Study Desk

For, lo, the kings assembled themselves, They [came and] passed by together.

For this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even until death.

None of them can by any means redeem [either himself or] his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him—

For the ransom of his soul is too costly, And he should cease trying forever—

For he sees that even wise men die; The fool and the stupid alike perish And leave their wealth to others.

Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead); Death will be their shepherd; And the upright shall rule over them in the morning, And their form and beauty shall be for Sheol to consume, So that they have no dwelling [on earth].

But God will redeem my life from the power of Sheol, For He will receive me. Selah.

For when he dies he will carry nothing away; His glory will not descend after him.

Though while he lives he counts himself happy and prosperous— And though people praise you when you do well for yourself—

And the heavens declare His righteousness, For God Himself is judge. Selah.

"I do not reprove you for your sacrifices; Your burnt offerings are continually before Me.

"For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills.

"If I were hungry, I would not tell you, For the world and all it contains are Mine.

"For you hate instruction and discipline And cast My words behind you [discarding them].

For I am conscious of my transgressions and I acknowledge them; My sin is always before me.

For You do not delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering.

My [only] sacrifice [acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; A broken and contrite heart [broken with sorrow for sin, thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.

But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust [confidently] in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.

I will thank You forever, because You have done it, [You have rescued me and kept me safe]. I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones.

God has looked down from heaven upon the children of men To see if there is anyone who understands, Who seeks after God [who requires Him, who longs for Him as essential to life].