Psalm 61-64

Psalm 61In Hebrew texts 61:1-8 is numbered 61:2-9. 1For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David. Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.

2From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.

4I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.

5For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

6Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations.

7May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him. 8Then I will ever sing in praise of your name and fulfill my vows day after day.

Psalm 62In Hebrew texts 62:1-12 is numbered 62:2-13. 1For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David. Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.

2Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

3How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down— this leaning wall, this tottering fence?

4Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 8.

5Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

6Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7My salvation and my honor depend on God Or / God Most High is my salvation and my honor ; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

9Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath.

10Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

11One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, 12and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.”

Psalm 63In Hebrew texts 63:1-11 is numbered 63:2-12. 1A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah. You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.

2I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.

3Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.

4I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.

5I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.

7Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

8I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.

9Those who want to kill me will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth.

10They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals. 11But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God will glory in him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

Psalm 64In Hebrew texts 64:1-10 is numbered 64:2-11. 1For the director of music. A psalm of David. Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy.

2Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers.

3They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.

4They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear.

5They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, “Who will see it Or us ?”

6They plot injustice and say, “We have devised a perfect plan!” Surely the human mind and heart are cunning.

7But God will shoot them with his arrows; they will suddenly be struck down.

8He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads in scorn.

9All people will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done. 10The righteous will rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; all the upright in heart will glory in him!