Psalm 1-4

BOOK I Psalm 1 1Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

2but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.

3That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

4Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.

5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Psalm 2 1Why do the nations conspire Hebrew; Septuagint rage and the peoples plot in vain?

2The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed, saying,

3“Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”

4The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.

5He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,

6“I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”

7I will proclaim the LORD ’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father.

8Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.

9You will break them with a rod of iron Or will rule them with an iron scepter (see Septuagint and Syriac) ; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

10Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.

11Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. 12Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Psalm 3In Hebrew texts 3:1-8 is numbered 3:2-9. 1A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom. LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!

2Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 4 and 8.

3But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

4I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain.

5I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.

6I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.

7Arise, LORD ! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. 8From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

Psalm 4In Hebrew texts 4:1-8 is numbered 4:2-9. 1For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David. Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods Or seek lies The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 4.

3Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.

4Tremble and Or In your anger (see Septuagint) do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.

5Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD .

6Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us.

7Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. 8In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.