Study Desk

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

Blessed^(a) are those who have regard for the weak;^(b) the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.^(c)

The Lord protects^(d) and preserves them—^(e) they are counted among the blessed in the land—^(f) he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.^(g)

The Lord sustains them on their sickbed^(h) and restores them from their bed of illness.⁽ⁱ⁾

I said, "Have mercy^(j) on me, Lord ; heal^(k) me, for I have sinned^(l) against you."

My enemies say of me in malice, "When will he die and his name perish?^(m)"

When one of them comes to see me, he speaks falsely,⁽ⁿ⁾ while his heart gathers slander;^(o) then he goes out and spreads^(p) it around.

All my enemies whisper together^(q) against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying,

"A vile disease has afflicted him; he will never get up^(r) from the place where he lies."

Even my close friend,^(s) someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned^[b] against me.^(t)

But may you have mercy^(u) on me, Lord ; raise me up,^(v) that I may repay^(w) them.

I know that you are pleased with me,^(x) for my enemy does not triumph over me.^(y)

Because of my integrity^(z) you uphold me^(aa) and set me in your presence forever.^(ab)

Praise^(ac) be to the Lord , the God of Israel,^(ad) from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen.^(ae)

BOOK II

Psalms 42–72

For the director of music. A maskil^[c] of the Sons of Korah.

As the deer^(a) pants for streams of water,^(b) so my soul pants^(c) for you, my God.

My soul thirsts^(d) for God, for the living God.^(e) When can I go^(f) and meet with God?

My tears^(g) have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"^(h)

These things I remember as I pour out my soul:⁽ⁱ⁾ how I used to go to the house of God^(j) under the protection of the Mighty One^[d] with shouts of joy^(k) and praise^(l) among the festive throng.^(m)

Why, my soul, are you downcast?⁽ⁿ⁾ Why so disturbed^(o) within me? Put your hope in God,^(p) for I will yet praise^(q) him, my Savior^(r) and my God.^(s)

My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember^(t) you from the land of the Jordan,^(u) the heights of Hermon^(v)—from Mount Mizar.

Deep calls to deep^(w) in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.^(x)

By day the Lord directs his love,^(y) at night^(z) his song^(aa) is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.^(ab)

I say to God my Rock,^(ac) "Why have you forgotten^(ad) me? Why must I go about mourning,^(ae) oppressed^(af) by the enemy?"^(ag)

My bones suffer mortal agony^(ah) as my foes taunt^(ai) me, saying to me all day long, "Where is your God?"^(aj)

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.^(ak)