Study Desk

he brought him from tending ewesto be shepherd over his people Jacob—over Israel, his inheritance.

He shepherded them with a pure heartand guided them with his skillful hands.

for they have devoured Jacoband devastated his homeland.

“I relieved his shoulder from the burden;his hands were freed from carrying the basket.

I will listen to what God will say;surely the Lord will declare peaceto his people, his faithful ones,and not let them go back to foolish ways.

His salvation is very near those who fear him,so that glory may dwell in our land.

Righteousness will go before himto prepare the way for his steps.

I will crush his foes before himand strike those who hate him.

I will extend his power to the seaand his right hand to the rivers.

I will establish his line forever,his throne as long as heaven lasts.

If his sons abandon my instructionand do not live by my ordinances,

His offspring will continue forever,his throne like the sun before me,

You have repudiated the covenant with your servant;you have completely dishonored his crown.

You have broken down all his walls;you have reduced his fortified cities to ruins.

All who pass by plunder him;he has become an object of ridiculeto his neighbors.

You have lifted high the right hand of his foes;you have made all his enemies rejoice.

You have also turned back his sharp swordand have not let him stand in battle.

You have made his splendor ceaseand have overturned his throne.

You have shortened the days of his youth;you have covered him with shame.Selah

He will cover you with his feathers;you will take refuge under his wings.His faithfulness will be a protective shield.