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)

A song of ascents.

Blessed are all who fear the Lord ,^(a) who walk in obedience to him.^(b)

You will eat the fruit of your labor;^(c) blessings and prosperity^(d) will be yours.

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine^(e) within your house; your children^(f) will be like olive shoots^(g) around your table.

Yes, this will be the blessing^(h) for the man who fears the Lord .⁽ⁱ⁾

May the Lord bless you from Zion;^(j) may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem^(k) all the days of your life.

May you live to see your children's children—^(l) peace be on Israel.^(m)

A song of ascents.

"They have greatly oppressed^(a) me from my youth,"^(b) let Israel say;^(c)

"they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory^(d) over me.

Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long.

But the Lord is righteous;^(e) he has cut me free^(f) from the cords of the wicked."^(g)

May all who hate Zion^(h) be turned back in shame.⁽ⁱ⁾

May they be like grass on the roof,^(j) which withers^(k) before it can grow;

a reaper cannot fill his hands with it,^(l) nor one who gathers fill his arms.

May those who pass by not say to them, "The blessing of the Lord be on you; we bless you^(m) in the name of the Lord ."

A song of ascents.

Out of the depths^(a) I cry to you,^(b) Lord ;

Lord, hear my voice.^(c) Let your ears be attentive^(d) to my cry for mercy.^(e)

If you, Lord , kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?^(f)

But with you there is forgiveness,^(g) so that we can, with reverence, serve you.^(h)

I wait for the Lord ,⁽ⁱ⁾ my whole being waits,^(j) and in his word^(k) I put my hope.

I wait for the Lord more than watchmen^(l) wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.^(m)

Israel, put your hope⁽ⁿ⁾ in the Lord , for with the Lord is unfailing love^(o) and with him is full redemption.^(p)

He himself will redeem^(q) Israel from all their sins.^(r)

A song of ascents. Of David.

My heart is not proud,^(a) Lord , my eyes are not haughty;^(b) I do not concern myself with great matters^(c) or things too wonderful for me.^(d)

But I have calmed and quieted myself,^(e) I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.^(f)

Israel, put your hope^(g) in the Lord both now and forevermore.^(h)