Property: Content
From Psalms: Layer by Layer
P
Hear my cry for help, lest I die! Bring justice!Blessed be YHWH for he has heard me! He is the one who repays the wicked for their deeds and who protects his people. +
Help YHWH! No one is trustworthy. You alone can be trusted, and you have promised to help. +
I have sinned against you, therefore wash me thoroughly and create a clean heart for me so that I will praise you. I intended to teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you, and so that you will delight in right sacrifices because you do good to Zion! +
Israel, nations, and nature, shout to YHWH, the king, because he has done wonderful deeds and he is coming to rule the earth. +
It is not the wicked, but the one who follows YHWH's instruction who is "happy." This is because YHWH cares for the way of righteous people, and the wicked's way will come to an end. +
It is not the wicked, but the one who follows YHWH's instruction who is "happy." This is because YHWH cares for the way of righteous people, and the wicked's way will come to an end. +
It is not the wicked, but the one who follows YHWH's instruction who is "happy." This is because "YHWH cares for the way of righteous people, and the wicked's way will come to an end. +
It is right to declare: "YHWH rules justly from on high!" We rejoice because we understand that his justice means that the wicked flourish only temporarily but the righteous flourish forever. +
It is right to declare: "YHWH rules justly from on high!" We rejoice because we understand that his justice means that the wicked flourish only temporarily but the righteous flourish forever. +
It looked like YHWH had abandoned me, even though he had been faithful to our nation and to me in the past. That's why I cried out one last time, thinking myself at the point of death. And then, at last, he heard me! That's why I will declare his praise and exhort others to honour him, so that even the nations and future generations will worship him. +
Like a shepherd and a host, YHWH provides for me and protects me even when danger is near. +
My enemies have broken their covenant with me (vv. 2-5, 16-20) and I am innocent and afflicted (vv. 2-15, 22-25. And you are loyal in your covenant with me (vv. 21, 26). Therefore, YHWH, execute justice by punishing my enemies (vv. 6-20) and vindicating me (vv. 21-31)! +
My suffering has incapacitated me, my companions have abandoned me, and my enemies are accusing me. You alone, YHWH, can help! +
Prepare me, YHWH, that I may worship you. Protect me, that I may bless you among your people. +
Rebellion leads the wicked person to increasing evil (vv. 2-5), but YHWH's loyalty to his people is unaffected (vv. 6-10). That's why YHWH continues his loyalty to his people by protecting them from evil(doers) (vv. 11-13). +
The content combines three central elements in the psalm: covenantal belonging (We belong to YHWH - verse 3), YHWH's good character (YHWH is good - verse 5), and the resultant celebration, praise, and devotion (Serve YHWH with joy! - verses 1b-2 and 4). +