THE BOOK OF PSALMS
Project Gutenberg EPUB3 edition
The psalms are called by the Hebrews TEHILLIM, that is, Hymns of Praise. The author, of a great part of them at least, was king David: but many are of opinion that some of them were made by Asaph, and others whose names are prefixed in the titles.
Psalms Chapter 1
Beatus vir.
The happiness of the just and the evil state of the wicked.
1:1. Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence:
1:2. But his will is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he shall meditate day and night.
1:3. And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season. And his leaf shall not fall off: and all whatsoever he shall do shall prosper.
1:4. Not so the wicked, not so: but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the earth.
1:5. Therefore the wicked shall not rise again in judgment: nor sinners in the council of the just.
1:6. For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: and the way of the wicked shall perish.
Psalms Chapter 2
Quare fremuerunt.
The vain efforts of persecutors against Christ and his church.
2:1. Why have the Gentiles raged, and the prople devised vain things?
2:2. The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes met together, against the Lord, and against his Christ.
2:3. Let us break their bonds asunder: and let us cast away their yoke from us.
2:4. He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them: and the Lord shall deride them.
2:5. Then shall he speak to them in his anger, and trouble them in his rage.
2:6. But I am appointed king by him over Sion, his holy mountain, preahing his comandment.
2:7. The Lord hath said to me: Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee.
2:8. Ask of me, and I will give thee the Gentiles for thy inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.
2:9. Thou shalt rule them with a rod of iron, and shalt break them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
2:10. And now, O ye kings, understand: receive instruction, you that judge the earth.
2:11. Serve ye the Lord with fear: and rejoice unto him with trembling.
2:12. Embrace discipline, lest at any time the Lord be angry, and you perish from the just way.
2:13. When his wrath shall be kindled in a short time, blessed are all they that trust in him.
Psalms Chapter 3
Domine, quid multiplicati.
The prophet's danger and delivery from his son Absalom: mystically, the passion and resurrection of Christ.
3:1. The psalm of David when he fled from the face of his son Absalom.
3:2 Why, O Lord, are they multipied that affict me? many are they who rise up against me.
3:3 Many say to my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God.
3:4. But thou, O Lord, art my protector, my glory, and the lifter up of my head.
3:5. I have cried to the Lord with my voice: and he hath heard me from his holy hill.
3:6. I have slept and have taken my rest: and I have risen up, because the Lord hath protected me.
3:7. I will not fear thousands of the people surrounding me: arise, O Lord; save me, O my God.
3:8. For thou hast struck all them who are my adversaries without cause: thou hast broken the teeth of sinners.
3:9. Salvation is of the Lord: and thy blessing is upon thy people.
Psalms Chapter 4
Cum invocarem.