Study Desk

A song of ascents.

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,^(a) which cannot be shaken^(b) but endures forever.

As the mountains surround Jerusalem,^(c) so the Lord surrounds^(d) his people both now and forevermore.

The scepter^(e) of the wicked will not remain^(f) over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil.^(g)

Lord , do good^(h) to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart.⁽ⁱ⁾

But those who turn^(j) to crooked ways^(k) the Lord will banish^(l) with the evildoers. Peace be on Israel.^(m)

A song of ascents.

When the Lord restored^(a) the fortunes of^[a] Zion, we were like those who dreamed.^[b]

Our mouths were filled with laughter,^(b) our tongues with songs of joy.^(c) Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things^(d) for them."

The Lord has done great things^(e) for us, and we are filled with joy.^(f)

Restore our fortunes,^[c](g) Lord , like streams in the Negev.^(h)

Those who sow with tears⁽ⁱ⁾ will reap^(j) with songs of joy.^(k)

Those who go out weeping,^(l) carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

Unless the Lord builds^(a) the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches^(b) over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food^(c) to eat— for he grants sleep^(d) to^[a] those he loves.^(e)

Children are a heritage from the Lord , offspring a reward^(f) from him.

Like arrows^(g) in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth.

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.^(h) They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents⁽ⁱ⁾ in court.^(j)