The arrogant dig pits to trap me;
they do not conform to your laws.
Your statutes and laws can be trusted!
They persecute me without cause.
They nearly succeeded to end me;
your precepts, I did not reject.
Revive me again in your mercy;
the laws of your mouth have been kept.
LAMEDH
Your word, O LORD, is everlasting;
it stands in the heavens, secure.
Your truth is to all generations;
the earth that you made will endure.
They stand to this day by your judgements;
for all things have served you or will.
If your law had not been my treasure,
then I would have perished when ill.
I'll never forget your commandments,
for by them my life is brand new.
I'm yours, so now come to my rescue!
I've sought out the precepts from you.
The wicked await my destruction;
your teachings have I understood.
Perfection is known to have limits;
your laws, without limits, are broad.
MEM
O LORD, how I love your instructions!
I think about them all the time.
They make me much wiser than my foes;
they're always with me — ever mine.
I have more insight than my teachers;
your statutes have been my crusade.
I'm wiser than even my elders,
for all your laws have been obeyed.
I've kept my feet from paths of evil,
so that I'd obey your commands.
I've not turned aside from your judgements,
that you've taught me by your own hands.
How sweet are your words to my palate!
Yes, sweeter than honey to eat!
Your precepts give me understanding,
that's why I abhor all deceit.
NUN
Your word is a lamp to my footsteps,
a light that illumines my way.
I've taken an oath and confirmed it:
your righteous rules will I obey.
I've suffered so much, O Jehovah;
restore my life, LORD, as you vowed.
Be pleased with the words of my mouth, LORD,
and teach me the laws you've endowed.
My life always hangs in the balance;
your laws will I always obey.
The wicked lay snares to entrap me;
from your precepts, I'll never stray.
Your statutes are my prized possessions,
that give my heart joy endlessly.
My heart has resolved to obey you,
forever — for eternity.
SAMEKH
I hate those whose minds are divided;
my love for your laws are assured.
My refuge, my shield and defender;
I anchor my hope in your word.
Depart from me, you evildoers,
I'll keep my God's laws that are just.
Sustain me, LORD, as you have promised;
don't let me be shamed for my trust.
Sustain me, and I will be rescued;
in awe of your word, I remain.
You spurn all who stray from your statutes;
their schemes and deceit are in vain.
Like dross, you've discarded the wicked;
no wonder I love your commands.
In awe of you, LORD, my flesh trembles;
in awe of your judgements, I stand.
AYIN
I've done what is fair, just and righteous;
don't leave me to my enemy.
Ensuring your servant's well-being;
don't let my oppressors crush me.
My eyes strain to see your salvation,
your promise that you would fulfill.
LORD, deal with your servant with kindness,
and teach me your statutes and will.
As servant, I ask for discernment,
that your decrees I'd understand.
It's time, LORD, for you to take action;
they've broken your law and command.
I truly adore your commandments
above all the gold you could pay.
I carefully follow your precepts,
and hate every fraudulent way.
PE
Your statutes are marvels and wonders,
and they, on my soul, are ingrained.
Declaring your words will enlighten;
instructing the young and untrained.
My mouth opens with expectation;
I long for the word you proclaim.
Look my way and show me your mercy,
as you've shown those loving your name.
Establish my footsteps as promised;
let no evil dominate me.
Redeem me from human oppression,
that I may obey your decree.
Make your face to shine on your servant;
and teach me the statutes you've made.
My tears flow like rivers of water,
because your laws are not obeyed.
TSADHE
Jehovah, O LORD, you are righteous;
your judgements are beyond compare.
The statutes you've laid down are perfect;
they're righteous and faithful and fair.
My zeal has completely consumed me;
your words are ignored by my foe.
Your words have been thoroughly tested,
and your servant treasures them so.
Though lowly and so unimportant,
I have not forgotten your laws.
Your justice is righteous forever;
your law is the truth, without flaws.
Though trouble and anguish have found me,
what joy your commands truly give!
Your statutes are righteous forever;
give me understanding to live.
QOPH
I call with my whole heart, LORD, answer!
I'll keep your decrees on my mind.
I cry out to you, O LORD, save me!
I'll not leave your statutes behind.
I rise before dawn, and I cry out;
in your word, I hope and await.
I stay awake through the night watches,
just so that I can meditate.
Because of your mercy, LORD, hear me;
revive me as your laws allow.
The lawless come near to attack me;
so far from your laws are they now.
Yet you are so near me, Jehovah,
and all your commandments are truth.
You've made your decrees last forever,
for this I have known since my youth.
RESH
Consider my pain — I need rescued;
oh, how I recall your decrees.
LORD, argue my case and redeem me;
revive me as you've promised me.
Salvation is far from the wicked;
your statutes have not been obeyed.
Jehovah, how great is your mercy;
revive me by your laws you've made.
My foes and pursuers are many;
I've not turned from laws of your hand.
I look on the faithless with loathing,
for they do not keep your command.
Consider how I love your precepts;
revive me by your mercy's store.
Your word is true from the beginning;
your judgements shall stand evermore.
SHIN
Though rulers attack me unjustly,
I tremble, revering your law.
Rejoicing at your word of promise,
like facing great plunder, in awe.
I hate and abhor every falsehood,
but love your instructions I trust.
I praise you, LORD, seven times daily,
because all your judgements are just.
Great peace to those loving your statutes,
for they will not stumble nor fall.
I hope and await your salvation;
I've done your commands, one and all.
My soul has kept your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly so.
I've kept your decrees and your precepts;
whatever I do, LORD, you know.
TAW
O LORD, let my cry come before you;
help me understand every word.
Keep my supplication before you;
save me as your promise assured.
Let my lips speak praise with thanksgiving,
for you have taught me your decrees.
Let my tongue make song of your promise,
how just your commands are to me.
Let your hand be ready to help me;
I've chosen the precepts you gave.
O LORD, I have longed for your rescue;
your law gives me joy that I crave.
Allow me to live just to praise you;
and may your laws help me to stand.
Like lost sheep, I've strayed, and I've wandered;
find me, for I've kept your commands.
How blest are the ones who are blameless,
who live the LORD's laws lest they fall.
How blest are those keeping his statutes,
pursuing the LORD above all.
They don't do what's wicked or evil,
but follow the paths you've laid out.
You've charged us to follow your precepts,
and keep them without any doubt.
Oh, that my ways might be established,
to keep the decrees that you've taught.
Then I'll not be shamed nor confounded,
when keeping the doctrine you've wrought.
As I learn your just regulations,
I'll praise you with sincerity.
I'll keep your decrees and your statutes;
oh, please do not give up on me.
BETH
How can a young man remain righteous?
By heeding your word every day.
With all of my heart I have sought you;
don't let me from your commands stray.
Your word in my heart have I hidden,
that I might not sin against you.
How blessed are you, LORD Jehovah;
oh, teach me your statutes anew.
I've often repeated your judgements,
and rules from your mouth that you've told.
Rejoicing in your testimonies
much more than in wealth that I hold.
I'll meditate on your commandments,
and ponder the ways you have set.
Delighting in your regulations;
your word will I never forget.
GIMEL
Deal generously with your servant,
so that I might live to obey.
Uncover my eyes to discover
your laws in a fresh and new way.
On earth, I am naught but a stranger;
don't hide your commandments from me!
My soul is consumed with a longing
for your laws continually.
You reprimand arrogant people,
those wandering from your commands.
Remove from me their scornful insults;
I've followed the laws you demand.
Though slandered by princes and rulers,
I meditate on your laws still.
Your statutes are my greatest pleasure;
they guide and admonish my will.
DALETH
My soul clings to dust — I'm in ashes;
breathe into me your word to live.
I told you my plans, and you answered;
now teach me the laws you would give.
Make clear to me all of your precepts,
I'll dwell on your wonders I see.
My soul is so weary of sorrow;
revive me with your word to me.
Keep me from the way of the faithless;
with grace, grant the law you require.
I've chosen the way of the faithful;
your judgements are my heart's desire.
I cleave unto your testimonies;
Jehovah, don't put me to shame.
I'll run the course of your commandments;
my heart, LORD, has not been the same.
HE
Teach me, LORD, the way of your statutes,
and from them I'll never depart.
Help me to obey your instructions,
to keep them with all of my heart.
Lead me in your path of commandments,
for that's where my pleasure remains.
Turn my heart to your testimonies,
and not to material gains.
Turn my eyes from things that are worthless;
revive me in your ways so dear.
Confirm to your servant your promise;
produce in me reverent fear.
Remove from me taunts that I've dreaded,
for your regulations are good.
I long to obey your commandments!
Your goodness makes my life renewed.
WAW
LORD, give me your loving devotion;
salvation that you've promised me.
When taunted, then I'll have an answer,
for trusting your word totally.
Do not snatch your word of truth from me,
I've hoped in your judgements to be.
For I will obey your instructions,
forever and eternally.
I'll freely walk out in the open,
pursuing your precepts I claim.
I'll speak before kings of your statutes
without any fear nor with shame.
I love and adore your commandments,
because they're so precious to me.
I'll honor and love your commandments,
and meditate on your decree.
ZAYIN
Remember your word to your servant;
you've given me hope for this strife.
It comforts me in my affliction;
your promise has given me life.
The proud have me in great derision;
your laws, though, have I not declined.
I ponder on your ancient judgements;
in them, LORD, is comfort I find.
I rage at the wicked's rejection —
your laws, they've abandoned and dodged.
Your statutes — the theme to my singing,
wherever I've sojourned and lodged.
At night, LORD, your name I remember,
and I've kept the laws you have made.
My whole life has this been my practice;
your precepts, I've always obeyed.
HETH
You are and have been, LORD, my portion;
I promised, your word to embrace.
With all my heart, I see your favor;
you promised to show me your grace.
I've pondered my own life's direction,
I followed your laws with my feet.
With no hesitation I hurry
to keep your commandments — complete.
Though bound by the cords of the wicked,
I have not forgotten your law.
At midnight I rise up to praise you;
your judgements still have me in awe.
I'm friend to all those who would fear you,
and all those who keep your decree.
The earth's full of your lovingkindness;
O LORD, teach your statutes to me.
TETH
LORD, you have dealt well with your servant,
just as your word promised to do.
Teach me your good judgement and knowledge,
I trust the commandments from you.
Before my affliction, I wandered,
but follow now all that you say.
You're good, and do only what's good, LORD;
oh, teach me your statutes, I pray.
Though proud smear my good reputation,
my heart keeps your laws, undeterred.
Their hearts are unfeeling and calloused;
yet I will delight in your word.
Twas good for me that I was humbled;
I know now what your statutes hold.
The law from your mouth is more precious
than chests full of silver and gold.
YODH
You made me with your hands and formed me;
gave sense that your word can be known.
Those fearing you see me and smile,
since I hope in your word alone.
I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous;
by faith has my judgement occurred.
Oh, comfort me now with your mercy;
your servant, I wait on your word.
Surround me with your tender mercies,
to live and delight in your law.
Disgrace, then, the proud who have wronged me;
I'll ponder your precepts with awe.
Unite me with all those who fear you,
those knowing your statutes — the same.
Let my heart be sound in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame.
KAPH
I long for and need your salvation;
I trust in your word, hopefully.
My eyes fail when seeking your promise;
I ask, When will you comfort me?
Like wineskins in smoke, I am shriveled;
yet will not forget your decrees.
How long must your servant endure this?
When will you judge my enemies?
The arrogant dig pits to trap me;
they do not conform to your laws.
Your statutes and laws can be trusted!
They persecute me without cause.
They nearly succeeded to end me;
your precepts, I did not reject.
Revive me again in your mercy;
the laws of your mouth have been kept.
LAMEDH
Your word, O LORD, is everlasting;
it stands in the heavens, secure.
Your truth is to all generations;
the earth that you made will endure.
They stand to this day by your judgements;
for all things have served you or will.
If your law had not been my treasure,
then I would have perished when ill.
I'll never forget your commandments,
for by them my life is brand new.
I'm yours, so now come to my rescue!
I've sought out the precepts from you.
The wicked await my destruction;
your teachings have I understood.
Perfection is known to have limits;
your laws, without limits, are broad.
MEM
O LORD, how I love your instructions!
I think about them all the time.
They make me much wiser than my foes;
they're always with me — ever mine.
I have more insight than my teachers;
your statutes have been my crusade.
I'm wiser than even my elders,
for all your laws have been obeyed.
I've kept my feet from paths of evil,
so that I'd obey your commands.
I've not turned aside from your judgements,
that you've taught me by your own hands.
How sweet are your words to my palate!
Yes, sweeter than honey to eat!
Your precepts give me understanding,
that's why I abhor all deceit.
NUN
Your word is a lamp to my footsteps,
a light that illumines my way.
I've taken an oath and confirmed it:
your righteous rules will I obey.
I've suffered so much, O Jehovah;
restore my life, LORD, as you vowed.
Be pleased with the words of my mouth, LORD,
and teach me the laws you've endowed.
My life always hangs in the balance;
your laws will I always obey.
The wicked lay snares to entrap me;
from your precepts, I'll never stray.
Your statutes are my prized possessions,
that give my heart joy endlessly.
My heart has resolved to obey you,
forever — for eternity.
SAMEKH
I hate those whose minds are divided;
my love for your laws are assured.
My refuge, my shield and defender;
I anchor my hope in your word.
Depart from me, you evildoers,
I'll keep my God's laws that are just.
Sustain me, LORD, as you have promised;
don't let me be shamed for my trust.
Sustain me, and I will be rescued;
in awe of your word, I remain.
You spurn all who stray from your statutes;
their schemes and deceit are in vain.
Like dross, you've discarded the wicked;
no wonder I love your commands.
In awe of you, LORD, my flesh trembles;
in awe of your judgements, I stand.
AYIN
I've done what is fair, just and righteous;
don't leave me to my enemy.
Ensuring your servant's well-being;
don't let my oppressors crush me.
My eyes strain to see your salvation,
your promise that you would fulfill.
LORD, deal with your servant with kindness,
and teach me your statutes and will.
As servant, I ask for discernment,
that your decrees I'd understand.
It's time, LORD, for you to take action;
they've broken your law and command.
I truly adore your commandments
above all the gold you could pay.
I carefully follow your precepts,
and hate every fraudulent way.
PE
Your statutes are marvels and wonders,
and they, on my soul, are ingrained.
Declaring your words will enlighten;
instructing the young and untrained.
My mouth opens with expectation;
I long for the word you proclaim.
Look my way and show me your mercy,
as you've shown those loving your name.
Establish my footsteps as promised;
let no evil dominate me.
Redeem me from human oppression,
that I may obey your decree.
Make your face to shine on your servant;
and teach me the statutes you've made.
My tears flow like rivers of water,
because your laws are not obeyed.
TSADHE
Jehovah, O LORD, you are righteous;
your judgements are beyond compare.
The statutes you've laid down are perfect;
they're righteous and faithful and fair.
My zeal has completely consumed me;
your words are ignored by my foe.
Your words have been thoroughly tested,
and your servant treasures them so.
Though lowly and so unimportant,
I have not forgotten your laws.
Your justice is righteous forever;
your law is the truth, without flaws.
Though trouble and anguish have found me,
what joy your commands truly give!
Your statutes are righteous forever;
give me understanding to live.
QOPH
I call with my whole heart, LORD, answer!
I'll keep your decrees on my mind.
I cry out to you, O LORD, save me!
I'll not leave your statutes behind.
I rise before dawn, and I cry out;
in your word, I hope and await.
I stay awake through the night watches,
just so that I can meditate.
Because of your mercy, LORD, hear me;
revive me as your laws allow.
The lawless come near to attack me;
so far from your laws are they now.
Yet you are so near me, Jehovah,
and all your commandments are truth.
You've made your decrees last forever,
for this I have known since my youth.
RESH
Consider my pain — I need rescued;
oh, how I recall your decrees.
LORD, argue my case and redeem me;
revive me as you've promised me.
Salvation is far from the wicked;
your statutes have not been obeyed.
Jehovah, how great is your mercy;
revive me by your laws you've made.
My foes and pursuers are many;
I've not turned from laws of your hand.
I look on the faithless with loathing,
for they do not keep your command.
Consider how I love your precepts;
revive me by your mercy's store.
Your word is true from the beginning;
your judgements shall stand evermore.
SHIN
Though rulers attack me unjustly,
I tremble, revering your law.
Rejoicing at your word of promise,
like facing great plunder, in awe.
I hate and abhor every falsehood,
but love your instructions I trust.
I praise you, LORD, seven times daily,
because all your judgements are just.
Great peace to those loving your statutes,
for they will not stumble nor fall.
I hope and await your salvation;
I've done your commands, one and all.
My soul has kept your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly so.
I've kept your decrees and your precepts;
whatever I do, LORD, you know.
TAW
O LORD, let my cry come before you;
help me understand every word.
Keep my supplication before you;
save me as your promise assured.
Let my lips speak praise with thanksgiving,
for you have taught me your decrees.
Let my tongue make song of your promise,
how just your commands are to me.
Let your hand be ready to help me;
I've chosen the precepts you gave.
O LORD, I have longed for your rescue;
your law gives me joy that I crave.
Allow me to live just to praise you;
and may your laws help me to stand.
Like lost sheep, I've strayed, and I've wandered;
find me, for I've kept your commands.
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