A Song of Ascents or Degrees This designation is used of Psalms 120-134. There is no certain knowledge of what it means. Maybe it was a sort of music, or poetic structure. Perhaps it referred to occasions or places where they were sung. The most commonly accepted view is that they were pilgrim psalms for […]

9PSALM 119 (This psalm is in 26 sections of 8 verses, each beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.) Introduction The reader will easily see that I have chosen to represent the Hebrew in half-lines, making a 16 line unit in English. I have in almost all cases used the ancient name Yahweh, […]

Continuing my translation of Psalms 97-150 PSALM 118 Give thanks to Yahweh for she is good Her lovingkindness lasts forever! Let Israel say, her lovingkindness lasts forever. Let Aaron’s household say, Her lovingkindness lasts forever. Let the God-fearers say, Her lovingkindness lasts forever. Pressed hard, I yelled to Yah; She replied, giving me room. Yahweh […]

Continuing my translation of Psalms 97- 150 PSALM 117 Praise Yahweh all you nations, Applaud him all you peoples! For his lovingkindness is lavished upon us Ands his faithfulness endures forever. Praise Yah! Doubtless the foreign nations are being told to praise Israel’s God, because he has favoured his chosen people over them! Yahweh will […]

Continuing my translation of Psalms 97- 150 PSALM 116 I love him because he has heard my voice, Because Yahweh has listened to my longings. Because he has bent his ear towards me, As long as I live I will cry out to him. The cords of death had caught me The grip of the […]

Continuing my translation of Psalms 97- 150 with comment PSALM 115 No, Yahweh, do not give glory to us But to your renown and reputation For lovingkindness and for loyalty! Why let the Gentiles say, “Where is their God now?” Our God is in the heavens; All that he desires, he does. Their gods are […]

When Israel exited Egypt, Jacob’s family from a people of foreign words, Judah became God’s holy house Israel his jurisdiction. The Red Sea looked and ran away; Jordan’s flow was reversed; The mountains bounded like rams The small hills like sheep of the flock. What spooked you, Sea, that you ran away Or you Jordan, […]

Continuing a translation with comment of Psalms 107-150 PSALM 113 Hallelujah! Sing in praise, you slaves of Yahweh! Sing in praise of Yahweh’s name! May Yahweh’s name be blessed From this time to eternity! From the rising of the sun to its setting Yahweh’s name is to be praised. Yahweh is placed high above all […]

Continuing a translation with comment on Psalms 107-150 PSALM 112 An alphabetical acrostic Alleluia! How fortunate are those who fear Yahweh! Biddings of Yahweh they obey with delight. Children of their children will be champions in the land; Descendants of the decent people will be blessed. Evermore their honesty endures, Finery and riches are in […]

Continuing translation with comment of Psalms 107-150 PSALM 111 An Alphabetical Psalm Alleluia! With my whole heart I will praise Yahweh Before the assembled congregation of honest people. Consider the greatness of Yahweh’s actions Desired by those who delight in them; Everything is done in majesty and splendour; Firm forever his justice stands. Good reminders […]