Column 1
1 [… he turned] their heart to hate 2 [his people, to deal craftily with his servants. He sent Moses his servant, and] Aaron, whom he had chosen. 3 [They set among them the words of his signs, and portents in the land of Ham. He] sent darkness, 4 [and it grew dark, and they did not rebel against] their [word.] He turned 5 [their waters into blood and killed their fish.] Their land swarmed 6 [with frogs, in the chambers of their kings. He spoke, and there came swarms of flies and] gnats in all 7 [their territory. He gave them hail for rain, flaming fire in their land. And he] struck their vines 8 [and their fig trees and broke the trees of their territory. He spoke, and the locust came,] and the young locust without 9 [number, and it ate all the vegetation in their land and ate the fruit of] their ground. 10 [And he struck every firstborn in their land, the first of all their strength. And he brought out] his people 11 [with silver and gold, and among his tribes no one stumbled. Egypt was glad when] they went out, for 12 [dread of them had fallen on them. He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light by] night. 13 [They asked, and he brought quail, and with bread from heaven he satisfied them. He opened the] rock, and water gushed out; 14 [it ran in the dry places like a river. For he remembered his holy word to] Abraham 15 [his servant. And he brought out his people with joy, his chosen ones with singing.] And he gave 16 [them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the labor of the peoples, so that] they might keep 17 [his statutes and observe his instructions. Hallelujah.]
Column 2
1 He upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of [the wicked he makes crooked …] 2 from the LORD, all the earth, from him […] 3 when he makes himself known to all his works, he created […] 4 his mighty deeds. The LORD will reign [forever, your God, O Zion, for generation] 5 after generation. Hallelujah. [Hallelujah.] 6 Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise [him in the heights. Praise him,] 7 all his angels; praise him, all [his] host. [Praise him, sun and moon;] 8 praise him, all you stars of light. Praise [him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters] 9 that are above the heavens. Let them praise the [name of the LORD, for he] 10 commanded and they were created. And he made them stand forever [and ever; he gave a statute, and it will not] 11 pass away. Praise the LORD from [the earth, you sea monsters and all] 12 deeps, fire and hail, snow and [smoke, storm wind] 13 doing his word; the mountains and all [hills, fruit trees and all] 14 cedars; the wild beasts and all cattle, [creeping things and winged birds; kings of] 15 the earth and all peoples, princes and [all judges of the earth; young men] 16 [and also] young women, the old together with the [young. Let them praise the name of the LORD.]
Column 3
1 A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to the mountains. From where will [my help] come? 2 My help is from the LORD, maker of heaven and earth. He will not let 3 your foot slip; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he does not slumber or sleep, [the keeper of] 4 Israel, by night. The LORD is your keeper, your shade at your right hand. By day 5 the sun will not strike you, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all [evil; he will keep] 6 your life. He will keep your going out and your coming in from now on and forever. 7 A song of ascents. Of David. I [was glad when they said] 8 [to me,] “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” Our feet were standing in your gates, 9 O Jerusalem: Jerusalem, built as a city that is joined together. There [the tribes went up, the tribes of] 10 [the LORD,] the congregation of Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. For [there thrones were set] 11 for judgment, the throne of the house of David. Ask for the peace of Jerusalem: [“May they be at ease] 12 who love you. May there be peace within your wall and ease in your palaces.” [For the sake of my brothers] 13 and my friends I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the LORD our [God I will seek] 14 your good. 15 Of David, for the ascents. To you I lift up my eyes, you who sit in the heavens. [Behold,] 16 [as the eyes of] servants look to the hand of their masters, behold, as the eyes of a [maid to the hand of her mistress,]
Column 4
1 [The snare is broken, and we] have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, maker of 2 [heaven and earth.] 3 [A song of ascents.] Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which does not 4 [totter; it] stays [forever.] Jerusalem has mountains around it, and the LORD 5 [is around his people from] now on and forever. For the scepter of wickedness will not rest 6 [on the lot of the] righteous, so that the righteous do not stretch out to iniquity 7 [their hands. Do good,] O LORD, to the good and to the upright in heart. But those who turn to crooked ways, 8 [the LORD will lead them away] with all who do iniquity. Peace be on Israel. 9 A song of ascents. When the LORD brought back 10 [the captives of Zion,] we were like dreamers. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue 11 [with singing. Then they] said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for 12 [these.” The LORD has done] great things for us; we were glad. 13 [Bring back, O] LORD, our captives, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow 14 [in tears will] reap [with singing.] He goes out weeping, carrying the bag of seed; 15 [he will come home with] singing, carrying his sheaves. 16 [A song of ascents.] Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, in vain
Column 5
1 around [your table. Behold, thus is blessed] the man who fears the LORD. May the Lord bless you 2 [from Zion, and may you see the good of] Jerusalem all the days of your life. And may you see sons 3 of [your sons. Peace be on Israel.] 4 A [song of ascents. Greatly] they have attacked me from my youth, let Israel say. Greatly 5 [they have attacked me from my youth, yet] they have [not] prevailed against me. On my back the wicked plowed; 6 [they made their furrows long.] The Lord is righteous; he has cut the cords of the wicked. Let them be put to shame 7 [and turned back, all who] hate Zion. Let them be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it is pulled up, 8 [with which the] reaper [does not fill his hand,] nor the binder of sheaves his arms, and those who pass by do not say 9 on the [way, “The blessing of the LORD] your God be upon you. We bless you in the name of the LORD.” 10 A song of ascents. O Lord, out of the depths 11 [I call to you. O Lord,] hear my voice; let your ear be attentive to me. 12 [to the voice of my pleas. If you] kept a record [of iniquities,] O LORD, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, 13 [so that you may be feared. I wait for the LORD;] my soul waits, and in his word I hope. Hope, 14 [my soul, for the Lord more than watchmen for the] morning, watchmen for the morning. Let Israel hope 15 [in the LORD, for with the LORD] there is kindness, and with him is abundant redemption. He will redeem 16 [Israel from all] its [iniquities.] 17 [A song of ascents. Of David. O] LORD, my [heart is not proud, and my eyes are not haughty.]
Column 6
1 to your resting place, you and the ark of your strength. Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let your faithful ones 2 sing for joy. For the sake of David your servant, do not turn away … the face of your anointed. The LORD swore 3 to David a [truth] from which he will not turn back: “One from the fruit of your body I will set 4 on your throne. [If] your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that 5 I teach them, their sons too, forever, shall ascend your throne.” For the LORD has chosen 6 Zion; he has desired [it] for his dwelling: “This is my resting place forever; here 7 I will dwell, for I have desired [it. Its provisions] I will surely bless; its poor I will satisfy 8 with bread. And its priests I will [clothe] with salvation, and its faithful ones will sing for joy. There I will make 9 a horn sprout for David; I have [prepared] a lamp for my anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him 10 his crown will shine.” 11 Blessed are those whose [way] is perfect, [who] walk in the Torah of the LORD. 12 Blessed are [those who keep his testimonies; at all] times they seek him. 13 They also do [no iniquity; in his ways] they walk. 14 You [have commanded your precepts to be] kept diligently. 15 Oh that [my ways were steadfast, to keep] your [truth!] 16 Then I would [not be ashamed when I look at all] your commandments.
Column 7
1 On your precepts I will meditate, and I will look at your paths. 2 In your statutes I delight; I will not forget your words. 3 Deal fully with your servant, that I may live and keep your words. 4 Uncover my eyes, that I may look at wonders from your instructions. 5 I am a sojourner on the earth; do not hide your commandments from me. 6 My soul is worn down with longing for your judgments at all times. 7 You rebuke the insolent, the cursed, who stray from your commandments. 8 Roll away from me reproach and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies. 9 Even though princes sit and speak against me, your servant meditates on your statutes. 10 Your testimonies also are my delight, the men of my counsel. 11 My [soul] clings to the dust; [give me life according to your word.] 12 I recounted my ways, and you [answered me; teach me your] statutes. 13 Make [me understand] the way of your precepts, [and I will meditate on] your wonders. 14 My soul weeps from [sorrow; raise me up according to] your [word.]
Column 8
1 Turn my eyes from looking at emptiness; favor me according to your word. 2 Confirm to your servant your promise, which is for those who fear you. 3 Take away my reproach, which I dread, for your judgments are good. 4 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness favor me. 5 Let the kindness of the LORD come to me, your salvation according to your promise. 6 Then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. 7 Do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for I hope in your words. 8 And I will obey your Torah continually and forever, and I will walk about in its wide spaces, 9 for I have sought your precepts. 10 And I will speak of your testimonies before kings and will not be ashamed. 11 And I will delight in [your commandments,] which I love. 12 And I will lift up my hands to [your] commandments, [which] I love, and I will rejoice in your statutes. 13 Remember your words to [your servant, in which] you have made me hope.
Column 9
1 I considered my ways, and I turned my feet back to your testimonies. 2 I hurried and did not delay to keep your commandments. 3 The cords of the wicked wrap around me; I have not forgotten your Torah. 4 At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous judgments. 5 I am a companion of all who fear you, and of those who keep your precepts. 6 The earth is full of your kindness, O LORD; teach me your statute. 7 You have done good to your servant, O LORD, according to your word. 8 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. 9 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your promise. 10 You are good, O Lord, and you do good; teach me your statutes. 11 The insolent smear me with lies; with all my heart I keep your precepts. 12 Their heart is thick like fat; your Torah is my delight. 13 It is good for me that you afflicted me, so that I might learn your [statutes.] 14 The Torah of your mouth is better to me than thousands of [gold and silver.] 15 [Your hands made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn] your [commandments.]
Column 10
1 My eyes fail for your promise, saying, “When will you comfort me?” 2 For you have made me like a wineskin in smoke; I have not forgotten your kindness. 3 How many are the days of your servant? When will you carry out judgment on those who pursue me? 4 The insolent have dug a pit for me, which is not according to your Torah. 5 All your commandments are faithful; they pursue me with lies; help me! 6 They have almost made an end of me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. 7 According to your kindness favor me, and I will keep the testimonies of your mouth. 8 Forever, O LORD, your word stands firm in the heavens. 9 From generation to generation is your faithfulness; you established the earth, and it stands. 10 By your judgments they stand today, for all things are your servants. 11 If your Torah had not been my delight, I would have perished in my iniquity. 12 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. 13 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. 14 The wicked wait for me, to destroy me; I consider your testimonies. 15 I have seen an end to every perfection; your commandment is very broad.
Column 11
1 Your words are a lamp to my feet, a light to my paths. 2 I have sworn, and I will confirm it, to do your righteous judgment. 3 I am very greatly afflicted; O LORD, favor me according to your promise. 4 Accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me from your judgments. 5 My life is in my hand continually; I have not forgotten your Torah. 6 The wicked have set a trap for me; I have not strayed from your precepts. 7 I have taken your testimonies as an inheritance forever, for they are the joy of my heart. 8 I have inclined my heart to do your statutes forever, to the end. 9 I hate the double-minded; I love your Torah. 10 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your words. 11 Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandment of my God. 12 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and do not put me to shame because of my breaking. 13 Support me, that I may be saved, and I will lift up your statutes continually. 14 You reject all who stray from your statutes, for their deceit is a lie. 15 I count all the wicked of the earth as dross; therefore I love all your testimonies. 16 My flesh bristles from dread of [you,] and I am afraid of your judgments.
Column 12
1 Therefore I hold all the precepts to be right; every false path I hate. 2 Your testimonies are streams of honey; therefore my soul keeps them. 3 Open your words and give light, giving understanding to the simple. 4 I open my mouth wide and pant; I long for your commandments. 5 Turn to me and favor me, as is your way with those who love your name. 6 Make my steps firm for your promise, and let no iniquity rule over me. 7 Redeem me from human oppression, that I may keep your precepts. 8 Make your face shine on your servant, and teach me your statutes. 9 Streams of water run down from my eyes, because they do not obey your Torah. 10 You are righteous, O LORD, and your judgments are upright. 11 You have commanded your testimonies in righteousness and in great faithfulness. 12 My zeal consumes me, because my adversaries forget your words. 13 Your promise is well refined, and your servant loves it. 14 I am small and despised; I have not forgotten your precepts. 15 [Your righteous acts] are eternal righteous acts, and your Torah is truth.
Column 13
1 Those who pursue depravity draw near; they are far from your Torah. 2 You are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are truth. 3 Long ago I knew from knowing you that you founded me forever. 4 See my affliction and rescue me; I have not forgotten your Torah. 5 Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life for your promise. 6 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes. 7 Your mercies are many, O LORD; favor me according to your judgments. 8 Many are my pursuers and my adversaries; I have not turned from your testimonies. 9 I see the traitors and feel loathing, because your promise 10 they do not keep. 11 See that I love your precepts; O LORD, favor me according to your promise. 12 The sum of your words is truth, and every righteous judgment lasts forever. 13 Princes pursue me without cause, but my heart stands in dread of your words. 14 I rejoice at your promise more than one who finds great spoil. 15 [I hate] falsehood and detest it, but I love your Torah. 16 [Seven times a day I] praise you for the judgments of 17 [your righteousness.]
Column 14
1 Let my lips pour out praise to you, for you teach me your statutes. 2 Let my tongue sing of your promise, for all your commandments are righteousness. 3 Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. 4 I long for your salvation, O LORD; your Torah is my delight. 5 Let my soul live and praise you, and let your judgments help me. 6 I have strayed like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your testimonies. 7 Praise, you servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Hallelujah. 8 And exalt the LORD, you who stand in the house of 9 the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God, and in your midst, O Jerusalem. 10 Praise the LORD, for he is good; make music to his name, for it is pleasant. For Jacob 11 he has chosen for himself, and Israel for his treasured possession. I know that the LORD is great, 12 and our God is above all gods. Whatever the LORD pleases he does, 13 in heaven and on earth; to do it he does it. There is none like the LORD; there is none like the LORD, 14 and none who acts as the King of gods does, in the seas and in all the deeps. He brings up 15 clouds from the end of the earth; he makes lightning for the rain; he brings out the wind 16 [from his storehouses. He struck the firstborn of Egypt, from human to beast. He] sent 17 [signs and portents into your midst, O Egypt …]
Column 15
1 they have, but they do not hear, and there is no breath in their mouth. Like them will be those who make them, and all 2 who trust in them. O house of Israel, bless the LORD. O house of Aaron, 3 bless the LORD. O house of Levi, bless the LORD. You who fear 4 the LORD, bless the LORD. May the LORD bless you from Zion, he who dwells in 5 Jerusalem. Hallelujah. 6 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his kindness lasts forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, 7 for his kindness lasts forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his kindness lasts forever. 8 To him who alone does wonders, for his kindness lasts forever. To him who made the heavens 9 with understanding, for his kindness lasts forever. To him who spread out the earth on the waters, for 10 his kindness lasts forever. To him who made the great lights, for his kindness lasts forever: 11 the sun and the moon, for his kindness lasts forever; the sun to rule the day, 12 for his kindness lasts forever; the moon and stars to rule in the night, for his kindness lasts forever. 13 To him who struck Egypt in their firstborn, for his kindness lasts forever. And he brought Israel out 14 from among them, for his kindness lasts forever, with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for 15 his kindness lasts forever. To him who cut the Sea of Reeds in pieces, for his kindness lasts forever. And he made 16 Israel pass through the middle of it, for his kindness lasts forever. He shook off Pharaoh and his army in the Sea of 17 [Reeds, for his kindness lasts forever.] To him who led his people in the wilderness, for [his kindness lasts forever.]
Column 16
1 for his kindness lasts forever. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his kindness lasts forever. The sound of 2 singing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD does valiantly; the right hand of 3 the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD has done mighty things. It is better to trust 4 in the LORD than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust 5 in nobles. It is better to trust in the LORD than to trust in a thousand people. Give thanks 6 to the LORD, for he is good, for his kindness lasts forever. Hallelujah. 7 A prayer of David. I will exalt you, O LORD my God, the King, 8 and I will bless your name forever and ever. Blessed is the LORD, and blessed is his name 9 forever and ever. Blessed is the day; I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. 10 Blessed is the LORD, and blessed is his name forever and ever. Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised, 11 and his greatness is beyond searching out. Blessed is the LORD, and blessed is his name forever and ever. 12 Generation to generation will praise your works and declare your mighty deeds. Blessed is the LORD, 13 and blessed is his name forever and ever. Of the glorious splendor of your majesty they will speak, and on your wonders 14 I will meditate. Blessed is the LORD, and blessed is his name forever and ever. And of the might of 15 your fearsome deeds they will tell, and your great deeds I will recount. Blessed is the LORD, 16 [and blessed is] his [name] forever and ever. The memory of your great goodness [they will pour out, and of your righteousness they will sing.]
Column 17
1 and blessed is his name forever and ever. Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages, and your dominion 2 is in every generation. Blessed is the LORD, and blessed is his name forever and ever. Faithful is 3 God in his words, and kind in all his works. Blessed is the LORD, and blessed 4 is his name forever and ever. The LORD upholds all who fall and raises up all 5 who are bowed down. Blessed is the LORD, and blessed is his name forever and ever. The eyes of 6 all look to you, and you give them their food in its season. 7 Blessed is the LORD, and blessed is his name forever and ever. You open 8 your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Blessed is the LORD, and blessed is his name 9 forever and ever. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all 10 his works. Blessed is the LORD, and blessed is his name forever and ever. The LORD is near, 11 and blessed is his name forever and ever, to those who call on him in faithfulness. Blessed is the LORD, 12 and blessed is his name forever and ever. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him, and their cry for help 13 he hears, and he saves them. Blessed is the LORD, and blessed is his name forever and ever. 14 The LORD keeps all who fear him, but all the wicked he will destroy. 15 Blessed is the LORD, and blessed is his name forever and ever. 16 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name. 17 Blessed is the LORD, and blessed is his name forever and [ever.] … This is for a memorial 18 […] … […] … […] … […]
Column 18
1 your souls to the good, and to the perfect, to glorify the Most High. Join together 2 to make known his salvation, and do not be slow to make known his strength and his splendor 3 to all the simple. For wisdom has been given to make known the glory of the LORD, and to recount 4 the multitude of his works she has been made known to humankind: to make his strength known to the simple, 5 to give insight into his greatness to those who lack sense, those far from her gates, 6 those driven … from her entrances. For the Most High is the Lord of 7 Jacob, and his splendor is over all his works. And a person who glorifies the Most High 8 is accepted like one who brings a grain offering, like one who offers male goats and young bulls, 9 like one who makes the altar fat with many burnt offerings, like the pleasing smoke of incense from the hand of 10 the righteous. From the gates of the righteous her voice is heard, and from the assembly of the faithful 11 her song. When they eat and are full she is spoken of, and when they drink in fellowship 12 together. Their talk is of the Torah of the Most High, and their words are to make known his strength. 13 How far from the wicked is her word, and from all the insolent the knowledge of her! Behold, 14 the eyes of the LORD look with pity on the good, and on those who glorify him his kindness is great; 15 from an evil time he delivers [their] soul. [Bless] the LORD, who redeems the afflicted from the hand of 16 [strangers and delivers the perfect from the hand of the wicked, who raises up a horn from] Jacob and a judge
Column 19
1 For a maggot cannot give you thanks, and a worm cannot recount your kindness. 2 The living, the living give you thanks; all whose foot slips give you thanks, when you make known 3 your kindness to them and give them insight into your righteousness. For in your hand is the soul of every 4 living thing; the breath of all flesh you have given. Deal with us, O LORD, 5 according to your goodness, according to the abundance of your mercies and according to the abundance of your righteous acts. The LORD 6 hears the voice of those who love his name, and he does not withdraw his kindness from them. 7 Blessed is the LORD, who does righteous acts, who crowns his faithful ones 8 with kindness and mercies. My soul cries out to praise your name, to give thanks with singing 9 for your kindnesses, to declare your faithfulness; of your praise there is no end. I was near death 10 because of my sin, and my iniquities sold me to Sheol. But you delivered me, 11 O LORD, according to the abundance of your mercies and according to the abundance of your righteous acts. I too 12 love your name, and in your shadow I take refuge. When I remember your strength my heart 13 is firm, and on your kindnesses I lean. Forgive my sin, O LORD, 14 and purify me from my iniquity. Grant me a spirit of faithfulness and knowledge; let me not stumble 15 in wrongdoing. [1]Let no satan rule over me, nor an unclean spirit; let neither pain nor an evil 16 inclination take hold of my bones. For you, O LORD, are my praise, and for you I wait 17 all the day. Let my brothers rejoice with me, and my father’s house, who are astonished at your favor 18 … […] … I will rejoice in you.
Column 20
1 Sheol, there you are. If I lift up the wings of the dawn and dwell at the farthest end of the sea, even there 2 your hand will lead me, and your right hand will hold me. And if I say, “Surely darkness will cover me, 3 and night will gird me round,” even darkness is not dark to you, and night 4 shines like the day; the darkness is as the light. For you formed my inward parts; you wove me in the womb of 5 my mother. I give you thanks, for you are fearsome; wonders, wonderful are your works, 6 and my soul knows it well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made 7 in secret, embroidered in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body, and in 8 your books all of them are written, the days that were formed, and for it one 9 among them. And to me how precious are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 10 If I count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. If only 11 you would kill the wicked, O God! Men of blood, depart from me, who 12 speak of you for a plot; your cities have lifted themselves up in vain. Do I not hate those who hate you, 13 O LORD, and … loathe those who rise up against you? 14 With complete hatred I hate them; they have become my enemies. Search me, 15 O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. And see if there is any hurtful 16 way in me, and lead me in the eternal way. 17 By the rivers in Babylon, there we sat, and we wept [when we remembered] Zion.
Column 21
1 and dashes your little ones against the rock. Of David. I give you thanks, 2 O LORD, with all my heart; before the LORD God I make music to you. I bow down 3 toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your kindness and for your truth, 4 for you have magnified your promise above all your name. On the day I called, you answered me; 5 you made me bold, with strength in my soul. All the kings of the earth will give you thanks, O LORD, for they have heard 6 the words of your mouth, and they will sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD. 7 For the LORD is high, yet he sees the lowly, and the haughty he knows from afar. If I walk 8 in the midst of distress, you give me life; against the anger of my enemies you stretch out your hand, and 9 your right hand saves me. The LORD will complete what concerns me. O LORD, your kindness lasts forever; 10 do not let go of the works of your hands. 11 [2]I was a young man, before I had gone astray, and I sought her. She came to me in her beauty, and to 12 her end I will seek her. Even as the blossom falls when the grapes ripen, making the heart glad, 13 my foot walked on level ground, for from my youth I have known her. I inclined 14 my ear a little, and I found much teaching. And she became a nurse for me; to my teacher I give 15 my honor. I resolved to make sport; I was zealous for good and would not turn back. I kindled 16 my soul for her and did not turn my face away. I stirred up my soul for her, and on her heights I would not 17 be at ease. I opened my hand [… and] I perceive her nakedness. I cleansed my palms for
Column 22
1 your reward in its time. I remember you for blessing, O Zion; with all my might 2 I love you. Blessed forever be your memory. Great is your hope, O Zion, and that peace 3 and your awaited salvation will come. Generation after generation will dwell in you, and generations of the faithful 4 will be your splendor: those who long for the day of your salvation, and they will rejoice in the abundance of your glory. At the breast of 5 your glory they will nurse, and in your splendid squares they will make their anklets ring. The kindnesses of your prophets 6 you will remember, and in the works of your faithful ones you will glory. Purge violence from your midst; falsehood 7 and iniquity will be cut off from you. Your sons will rejoice within you, and your beloved ones will be joined to you. 8 How they have waited for your salvation, and your perfect ones have mourned over you! Your hope does not perish, 9 O Zion, and your expectation is not forgotten. Who has ever perished in righteousness, or who has ever escaped 10 in his iniquity? A person is tested according to his way; each is repaid according to his works. All around, 11 your adversaries are cut off, O Zion, and all who hate you are scattered. Sweet to the nose is your praise, O Zion, 12 rising up through all the world. Many times I remember you for blessing; with all my heart I bless you. 13 May you attain eternal righteousness and receive the blessings of the honored. Take the vision 14 spoken about you, and the dreams of the prophets sought for you. Be exalted and spread wide, O Zion; 15 praise the Most High, your redeemer. My soul will rejoice in your glory. 16 Hallelujah. The LORD reigns; he is clothed with majesty. The LORD is clothed; he has girded himself with [strength.] Indeed, 17 he has set the world firm; it will not totter. Your throne is established from of old; from [eternity you are.] The rivers have lifted up
Column 23
1 and let him reprove me; let the finest oil not be refused by my head, for still my prayer 2 is against their evil deeds. Their judges are thrown down by the sides of the rock, and they will hear 3 my words, for they are pleasant. As when one plows and breaks up the earth, my bones are scattered at the mouth of 4 Sheol. For my eyes are toward you, O LORD, Lord; in you I take refuge; do not 5 pour out my soul. Keep me from the grip of the trap they have laid for me, and from the snares of those who do iniquity. 6 Let the wicked fall into their own nets together, while I pass by. 7 A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and how 8 pleasant it is when brothers dwell together. It is like the fine oil on the head, 9 running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, which runs down on the collar of his robes; like the dew of Hermon 10 that comes down on Mount Zion. For there the LORD commanded the blessing 11 forever. Peace be on Israel. 12 Blessed is the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for battle and my fingers for war, 13 my kindness and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues 14 peoples under me. O God, what is a human that you take notice of him, a son of man 15 that you think of him? A human is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow. O God, bend 16 your heavens and come down; touch the [mountains, and] they will smoke. Flash lightning and scatter them; send out your arrows 17 [and rout them. Stretch out] your [hands] from on high; set me free and rescue [me.]
Column 24
1 Blessed is the people for whom this is so; blessed is the people whose God 2 is the LORD. 3 O LORD, I called to you; pay attention to me. I spread out my palms 4 toward your holy dwelling. Incline your ear and grant me what I ask, and my request 5 do not withhold from me. Build up my soul and do not cast it down, and do not leave it exposed before 6 the wicked. May the judge of truth turn back from me the repayment of evil. O LORD, 7 do not judge me according to my sin, for no living being is righteous before you. 8 Give me understanding, O LORD, in your Torah, and teach me your judgments, 9 so that many may hear of your works and peoples may honor your glory. 10 Remember me and do not forget me, and do not bring me into things too hard for me. 11 Put the sin of my youth far from me, and let my transgressions not be remembered against me. 12 Purify me, O LORD, from the evil plague, and let it not come back to me. Dry up 13 its roots from me, and let its leaves not flourish in me. You are glory, O LORD; 14 therefore my request is fulfilled before you. To whom shall I cry so that he may grant it to me? 15 And the sons of Adam, what more can [their] strength do? From before you, O LORD, comes my trust. 16 I called, “O LORD,” and he answered me, [and he healed] my broken heart. I slumbered 17 [and] slept; I dreamed, and also [I awoke. You upheld me, O LORD, when my heart was struck, and I called on the LORD.]
Column 25
1 for me. I look to the right and see, and there is no one who recognizes me; refuge has perished from me; no 2 one cares for my soul. I cried out to you, O LORD; I said, “You are my refuge, 3 my portion in the land of the living.” Pay attention to my cry, for I am brought very low. 4 Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, to give thanks 5 to your name. The righteous will gather around me, for you will deal well with me. 6 A psalm of David. O LORD, hear my prayer; 7 give ear to my pleas in your faithfulness; answer me in your righteousness. And do not 8 enter into judgment with your servant, for no living being is righteous before you. For 9 the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in dark places 10 like those long dead. And my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is appalled. 11 I remember the days of old; I ponder all your doing; on the works of your hands 12 I meditate. I spread out my hands to you; my soul is like a weary land for you. Selah. 13 Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit [fails.] Do not hide your face from me, 14 or I will be like those who go [down to the pit. Let me hear] your kindness in the morning, 15 [for in you I trust. Make known to me the way I should go, for] to you I lift up [my soul.]
Column 26
1 to carry out vengeance on the nations, rebukes on the peoples; to bind their kings 2 with chains and their honored ones with fetters of iron; to carry out on them the judgment that is written. 3 This is glory for all his faithful ones, for the sons of Israel, his holy people. Hallelujah. 4 Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in the firmament of his strength. Praise him 5 for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his abundant greatness. Praise him with the blast of the ram’s horn; praise him 6 with harp and lyre. Praise him with drum and dance; praise him with strings and pipe. 7 Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with clashing cymbals. Let everything that has breath 8 praise the LORD. Hallelujah. 9 Great and holy is the LORD, the holiest of the holy ones, for generation after generation. Before him majesty 10 goes, and after him the roar of many waters. Kindness and truth surround his face; truth 11 and justice and righteousness are the foundation of his throne. He separates light from deep darkness; he established the dawn by the knowledge of 12 his heart. When all his angels saw it they sang for joy, for he showed them what they had not known. 13 He crowns the mountains with produce, good food for every living thing. Blessed is he who makes 14 the earth by his power, who establishes the world by his wisdom. By his understanding he stretched out the heavens and brought out 15 [the wind] from his [storehouses.] He made [lightning for the] rain and made clouds rise [from the] end 25 [… and whoever touches them is armed with iron]
Column 27
1 and the wood of a spear, and with fire they shall be utterly burned where they sit. 2 And David son of Jesse was wise, and a light like the light of the sun, and a scribe, 3 and discerning and perfect in all his ways before God and men. And 4 the LORD gave him a discerning and enlightened spirit. And he wrote psalms: 5 three thousand six hundred; and songs to sing before the altar over the continual 6 burnt offering for each and every day, for all the days of the year: three hundred and sixty- 7 four; and for the offering of the sabbaths: fifty-two songs; and for the offering of the new 8 moons and for all the days of the festivals and for the Day of Atonement: thirty songs. 9 And all the songs that he spoke were four hundred and forty-six, and songs 10 to play over the stricken: four. And the total was four thousand and fifty. 11 All these he spoke through prophecy, which was given to him from before the Most High. 12 For the leader. A psalm of David. Rescue me, O LORD, 13 from evil people; guard me from men of violence, who plan evil things in their heart; all 14 the day they stir up wars. They sharpen their tongue like a serpent; the venom of a spider is under 15 [their lips. Selah.] Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; [guard me] from men [of violence.]
Column 28
1 of the LORD, who stand in the house of the LORD by night. Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless 2 the name of the LORD. May the LORD bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth. 3 Hallelujah. Of David son of Jesse. I was smaller than my brothers and the youngest of my father’s sons, and he made me 4 shepherd of his flock and ruler over his young goats. My hands made a pipe and my fingers a lyre, 5 and I gave glory to the LORD. I said in my soul, “The mountains do not bear witness 6 to him, and the hills do not tell.” The trees lifted up my words, and the flock my works. 7 For who can tell, and who can speak, and who can recount the works of the Lord? God saw everything; 8 he heard everything, and he gave ear. He sent his prophet to anoint me, Samuel, 9 to make me great. My brothers went out to meet him, handsome of form and handsome of appearance. Though they were tall in stature 10 and handsome with their hair, the LORD God did not choose them. But he sent and took me 11 from behind the flock and anointed me with the holy oil, and he made me leader of his people and ruler over the sons of 12 his covenant. 13 The beginning of the mighty deeds of David, after the prophet of God had anointed him. Then I saw a Philistine 14 taunting from the [ranks of the Philistines …] I […] the […]
Fragments A-Ci
1 [Of David, a psalm. Of kindness and] justice I will sing; to you, O LORD, I will make music. 2 [I will give heed to the way of perfection.] When will you come to me? I will walk in the integrity of my heart 3 [within my house. I will not set before] my eyes anything of Belial. The doing of 4 [those who turn aside I hate; it shall not cling to] me. A [crooked] heart [shall depart from me;] 5 [evil I will not know. Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him I will silence.] 6 [The haughty of eyes] and proud of [heart, him I will not endure. My eyes are on the] faithful of 7 [the land, to] dwell with me. Whoever [walks in the way of perfection, he shall] serve me. 8 [There shall not dwell] within my house [one who practices deceit; one who speaks lies] shall not 9 [stand before] my eyes. Morning by morning I [will silence all the wicked of the land, to cut] off 10 [from the city of] the LORD all who [do iniquity.] 11 [A prayer] of the afflicted, when he is faint [and pours out his complaint before the LORD.] 12 [O LORD,] hear my prayer, [and let my cry for help come to you.]
Fragment Cii
1 the worm of the destitute, and he does not [despise their prayer. Let this be written for a] 2 later [generation], and a people yet to be created will praise [the LORD. For he looked down from his holy height;] 3 the LORD from heaven [looked] at the earth, [to hear the groaning of the prisoner,] 4 to set free those doomed to die, to recount in [Zion the name of the LORD, and his praise] 5 in Jerusalem, when peoples gather [together, and kingdoms, to serve] 6 the LORD. For he has humbled [my strength] on the way; [he has shortened my days. I say, “My God,] 7 do not take me away in the middle of my days; [your years] last through all generations. [Of old the earth] 8 was founded, and the [heavens] are the work of your hands. [They will perish, but you will stand,] 9 and all of them will wear out like a garment; like clothing [you will change them, and they will pass away. But you are the same,] 10 and your years will not end. The sons of [your servants will dwell secure, and their seed will be established before you] 11 from [generation] to generation.” 12 Bless the [LORD], O my soul, [and all that is within me, his holy name.]
Fragment D
1 [But you, O LORD my Lord, deal with me for the sake of] your [name]; because 2 [your kindness is] good, [deliver me. For I am afflicted and poor, and] my [heart] is pierced within me. 3 [Like a shadow when it lengthens I am gone; I am shaken off like a locust.] My [knees] give way from fasting, 4 [and my flesh has grown lean, without fat. And I have become a reproach] to them; when they see me 5 [they shake their head. Help me, O LORD my God;] save me 6 [according to your kindness. And let them know that this is your hand; you, O LORD,] have done it. 7 [Let them curse, but you will bless. They rise up and are put to shame, but] your [servant] will rejoice. 8 [Let my accusers be clothed with disgrace, and let them wrap themselves in] their [shame as in a robe.] I will give thanks 9 [to the LORD greatly with my mouth, and in the midst of many I will praise him,] for he stands
Fragment Ei
1 [… We pray, O LORD,] save us! We pray, O LORD, 2 [give us success!] Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you in the name of 3 [the house of] the LORD. The LORD is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festival sacrifice with cords 4 [up to the] horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will give you thanks; my God, I will exalt you. 5 [Give thanks] to the LORD, for he is good, for his kindness lasts forever. 6 Of David. Bless, O my soul, 7 [the LORD. O] LORD our God, you are very great; with splendor 8 [and majesty you are clothed, wrapped in] light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent curtain, 9 [laying the beams of his upper chambers in the waters,] making the clouds his chariot, walking on 10 [the wings of the wind, making his] messengers [winds,] his servants a flaming fire. 11 [He set the earth on its foundations; it will not totter forever and] ever. The deep
Fragment Eii
1 [… The young lions] roar [for prey, seeking their food from God. The sun] 2 [rises,] and they gather and [lie down] in their dens. [A human goes out] 3 to his work and to his labor until evening. How many are your works, [O LORD!] 4 All of them you made in wisdom; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, great 5 and wide; there are creeping things without number, living things small 6 and great. There the ships go, and Leviathan, whom you formed to play 7 in it. All of them look to you to give them their food in its season. You give to them, 8 and they gather; you open your hand, and they are satisfied with good. You take away your breath, and they die 9 and return to their dust. You send out your breath, and they are created, and you renew the face of 10 the ground. May the glory of the LORD last forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works, 11 who looks at the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke. I will sing 12 [to the] LORD while I live; I will make music to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him; 13 [I will rejoice in] the LORD. As sinners come to an end from the earth, 14 [and the wicked are no more,] bless the LORD, O my soul. Hallelujah. 15 [Hallelujah.] 16 [For it is good to make music to our God; for] praise [is pleasant and fitting.] The LORD builds Jerusalem.
Fragment Eiii
5 He sends out his word [and melts them; he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow. He declares his words to Jacob,] 6 his statutes and his judgments to [Israel. He has not done so for any other nation;] 7 his judgments he has not made known to them. [Hallelujah.] 8 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for [his kindness lasts forever. Give thanks to the LORD, call] 9 on his name; make known [his deeds] among the peoples. [Sing to him, make music to him; meditate] 10 on all his wonders. Glory in his [holy] name; [let the heart rejoice of those who seek] 11 his favor. Seek the LORD and his strength; seek [his face] continually. [Remember] 12 his wonders that he has done, his portents and the judgments [of his mouth, O seed of Abraham,] 13 his servants, O sons of Jacob, his chosen one. For he is the [LORD; in all the earth are] 14 his judgments. He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded for a thousand [generations, which he made] 15 with Abraham, and his oath to Isaac. And he confirmed it to [Jacob as a statute,] 16 to Israel as an eternal covenant, saying, “To you I will give the [land of Canaan,] 17 [the portion of your inheritance.” …]
Fragment F
1 […] they grieved me […]