Psalm 144

Last updated

Psalm 144
"Blessed be the LORD my strength"
David-harp.jpg
David playing his harp,
Paris Psalter, c. 960, Constantinople
Other name
  • Psalm 144 (Vulgate)
  • "Benedictus Dominus"
LanguageHebrew (original)
Psalm 144
  Psalm 143
Psalm 145  
Book Book of Psalms
Hebrew Bible part Ketuvim
Order in the Hebrew part1
Category Sifrei Emet
Christian Bible part Old Testament
Order in the Christian part19

Psalm 144 is the 144th psalm of the Book of Psalms, part of the final Davidic collection of psalms, comprising Psalms 138 to 145, which are specifically attributed to David in their opening verses. [1] In the King James Version its opening words are "Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight". In Latin, it is known as "Benedictus Dominus". [2]

Contents

In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint version of the Bible, and the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 143.

The psalm is used as a regular part of Jewish, Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican and other Protestant liturgies; it has often been set to music.

Text

Hebrew

The following table shows the Hebrew text [3] [4] of the Psalm with vowels alongside an English translation based upon the JPS 1917 translation (now in the public domain).

VerseHebrewEnglish translation (JPS 1917)
1לְדָוִ֨ד ׀ בָּ֘ר֤וּךְ יְהֹוָ֨ה ׀ צוּרִ֗י הַֽמְלַמֵּ֣ד יָדַ֣י לַקְרָ֑ב אֶ֝צְבְּעוֹתַ֗י לַמִּלְחָמָֽה׃[A Psalm] of David. Blessed be the LORD my Rock, Who traineth my hands for war, And my fingers for battle;
2חַסְדִּ֥י וּמְצוּדָתִי֮ מִשְׂגַּבִּ֢י וּֽמְפַלְטִ֫י־לִ֥י מָ֭גִנִּי וּב֣וֹ חָסִ֑יתִי הָרוֹדֵ֖ד עַמִּ֣י תַחְתָּֽי׃My lovingkindness, and my fortress, My high tower, and my deliverer; My shield, and He in whom I take refuge; Who subdueth my people under me.
3יְֽהֹוָ֗ה מָֽה־אָ֭דָם וַתֵּדָעֵ֑הוּ בֶּן־אֱ֝נ֗וֹשׁ וַתְּחַשְּׁבֵֽהוּ׃LORD, what is man, that Thou takest knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that Thou makest account of him?
4אָ֭דָם לַהֶ֣בֶל דָּמָ֑ה יָ֝מָ֗יו כְּצֵ֣ל עוֹבֵֽר׃Man is like unto a breath; His days are as a shadow that passeth away.
5יְ֭הֹוָה הַט־שָׁמֶ֣יךָ וְתֵרֵ֑ד גַּ֖ע בֶּהָרִ֣ים וְֽיֶעֱשָֽׁנוּ׃O LORD, bow Thy heavens, and come down; Touch the mountains, that they may smoke.
6בְּר֣וֹק בָּ֭רָק וּתְפִיצֵ֑ם שְׁלַ֥ח חִ֝צֶּ֗יךָ וּתְהֻמֵּֽם׃Cast forth lightning, and scatter them; Send out Thine arrows, and discomfit them.
7שְׁלַ֥ח יָדֶ֗יךָ מִ֫מָּר֥וֹם פְּצֵ֣נִי וְ֭הַצִּילֵנִי מִמַּ֣יִם רַבִּ֑ים מִ֝יַּ֗ד בְּנֵ֣י נֵכָֽר׃Stretch forth Thy hands from on high; Rescue me, and deliver me out of many waters, Out of the hand of strangers;
8אֲשֶׁ֣ר פִּ֭יהֶם דִּבֶּר־שָׁ֑וְא וִ֝ימִינָ֗ם יְמִ֣ין שָֽׁקֶר׃Whose mouth speaketh falsehood, And their right hand is a right hand of lying.
9אֱֽלֹהִ֗ים שִׁ֣יר חָ֭דָשׁ אָשִׁ֣ירָה לָּ֑ךְ בְּנֵ֥בֶל עָ֝שׂ֗וֹר אֲזַמְּרָה־לָּֽךְ׃O God, I will sing a new song unto Thee, Upon a psaltery of ten strings will I sing praises unto Thee;
10הַנּוֹתֵ֥ן תְּשׁוּעָ֗ה לַמְּלָ֫כִ֥ים הַ֭פּוֹצֶה אֶת־דָּוִ֥ד עַבְדּ֗וֹ מֵחֶ֥רֶב רָעָֽה׃Who givest salvation unto kings, Who rescuest David Thy servant from the hurtful sword.
11פְּצֵ֥נִי וְהַצִּילֵנִי֮ מִיַּ֢ד בְּֽנֵי־נֵ֫כָ֥ר אֲשֶׁ֣ר פִּ֭יהֶם דִּבֶּר־שָׁ֑וְא וִ֝ימִינָ֗ם יְמִ֣ין שָֽׁקֶר׃Rescue me, and deliver me out of the hand of strangers, Whose mouth speaketh falsehood, And their right hand is a right hand of lying.
12אֲשֶׁ֤ר בָּנֵ֨ינוּ ׀ כִּנְטִעִים֮ מְגֻדָּלִ֢ים בִּֽנְעוּרֵ֫יהֶ֥ם בְּנוֹתֵ֥ינוּ כְזָוִיֹּ֑ת מְ֝חֻטָּב֗וֹת תַּבְנִ֥ית הֵיכָֽל׃We whose sons are as plants grown up in their youth; Whose daughters are as corner-pillars carved after the fashion of a palace;
13מְזָוֵ֣ינוּ מְלֵאִים֮ מְפִיקִ֥ים מִזַּ֗ן אֶ֫ל־זַ֥ן צֹאונֵ֣נוּ מַ֭אֲלִיפוֹת מְרֻבָּב֗וֹת בְּחוּצוֹתֵֽינוּ׃Whose garners are full, affording all manner of store; Whose sheep increase by thousands and ten thousands in our fields;
14אַלּוּפֵ֗ינוּ מְֽסֻבָּ֫לִ֥ים אֵֽין־פֶּ֭רֶץ וְאֵ֣ין יוֹצֵ֑את וְאֵ֥ין צְ֝וָחָ֗ה בִּרְחֹבֹתֵֽינוּ׃Whose oxen are well laden; With no breach, and no going forth, And no outcry in our broad places;
15אַשְׁרֵ֣י הָ֭עָם שֶׁכָּ֣כָה לּ֑וֹ אַֽשְׁרֵ֥י הָ֝עָ֗ם שֱׁיְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהָֽיו׃Happy is the people that is in such a case. Yea, happy is the people whose God is the LORD.

King James Version

  1. Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
  2. My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.
  3. LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!
  4. Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.
  5. Bow thy heavens, O LORD, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.
  6. Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them.
  7. Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children;
  8. Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
  9. I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.
  10. It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.
  11. Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:
  12. That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:
  13. That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets.
  14. That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.
  15. Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.

Themes

The text is attributed to David in the Masoretic text. The Septuagint has the additional specification of Τῷ Δαυΐδ, πρὸς τὸν Γολιάδ, David against Goliath, putting the text in the context of the narrative of David's fight against Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. The Jerusalem Bible notes that the psalm has two parts: it refers to verses 1-11 as a "war hymn" and suggests that verses 12-15 portray "the fruits of victory", and also by extension "the prosperity of the messianic age". [5]

Verse 1

The first verse is rendered in the King James Version (KJV) as

"Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight." [6]

This translates the Hebrew:

ברוך יהוה צורי המלמד ידי לקרב אצבעותי למלחמה׃ [7]

Thus, in KJV "my strength" renders צורי (lit. "my rock").

But the Septuagint has

Εὐλογητὸς Κύριος ὁ Θεός μου ὁ διδάσκων τὰς χεῖράς μου εἰς παράταξιν, τοὺς δακτύλους μου εἰς πόλεμον

putting Θεός μου "my God" where the Hebrew has "my rock/strength". This was the text rendered by the Vulgata Clementina,

Benedictus Dominus Deus meus, qui docet manus meas ad prælium, et digitos meos ad bellum.

This Latin translation was the one which was influential in Western Christianity during the Middle Ages. With the development of the ideal of the knighthood in the 12th century, the verse came to be seen as a fitting prayer for the Christian warrior, and references to it are found inscribed on a number of high medieval swords, most notably on the pommel of the Imperial Sword of Otto IV (made c. 1198).

Verse 12

That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth;
That our daughters may be as pillars,
Sculptured in palace style. [8]

The Jerusalem Bible suggests that the psalmist may have in mind a caryatid, a sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support. [9]

Use

Judaism

This psalm is recited in some congregations before Maariv on Motzei Shabbat. [10] Verse 15 is the second verse of Ashrei and is also the eighth verse of Hoshia Et Amecha in Pesukei Dezimra. [11] The 15th verse of the psalm is the prayer of Ashrei, and in zemirot. [12]

Catholicism

This psalm was selected to the office of Vespers by St. Benedict of Nursia in 530 AD. It was therefore traditionally performed during Vespers of Friday, according to the Rule of St. Benedict. As Psalm 144 is long enough, Benedict divided it in two. So verses from Deus canticum novum cantabo tibi were his division, and vespers Friday had only three psalms instead of four. [13] [14]

In the Liturgy of the Hours, Psalm 144 is recited during Vespers on Thursday of the fourth week. The main cycle of liturgical prayers takes four weeks. [15]

In the Divine Worship: Daily Office , the daily Divine Office of the Anglican Use Personal Ordinariates, Psalm 144 is recited at Morning Prayer on the 30th and 31st Day of the month in the 30-day Prayer Book cycle or at Morning Prayer on Saturday of the 7th Week in the 7 week cycle. [16]

Eastern Orthodox Church

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Psalm 143 (Psalm 144 in the Masoretic Text) is part of the twentieth Kathisma division of the Psalter, read at Matins on Friday mornings, and on Wednesdays and Fridays during Lent, at Matins and the Sixth Hour, respectively. [17]

Musical settings

No. 5 of Dvorak's Biblical Songs Dvorak's Biblicke Pisne i-15.jpg
No. 5 of Dvorak's Biblical Songs

Michel Richard Delalande, composer of Louis XIV, wrote a grand motet in 1695 for this Psalm (S.44) for the offices celebrated in the Royal Chapel of Versailles.

German poet Matthias Claudius wrote a poem entitled "Wir pflügen und wir streuen" (in English: "We plough the fields and scatter") which was inspired by Psalm 144 and was published in 1782. This poem was set to music in 1800 by Johann Abraham Peter Schulz. The lyrics were translated into English in 1862 by Jane Montgomery Campbell, and since that time We Plough the Fields and Scatter has become a popular hymn that is particularly associated with celebrations of the harvest season.

Antonin Dvorak set a verse from the psalm in Czech as the beginning of the fifth movement of his Biblical Songs .

In film

On display in the Museum of the Bible are some clips from the film Saving Private Ryan where Daniel Jackson quotes Psalm 22:19, 25:2 and Psalm 144:2. [18]

Usage as a gun engraving

In September 2015, a gun shop in Apopka, Florida produced an AR-15 named the "Crusader" engraved with Psalm 144:1, ostensibly so that it could "never… be used by Muslim terrorists". The Council on American–Islamic Relations responded with disapproval. [19]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 119</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 119 is the 119th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in the English of the King James Version: "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord". The Book of Psalms is in the third section of the Hebrew Bible, the Khetuvim, and a book of the Christian Old Testament. The psalm, which is anonymous, is referred to in Hebrew by its opening words, "Ashrei temimei derech". In Latin, it is known as "Beati inmaculati in via qui ambulant in lege Domini".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 89</span>

Psalm 89 is the 89th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 88. In Latin, it is known as "Misericordias Domini in aeternum cantabo". It is described as a maschil or "contemplation".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 145</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 145 is the 145th psalm of the Book of Psalms, generally known in English by its first verse, in the King James Version, "I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever". In Latin, it is known as "Exaltabo te Deus meus rex". It is the last psalm in the final Davidic collection of psalms, comprising Psalms 138 to 145, which are specifically attributed to David in their opening verses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 95</span>

Psalm 95 is the 95th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation". The Book of Psalms starts the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and, as such, is a book of the Christian Old Testament. In the slightly different numbering system in the Greek Septuagint version of the Bible, and in the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 94. In Latin, it is known as "Venite exultemus" or simply "Venite". The psalm is a hymn psalm, one of the Royal psalms, praising God as the King of His people. Psalm 95 identifies no author, but Hebrews 4:7 attributes it to David. The Vulgate also names David as the author.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 92</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 92 is the 92nd psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 91. In Latin, it is known as "Bonum est confiteri Domino ". The psalm is known as Mizmor Shir L'yom HaShabbat, is ostensibly dedicated to the Shabbat day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 146</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 146 is the 146th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version, "Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul". In Latin, it is known as "Lauda anima mea Dominum".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 20</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 20 is the 20th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble". The Book of Psalms is part of the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and a book of the Christian Old Testament. In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 19. In Latin, it is known by the incipit, "Exaudiat te Dominus". The psalm is attributed to David. This psalm and the following one are closely related: they are both liturgical psalms: the first is an intercession, the second is a thanksgiving; in both, the king is the prominent figure.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 27</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 27 is the 27th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?". The Book of Psalms is part of the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and a book of the Christian Old Testament. In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 26. In Latin, it is known as "Dominus illuminatio mea".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 33</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 33 is the 33rd psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright". The Book of Psalms is part of the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and a book of the Christian Old Testament. In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 32. In Latin, it is known by the incipit, "Exultate iusti in Domino". Its purpose is to praise "the Sovereignty of the Lord in Creation and History".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 40</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 40 is the 40th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "I waited patiently for the LORD". The Book of Psalms is part of the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and a book of the Christian Old Testament. In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 39. In Latin, it is known by the incipit, "Expectans expectavi Dominum". It is described by the Jerusalem Bible as a "song of praise and prayer for help".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 132</span>

Psalm 132 is the 132nd psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint version of the bible and in the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 130. In Latin, it is known as "Memento Domine David".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 125</span>

Psalm 125 is the 125th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion". In Latin, it is known by as, "Qui confidunt in Domino". The Book of Psalms is part of the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and a book of the Christian Old Testament. Psalm 125 is one of fifteen psalms that begin with the words "A song of ascents".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 123</span>

Psalm 123 is the 123rd psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens". The Book of Psalms is part of the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and a book of the Christian Old Testament. This short psalm is one of fifteen psalms that begin with the words "A song of ascents". In Latin, it is known as "Ad te levavi oculos meos", and Baptist writer Charles Spurgeon calls it "the Psalm of the eyes".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 122</span>

Psalm 122 is the 122nd psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "I was glad" and in Latin entitled Laetatus sum. It is attributed to King David and one of the fifteen psalms described as A song of ascents. Its title, I was glad, is reflected in a number of choral introits by various composers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 71</span>

Psalm 71 is the 71st psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion". It has no title in the Hebrew version. In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 70. In Latin, it is known as "In te Domine speravi".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 81</span>

Psalm 81 is the 81st psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Sing aloud unto God our strength". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 80. In Latin, it is known as "Exultate deo adiutori nostro". It is one of the 12 Psalms of Asaph. Its themes relate to celebration and repentance. In the New King James Version its sub-title is "An Appeal for Israel's Repentance".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 94</span>

Psalm 94 is the 94th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 93. In Latin, it is known as "Deus ultionum". This psalm is referred to as one of the Royal Psalms, Psalms 93–99, praising God as the King of His people, although as Gordon Churchyard notes, God is referred to here as judge rather than king.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 106</span>

Psalm 106 is the 106th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good". The Book of Psalms is part of the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and a book of the Christian Old Testament. In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 105. In Latin, it is known by the incipit, "Confitemini Domino quoniam bonus". Alexander Kirkpatrick observes that the two historical psalms, Psalms 105 and 106, are closely related. Psalm 105 gives thanks for God's faithfulness to the covenant he made with Abraham; Psalm 106 is a psalm of penitence, reciting the history of Israel's faithlessness and disobedience. He also notes that this psalm and Psalm 107 "are closely connected together", arguing that "the division of the fourth and fifth books does not correspond to any difference of source or character, as is the case in the other books".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 113</span> Biblical psalm

Psalm 113 is the 113th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Praise ye the Lord, O ye servants of the Lord". The Book of Psalms is part of the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and a book of the Christian Old Testament. In Latin, it is known as 'Laudate pueri Dominum".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psalm 118</span> Psalm of the Book of Palms in the Bible

Psalm 118 is the 118th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in the English of the King James Version: "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever." The Book of Psalms is part of the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and a book of the Christian Old Testament. In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 117. In Latin, it is known as "Confitemini Domino". Its themes are thanksgiving to God and reliance on God rather than on human strength.

References

  1. Lama, A. K. (2013). Reading Psalm 145 with the Sages: A Compositional Analysis. Langham Monographs. p. 3. ISBN   9781907713354.
  2. "Parallel Latin/English Psalter / Psalmus 143 (144)". medievalist.net. 2 May 2019.
  3. "Psalms – Chapter 144". Mechon Mamre.
  4. "Psalms 144 - JPS 1917". Sefaria.org.
  5. Jerusalem Bible (1966), Footnote a at Psalm 144
  6. Psalm 144:1: KJV
  7. Psalm 144:1: Masoretic Text
  8. Psalm 144:12: New King James Version
  9. Jerusalem Bible, Footnote c at Psalm 144:12
  10. The Complete Artscroll Siddur, p. 592
  11. The Complete Artscroll Siddur, pp. 65–67
  12. Complete Artscroll Siddur.
  13. Prosper Guéranger, Règle de saint Benoît, traduction, (Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Solesmes, réimpression 2007) p. 47.
  14. Psautier latin-français du bréviaire monastique,, 1938/2003 p. 530.
  15. The General Instruction on the Liturgy of the Hours (PDF). Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  16. Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter (2020). Divine Worship: Daily Office: North American Edition. Pine Beach, New Jersey: Newman House Press. ISBN   978-1-7330293-2-2.
  17. The Holy Psalter, Saint Ignatius Orthodox Press, 2022
  18. "The Book Minute".
  19. "Apopka gun maker etches scripture on assault rifle". WOGX Fox 51. Archived from the original on 15 September 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2015.

Sources