Study Desk

The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one.

Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury.

Submit to God's royal son, 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!

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.

I cried out to the Lord , and he answered me from his holy mountain. Interlude

If a person does not repent, God will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow.

He will prepare his deadly weapons and shoot his flaming arrows.

But the Lord reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne.

Sing praises to the Lord who reigns in Jerusalem. Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds.

The Lord is known for his justice. The wicked are trapped by their own deeds. Quiet Interlude

The wicked think, "God isn't watching us! He has closed his eyes and won't even see what we do!"

But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.

For the righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.

The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed, but the Lord will protect his people.

Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel? When the Lord restores his people, Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.

For the choir director: A psalm of David, the servant of the Lord . He sang this song to the Lord on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. He sang: I love you, Lord ; you are my strength.

But in my distress I cried out to the Lord ; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.

Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of his anger.

Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from him.

He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet.