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Psalms 119

1 - Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,who walk according to The LORD's law.
2 - Blessed are those who keep his statutes,who seek him with their whole heart.
3 - Yes, they do nothing wrong.They walk in his ways.
4 - You have commanded your precepts,that we should fully obey them.
5 - Oh that my ways were steadfastto obey your statutes!
6 - Then I wouldn't be disappointed,when I consider all of your commandments.
7 - I will give thanks to you with uprightness of heart,when I learn your righteous judgments.
8 - I will observe your statutes.Don't utterly forsake me.
9 - How can a young man keep his way pure?By living according to your word.
10 - With my whole heart, I have sought you.Don't let me wander from your commandments.
11 - I have hidden your word in my heart,that I might not sin against you.
12 - Blessed are you, The LORD.Teach me your statutes.
13 - With my lips,I have declared all the ordinances of your mouth.
14 - I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies,as much as in all riches.
15 - I will meditate on your precepts,and consider your ways.
16 - I will delight myself in your statutes.I will not forget your word.
17 - Do good to your servant.I will live and I will obey your word.
18 - Open my eyes,that I may see wondrous things out of your law.
19 - I am a stranger on the earth.Don't hide your commandments from me.
20 - My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times.
21 - You have rebuked the proud who are cursed,who wander from your commandments.
22 - Take reproach and contempt away from me,for I have kept your statutes.
23 - Though princes sit and slander me,your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24 - Indeed your statutes are my delight,and my counselors.
25 - My soul is laid low in the dust.Revive me according to your word!
26 - I declared my ways, and you answered me.Teach me your statutes.
27 - Let me understand the teaching of your precepts!Then I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 - My soul is weary with sorrow:strengthen me according to your word.
29 - Keep me from the way of deceit.Grant me your law graciously!
30 - I have chosen the way of truth.I have set your ordinances before me.
31 - I cling to your statutes, The LORD.Don't let me be disappointed.
32 - I run in the path of your commandments,for you have set my heart free.
33 - Teach me, The LORD, the way of your statutes.I will keep them to the end.
34 - Give me understanding, and I will keep your law.Yes, I will obey it with my whole heart.
35 - Direct me in the path of your commandments,for I delight in them.
36 - Turn my heart toward your statutes,not toward selfish gain.
37 - Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things.Revive me in your ways.
38 - Fulfill your promise to your servant,that you may be feared.
39 - Take away my disgrace that I dread,for your ordinances are good.
40 - Behold, I long for your precepts!Revive me in your righteousness.
41 - Let your loving kindness also come to me, The LORD,your salvation, according to your word.
42 - So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me,for I trust in your word.
43 - Don't snatch the word of truth out of my mouth,for I put my hope in your ordinances.
44 - So I will obey your law continually,forever and ever.
45 - I will walk in liberty,for I have sought your precepts.
46 - I will also speak of your statutes before kings,and will not be disappointed.
47 - I will delight myself in your commandments,because I love them.
48 - I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love.I will meditate on your statutes.
49 - Remember your word to your servant,because you gave me hope.
50 - This is my comfort in my affliction,for your word has revived me.
51 - The arrogant mock me excessively,but I don't swerve from your law.
52 - I remember your ordinances of old, The LORD,and have comforted myself.
53 - Indignation has taken hold on me,because of the wicked who forsake your law.
54 - Your statutes have been my songs,in the house where I live.
55 - I have remembered your name, The LORD, in the night,and I obey your law.
56 - This is my way,that I keep your precepts.
57 - The LORD is my portion.I promised to obey your words.
58 - I sought your favor with my whole heart.Be merciful to me according to your word.
59 - I considered my ways,and turned my steps to your statutes.
60 - I will hurry, and not delay,to obey your commandments.
61 - The ropes of the wicked bind me,but I won't forget your law.
62 - At midnight I will rise to give thanks to you,because of your righteous ordinances.
63 - I am a friend of all those who fear you,of those who observe your precepts.
64 - The earth is full of your loving kindness, The LORD.Teach me your statutes.
65 - Do good to your servant,according to your word, The LORD.
66 - Teach me good judgment and knowledge,for I believe in your commandments.
67 - Before I was afflicted, I went astray;but now I observe your word.
68 - You are good, and do good.Teach me your statutes.
69 - The proud have smeared a lie upon me.With my whole heart, I will keep your precepts.
70 - Their heart is as callous as the fat,but I delight in your law.
71 - It is good for me that I have been afflicted,that I may learn your statutes.
72 - The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
73 - Your hands have made me and formed me.Give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
74 - Those who fear you will see me and be glad,because I have put my hope in your word.
75 - The LORD, I know that your judgments are righteous,that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76 - Please let your loving kindness be for my comfort,according to your word to your servant.
77 - Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live;for your law is my delight.
78 - Let the proud be disappointed, for they have overthrown me wrongfully.I will meditate on your precepts.
79 - Let those who fear you turn to me.They will know your statutes.
80 - Let my heart be blameless toward your decrees,that I may not be disappointed.
81 - My soul faints for your salvation.I hope in your word.
82 - My eyes fail for your word.I say, "When will you comfort me?"
83 - For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke.I don't forget your statutes.
84 - How many are the days of your servant?When will you execute judgment on those who persecute me?
85 - The proud have dug pits for me,contrary to your law.
86 - All of your commandments are faithful.They persecute me wrongfully.Help me!
87 - They had almost wiped me from the earth,but I didn't forsake your precepts.
88 - Preserve my life according to your loving kindness,so I will obey the statutes of your mouth.
89 - The LORD, your word is settled in heaven forever.
90 - Your faithfulness is to all generations.You have established the earth, and it remains.
91 - Your laws remain to this day,for all things serve you.
92 - Unless your law had been my delight,I would have perished in my affliction.
93 - I will never forget your precepts,for with them, you have revived me.
94 - I am yours.Save me, for I have sought your precepts.
95 - The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me.I will consider your statutes.
96 - I have seen a limit to all perfection,but your commands are boundless.
97 - How I love your law!It is my meditation all day.
98 - Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,for your commandments are always with me.
99 - 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 aside 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.
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, The LORD, according to your word.
108 - Accept, I beg you, the willing offerings of my mouth.The 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.
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.
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, The 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.
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.
137 - You are righteous, The 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.
145 - I have called with my whole heart.Answer me, The 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, The LORD, according to your ordinances.
150 - They draw near who follow after wickedness.They are far from your law.
151 - You are near, The LORD.All your commandments are truth.
152 - Of old I have known from your testimonies,that you have founded them forever.
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, The 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, The LORD, according to your loving kindness.
160 - All of your words are truth.Every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever.
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, The 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.
169 - Let my cry come before you, The 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, The 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.

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Psalms Images and Notes

The Book of Psalms

Psalm 2:7-9 - 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.

Psalm 8:3-4 - 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?

Psalm 53:1-3 - The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: [there is] none that doeth good. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were [any] that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one.

The Old Testament - A Brief Overview

Bible Survey - Psalms
Hebrew Name - Tehillim "praises"
Greek Name - Psalmoi (Greek form of the Hebrew mizmor, meaning instrument songs)
Author - David (According to Tradition)
Date - 1056 BC Approximately
Theme - Give praise to the Lord
Types and Shadows - In Psalms Jesus is the One worthy of all praise

The Tomb of King David in Jerusalem
Painted Sketch of the Tomb of King David in Second Temple Jerusalem

Summary of The Book of Psalms

The title of the Book of Psalms in the Hebrew is sepher tehillim, meaning "book of praises", and indeed it is a fitting title. Every chapter is devoted to praise and thanksgiving from the author to Yahweh. This book clearly provides hope and confidence in the Lord as the maker of all things, the ultimate ruler of everything including the universe. He sees everything, knows everything, he has no limits, his presence is everywhere even in darkness there is no hiding and he is to be praised.

The Psalms are full of religious poetry and this was not uncommon in the ancient Near Eastern nations and peoples, and it was not surprising for the Hebrews to have produced such a powerful work. David was the recognized writer of the Psalms and they are many times referred to as the Psalms of David, although some of the chapters are not attributed to him in the notes.

The Psalms of David included Psalms 2-41 (except Psalms 33), Psalms 51-72, Psalms 108-110, and Psalms 138-145. David was no doubt a very skillful musician, the Bible mentions that he played the lyre for King Saul (1 Samuel 16:23), and the prophet Amos mentions that David invented instruments of music for worship of the Lord (Amos 6:5). There is also mention in the book of Samuel about David lamenting over Saul and Jonathan in a poetic fashion revealing his natural ability.

David went to many experiences in his life that he wrote about, especially when he was hunted down by King Saul from place to place like a "Partridge" in the wilderness. David was a young shepherd, he knew what it was like to tend his flock and to guard them from predators, this gave him a beautiful imagery for the Lord the great Shepherd. David was also a musician, a man of war, a king, a father, a husband, a friend, and many more. He repented over his sin in Psalm 51, acknowledging himself to be a sinner before God and God alone. God called David "a man after my own heart" and these experiences allowed him to share with the reader, a man who knew the heart of God. David was a master at finding different ways to praise God in life experiences and the book of Psalms is a wonder book for those who want to know how to please God. He was filled with the Holy Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13). There is no doubt the David wrote most of the Psalms, and the ones that he did not write are in his style as well.

Among the Psalms are two collections of Levitical Psalms, one is ascribed to the "sons of Korah" (Psalms 42-49), the other is ascribed to Asaph (Psalms 73-83 and Psalms 50). These exalt the tribes of Joseph. There are Psalms mentioning Moses, Haman, Ethan, and Solomon, some are anonymous (Psalm 33, 84-89). Some of the Psalms reveal a strong liturgical emphasis which might've been used in worship services, or on special days and do not mention the author (Psalms 91-100).

It is impossible to determine exactly how the Psalms were compiled and collected, and dating them is also difficult for most of the Psalms. Some of the Psalms are commemorating victories, while others are historical, remembering the Lord and God's people in past events. Other Psalms are prophetic and look to the future and the coming of the Messiah, as well as the heavenly kingdom. There are Psalms of affliction, lamentation and remorse over sin, as well as songs of Thanksgiving and trusting the Lord.

Some of the songs were chosen to be good for reciting on certain Jewish holy days, like the Sabbath, or Passover, the feast of Tabernacles, etc. There are titles on about 100 of the Psalms, the titles are so old that they cannot be understood even in the second century BC. Some of the titles point to the source of the Psalm, while others point to a certain purpose, or a certain melody, or something related to music.

Outline of the Book of Psalms

Psalms is divided into five books : Psalms 1-41, which witness to David's life and faith; Psalms 42-72, a group of historical writings; Psalms 73-99, ritual psalms; Psalms 90-106, reflecting pre-captivity sentiment and history; and Psalms 107-150, dealing with the captivity and return to Jerusalem. These five books are often regarded as the devotional counterpart to the five books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy).

ARCHAEOLOGY

House of David Inscription - Tel Dan Stele

Tel Dan Stele - House of David Inscription
1 Kings 2:11 - And the days that David reigned over Israel [were] forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.

An inscription containing the words "house of David" was found on a black basalt stone slab called the Tel Dan Stele, from Tel Dan, Israel, 9th Century B.C.

 Interesting facts about the Psalms: The book of Psalms is the longest book in the Bible. The 119th Psalm is a longest chapter in the whole Bible. The 117th Psalm is the shortest chapter in the Bible and located in the middle. When the Old Testament is quoted in the New Testament by someone, over one third of all the quotes are from the Psalms.

Quick Reference Map
Map of the Empires of David and Solomon
Map of the Empires of David and Solomon (Click to Enlarge)

Quick Reference Maps - Psalms

Hebron

Mahanaim

Zion and the City of David

The Kidron Valley and David's City

The Empire of David and Solomon

The Kingdom of David

Shiloh

Kirjath Jearim

Jabesh Gilead

Michmash

Judah in the Time of David

The City of Nob and David's Flight

The First Day. Light.

Psalms Resources

Samuel the Prophet
Saul, Israel's First King
King David
King Solomon

More About the Book of Psalms
Psalms in the Picture Study Bible
Timeline of the Ancient World
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