_edited.jpg)
THE PSALMS
The PSALMS:A New Translation
.jpeg)
There are 150 Psalms in the Old Testament. Many of these Psalms are attributed to King David.
Psalms are by definition "the words which accompany music" (Greek psalmos) In David's case, he would sing these words to the Lord while playing his harp.
One could think of the Psalms as musical prayers. The problem, however, is that these sacred songs lose much of their musical quality upon translation into English, and subsequently they seemingly read like any other prosaic passage of scripture. I believe that this does a tremendous disservice to the Psalms and the divine harmony that they are meant to invoke.
This is where I come in. I have made it my mission to give the Psalms their melodious quality back. That is to say, I am currently translating all 150 Psalms from the typical, clunky English verse we find in our Bibles, to a more musical rendition that is truer to their original purpose.
This new version of the Psalms is not a word-for-word translation by any means. Nevertheless, it is this poet's main objective to stay as true to the Psalms' original intent as possible.
I have put the first 25 Psalms on display. For More Subscribe to site.
#1
Blessed is the man,
Who avoids wicked counsel,
Who stands not to sin,
Who sits not to scowl.
Instead he follows
The law of what is right,
And he meditates on the Bible
Every single day and night
Like a tree that is growing
Along the banks of the river,
You give forth a great bounty
And you'll prosper forever.
The wicked are not so,
They're like dust in the wind.
They never will prosper
God is far from their friend.
They can't hold a candle to
The ways that we're blessed.
God gives love to the righteous,
But to the wicked just death.
#2
Why do nations conspire
With plots so futile and vain?
Kings put themselves higher
Than God's people and name.
He who sits in heaven, laughs
At attempts that are made
To undermine the Father's wrath.
"My king of Zion has been proclaimed!"
This is what the Lord has done:
He said to me, "For what it's worth,
You are my begotten son
And I will give you the earth.
You shall break it in pieces
And make them rue the day
They challenged God, with an iron rod,
And break them like potter's clay."
So therefore you rulers
You kings of this planet
God's so much higher than you!
Oh please understand it.
Your powers are worthless,
So it's futile to try.
Either take refuge in him
Or you are choosing to die.
Oh God, all my enemies
Are growing obnoxious.
Meanwhile they say of me:
"His God cannot stop us!"
But God you are my fortress,
An unbreakable sword.
I call to you in the wilderness
And you're there for me Lord,
I go to sleep and I awake
And you give me my fill.
No matter who's against me,
You make me king of this hill.
So Lord, please arise,
And help me defeat my foes.
Smite them and blind their eyes
And bless the people that you chose.
#3
#4
Adonai, answer me!
I know you are there
All I hear are crickets lately
Please answer my prayer!
Oh men I ask you,
How long will you shame me?
You lie about me and doubt me.
You're making God angry.
Be angry, but don't sin
Think about it overnight
You know trusting in Him
Is the only thing that is right.
Offer good gifts to him
And pray to him for light
He has put love in my heart
And he helps me sleep at night.
#5
Give my words an ear to hear.
God, please heed my groaning.
I am crying out, "Are you there?"
Only you can make me holy.
Oh Lord, in the morning
I know you hear my words.
I sacrifice to your glory
And then I just observe.
You are a God who despises
Wickedness in all its guises.
Wicked men will realize this.
They're in for terrible surprises.
I know my sacrifices
And relentless devotion,
Will show me what is righteous
When my foes get ferocious.
All they do is lie, Lord
And slander your Name.
Their letters die on their tongue
Like their throat is their grave.
Let those who sing your praise
Be saved when they need.
You are our shield, Lord
And you are righteous indeed!
#6
Don't rebuke me in anger,
Lord, or smite me with wrath
I'm aching with a pain.
Lord, how long will it last?
Save me from this pain, Lord,
For the sake of your love.
Because if I'm away Lord,
Who will praise what's above?
I am weary of all this crying,
I flood my bed with tears.
My grief is multiplying.
I am weakened by my fears.
And to my foes who rose to evil,
Please leave me alone!
The Lord has heard my weeping
And he is here in this poem.
All my foes will be sorry
For the mistakes that they made.
When they tried to destroy me,
They'll all be put to shame.
#7
I need somewhere to hide
Lord, you are my haven.
Men chase me like a lion
Beyond the point of saving.
Lord, if I have done wrong,
If I have sinned against a friend,
I beg you then let these men
Tear me limb from limb
And crush me till I'm dead.
Stamp my soul into the ground,
I've done wrong, Lord,
I don't deserve to make a sound.
But arise O Lord in anger
Against those who go against us.
Awake O Lord and make those
Foes pay for their transgressions!
Our Lord judges all,
So I ask you: Lord please judge me
According to the justice involved
In how much you trust me.
Let the evil of wicked cease,
And with righteous replace them,
And we will finally realize peace,
And see God for his patience.
My strength is the Lord,
He is the judge of what's fair.
Everyday there are many, though,
Who cause him despair.
If a man is unrepentant,
God will draw his weapon:
A legendary bow and arrow,
Raining fires of Armageddon.
Evil men will learn their lessons
Their lies dig deeper trenches.
The consequences of their actions
Are as bad as their intentions.
Lord I want to thank you.
Your justice is divine..
Lord I sing your praises,
"Praise the Lord Most High!"
#8
Adonai! Adonai!
Earth honors your name.
You are the glory of heaven,
All the innocent proclaim.
You are the fortress,
Our defense against foes.
When those who would advance
They stopped and they froze.
When I look up to heaven
And see the stars and the moon,
Their beauty and wonder,
How could you care for us too?
You made us as you are,
But lesser of course.
You gave us this world
Like: here, it's all yours.
From the beasts of the field
To the birds of the air,
To the fish of the sea,
It is all ours to share.
Adonai! Adonai!
Earth honors your name.
You are the glory of heaven,
All the innocent proclaim.
#9
With my whole heart Lord,
I give you thanks and praise.
If all I did was praise the Lord,
I would enjoy my days.
My enemies turned away
'Cause you were by my side.
You've helped me stay the course.
Lord, your judgment's wise.
You have rebuked the nations
And destroyed the evil doers;
You've blotted out their names
And you left them all in ruins.
On his everlasting throne
The Lord sits in judgment,
And he judges the whole world
With righteousness & justice.
Lord, you are my fortress
To all of the oppressed.
All those who seek you out,
You will always protect.
He defends the afflicted
And those who seek his strength.
At the gates of the daughter
of Zion, I seek your face.
The nations have fallen
Into the pit which they made.
The Lord has made his judgment,
It's the path that they paved.
The wicked shall depart
These nations that forgot
Who God is; they'll remember
Like the poor do -- who are not.
Arise Adonai!
And knock man off his throne.
Teach him you're divine
And he's nothing but flesh & bone.
#10
Lord, why do you hide
During troubling times?
The wicked scorn your poor
And they do it with pride.
Their hearts are filled with greed,
And their desire for gain,
In you, they don't believe,
And they even curse your name.
Their ways always prosper.
Your judgment's out of sight.
They put fear in their opponents.
"I shall not be moved to fight!"
Their mouth is full of curses,
Deceit and oppression.
They lie in wait to ambush.
They are vile and wretched.
They wait with a net,
In order to snare the poor.
You seem to be gone
They think: what's it to the Lord?
Arise Adonai!
The wicked ones deny you.
Their evil is rationalized like:
"He doesn't care what I do."
I know that you see it,
All this trouble that's around.
Our hand outstretched & reaching,
You always help us off the ground.
Break the arm of the wicked.
Lord, crush the evildoer!
Wipe those nations from the earth,
And give birth to something newer.
Do you hear the meek, Lord?
Will you strengthen their heart?
Crush those who hurt the poor?
Will you give them a new start?
.jpeg)
#11
The Lord is my fortress
See, I've been told to flee
Like a bird into the mountains
To avoid my enemies.
The Lord sits and watches
From his heavenly seat.
His eye behold the consequences
Of his children he sees.
The Lord tests the righteous
And the wicked he despises,
Because his image and likeness
Wasn't supposed to like violence.
So of the wicked, he will rain coals
Of fire and brimstone.
He does this all in judgment
In heaven from his throne.
#12
I need you help Adonai.
All the faithful have vanished.
To all their neighbors they lie.
I can't understand it.
Lord, stop lips that flatter.
They may charm with their words,
But they don't call you "master."
Give them what they deserve!
The needy have cried out.
You hear the groaning of the poor?
Like purified silver,
Is the promise of the Lord.
You provide us with shelter.
Your always there to defend.
Meanwhile, evil is exalted
Among the sons of men.
How long, Adonai,
Will you hide in the shadows?
How long must I cry
And lose to my foes in battle?
Consider it, Adonai,
Is my time almost done?
Do you want me to die?
My enemies claim they won.
The love of you, Adonai,
I trust in it daily.
I will sing to you Lord
For all that you gave me.
#13
#14
The Fool says in his heart,
'God doesn't exist."
So he plays a wicked part,
And good deeds are what's missed.
God looks down from heaven
On the face of the sons of men
To see who is doing good,
Or if any seek after him.
They have all gone astray.
They are all alike corrupt.
Lord, can't they understand,
We're not bread to be eaten up?
They shall be met with terror
For oppressing the poor.
The righteous generation
Will make this right with the Lord.
Oh, that from Zion
Our rescue may be had.
And Jacob shall smile
And Israel shall be glad.
#15
Who shall enter your tent, Lord?
Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
Whoever is blameless, truthful,
And means his neighbors no ill will.
In whose eyes evil is hated,
And all reprobate is shunned,
He doesn't loan money to make it.
He doesn't use it to abuse anyone.
#16
Take care of me, Adonai,
For you are my refuge.
I look towards the sky,
I have no good without you.
All of my delight in this land
Is for the local saints,
But those who worship false gods,
I won’t even say their names.
You are my chosen portion.
Lord, you are my sacred cup.
You are what gives me nourishment.
You are what fills me up.
I bless the Lord who gives me
Protection and advice.
Why would I fear an enemy,
If God is by my side?
Because of this, I’m joyful.
My soul and body are secure.
The Lord is at my right hand,
Showing this path of life is pure.
#17
Lord, I need your ear,
My cause is just one.
Please answer my prayer,
I need some vindication.
If you test me, Adonai,
You’ll find no lies on my lips.
I have avoided all the violence,
Not once have I slipped.
I call upon thee now.
Lord, hear what I say!
You save us when we’re down.
By your right hand we are safe.
I’m the apple of your eye,
Beneath your wing the shadow,
Yet the wicked always try
To fight me and do battle.
They close their hearts to pity,
And speak with such arrogance.
And now they’ve surrounded me
To tear me apart like a lioness.
Arise Adonai!
And overthrow them with violence.
And then give them the entire world,
Fulfill all your promises.
As for me, I shall behold
Your face in righteousness,
And I’ll awake so satisfied,
I’ll wonder whose life this is.
#18
I love you, O Lord.
You’re my rock and my fortress;
You’re my shield and sword,
My stronghold, my focus.
I call upon the Lord,
Who is worthy to be praised.
You’re my savior and deliverer.
From my enemies I am saved.
The snares of death were digging in.
My fears were manifesting.
It’s the beginning of the end,
Like here comes my resting.
In my distress, I called for help
And, Lord God, you heard me
All the way from your temple;
I hope my words are worthy.
But then the earth quaked,
Shaked, rattled, and cracked.
Even the mountains were breaking.
Inhaling fire, he was mad.
Flames from his mouth,
Burning coals from his lips,
Heaven came crashing down,
The darkness it was thick.
He rode an angel to the earth
On the wings of the wind.
Hail to freeze and coal to burn,
Dark clouds surrounded him.
Out of the brightness,
Came more hail and coal.
Up in Heaven, there came a voice
Followed by a lightning bolt.
The sea was revealed
With the world’s foundation.
Your breath induces death;
You rebuke with exhalation.
You deserve exaltation!
You saved me from the water,
From my stronger enemies,
When I was surely facing slaughter.
You saw something in me,
Something gave you delight.
You saved me from my enemies,
And you took up my fight.
I’ve kept the ways of the Lord;
My righteousness is right.
So I earn a just reward
For my clean hands in his sight.
To the loyal, you’re loyal.
You have no blame for the blame-less.
You’re as pure as holy oil,
To the crooked you show what pain is.
You exalt the humble
And you dethrone the haughty.
You can make an army stumble
As you help me crush the naughty.
This God, his way is perfect.
His promise is authentic
The truth is in the verdict.
He is our shield and our protection.
Who is our protector?
Who is our rock, but Adonai?
Who guided every next step?
Who made sure that I survived?
He trains me for a war.
He helps me bend the bow.
He has saved me from all.
He is all that I know!
You provided me room
To vanquish my foes.
I tracked them down and
Crushed them beneath my toes.
I thrust through them,
So that they couldn’t rise.
You were my protector,
No one heard their cries.
They cried to the Lord
But He didn’t respond
So I wiped them away like dust
Because they didn’t trust in God
You delivered me from strife
With a nation behind me
These people saved my life
And seem to follow me blindly
Adonai is alive!
You’re my rock and fortress
You saved us from those who try
To destroy us with violence.
For this, I will proclaim
Your name throughout the nation
Triumphantly he blessed the king
And the entire line of David.
#19
The Heavens tell a story.
The day is what it writes,
About Jehovah’s Glory,
Where Knowledge is of nights.
There’s no speech or word.
There’s no voice that’s heard,
Yet what’s said is observed
All the way across the earth.
A tent for the sun,
In them, he has made.
Nothing remains hidden,
Though, in the light of day.
Lord, your Law is perfect.
It makes my soul secure,
Wisdom so simple it shows
The Law of the Lord is pure.
Fear of the Lord’s expected,
And will be sanctified forever.
The Lord’s Law is authentic,
And righteous altogether.
More desirable than money
Or even the finest gold.
It is sweeter than honey
Dripping from a honeycomb.
Through others, I am warned.
Lord, keep me from sin,
So blame is all but gone
And I remain innocent.
Please hear my words
And my heart’s meditation.
I hope they are worthy, Lord
‘Cause you’re my salvation.
#20
May the Lord hear you
When you cry out in need,
Support you from Zion,
Provide sanctuary.
May he remember offerings
And sacrifices made.
May he grant you your desires,
And the things that you crave.
May we shout out in joy
As our banners are raised,
And may the Lord hear you
And the petitions you made.
I know the Lord will help
His anointed one,
From heaven where he dwells.
By his right hand, we have won.
Some boast about their horses
Or the chariots they steer.
Give victory to your king, Lord,
And grant him your holy ear.
.jpeg)
#21
The king rejoices in your power
And reigns through your guidance.
He grows like a flower,
Thanks to rain you’ve provided.
The king is truly blessed.
He wears a golden crown.
Life was his request,
He will live forever now.
Thanks to you, his glory’s great.
Majesty is abounding.
His story is mixed with fate.
He’s so happy that you’re around him.
For the King trusts you Lord.
He will have no change of heart.
May his hand find your enemies,
For no one should hate you God.
When you arrive they’re like a grill:
The Lord consumes them on this pyre.
In his wrath they will be killed,
And swallowed up in his fire.
Eliminate their offspring
From the face of this earth.
No more descendants will
Ever celebrate another birth.
If anyone ever plots and devises
Evil, it’ll be quite an ironic show
As God’s arrows pierce their eyelids
They’ll see the mighty power of his bow.
#22
Oh why, Adonai,
Hast thou forsaken me?
Why are you out of reach of my call?
All day long I cry
With out you beside me,
And at night I hardly even sleep at all.
You are holy, I know,
Raised by Israel’s praises.
They trusted you in days of Old,
As such, you always saved them.
But I am like a worm,
Not a man I’m degraded.
I am scorned by the people.
Believe me, I’m hated.
“He follows the Lord.
Let the Lord be his help.”
See, Lord, I need you now.
I am all by myself.
You have always been there,
Lord, since my infancy,
But I feel a coming war
So I need you here with me.
Many bulls circle round me,
They viciously surround me,
Licking their chops menacingly,
Like a Lion before its pouncing.
I am poured out like water.
My bones are out of whack.
My heart is like a candle:
A melted puddle of wax.
My strength has relocated.
Its nature’s nomadic.
I grit my teeth and face the fact that
I am facing disaster.
These dogs encircle me.
Evildoers surround me.
They’ve done me discourtesy,
Piercing my hands and feet so proudly.
They stand over me gloating,
I can count all my bones,
While they start rolling dice
To divide up my clothes.
Oh Lord, stay in proximity,
I need you around me.
The bulls, lions, and dogs
Relentlessly hound me.
I say your name to the nation.
I praise you to the congregation,
To all who fear the Lord,
To every last son of Jacob.
You hear us when we cry out.
You don’t hate our affliction.
You would never hide from us,
When we pray you always listen.
From me comes the praises
To the great congregation.
The afflicted will be elated,
For the Lord rules the nations.
Pride will bow before him.
Future men will proclaim the Lord
Is the deliverer to generations
Yet to be born.
#23
I shall not desire.
Who’s my shepherd the Lord is.
I lie down in these pastures
And sit beside the still waters.
He restores my soul to
A place of righteousness.
He continues to show
Us just how much his name is just.
Even though I walk through
The shadow of death,
In this valley, I fear no evil,
For he’s the staff that protects
Me in my enemies’ presence,
Where his table is set.
He’s anointed my head with oil.
I’m forever in his debt.
#24
The earth is the Lord’s.
The world is his too.
He founded the seas and
Established rivers of blue.
Who shall climb the Lord’s hill?
Who shall stand on holy land?
He with purity of heart
And no filth on his hand.
The truth leads to vindication.
Trust the Lord for salvation.
He will bless each generation
That follows the God of Jacob.
Lift up your eyes, oh gates!
Rise you ancient doors!
Who is the King of Glory?
It’s the strong and mighty Lord.
Lift up your eyes, oh gates!
Rise you ancient doors!
The Lord of Hosts has a story,
The King of Glory is your Lord.
#25
I lift up my soul
To the Lord that I trust.
Please save me from shame
And those treacherous
Enemies of mine.
Let them feel ashamed.
I will wait my whole life
For you to show me your way.
For through you, I’m saved.
Your mercy’s a blessing.
Your love has always been praised.
Please forgive me my transgressions.
Good and upright is the Lord.
You show sinners the way.
You lead the humble in what’s right
And they humbly obey.
All the paths of the Lord
Are made of love and faith.
For those that keep the covenant,
He will show them why he’s great.
For your name’s sake Lord,
Please pardon my guilt.
Who fears the Lord?
The one he’s called to himself.
This one will prosper,
His reward will be great.
The ones who fear his power,
Know the covenant and obey.
My eyes are ever upward,
For he will free me from this snare,
And bring me out of my distress.
Please forgive me and hear my prayer.
Consider all my enemies,
Violently they hate me,
I ask that you protect me Lord,
For you I’ll be waiting.
Oh God, please hear my call
Israel needs saving.
.jpeg)