Psalm 89 | |
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"I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever" | |
Other name |
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Written | by Ethan the Ezrahite |
Language | Hebrew (original) |
Psalm 89 | |
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← Psalm 88 Psalm 90 → | |
Book | Book of Psalms |
Hebrew Bible part | Ketuvim |
Order in the Hebrew part | 1 |
Category | Sifrei Emet |
Christian Bible part | Old Testament |
Order in the Christian part | 19 |
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". [1] It is described as a maschil [2] or "contemplation". [3]
The psalm forms a regular part of Jewish, Catholic liturgies. It has been set to music, for example by Baroque composer Heinrich Schütz in German.
The following table shows the Hebrew text [4] [5] of the Psalm with vowels alongside an English translation based upon the JPS 1917 translation (now in the public domain).
Verse | Hebrew | English translation (JPS 1917) |
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1 | מַ֝שְׂכִּ֗יל לְאֵיתָ֥ן הָאֶזְרָחִֽי׃ | Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. |
2 | חַֽסְדֵ֣י יְ֭הֹוָה עוֹלָ֣ם אָשִׁ֑ירָה לְדֹ֥ר וָדֹ֓ר ׀ אוֹדִ֖יעַ אֱמוּנָתְךָ֣ בְּפִֽי׃ | I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever; To all generations will I make known Thy faithfulness with my mouth. |
3 | כִּֽי־אָמַ֗רְתִּי ע֭וֹלָם חֶ֣סֶד יִבָּנֶ֑ה שָׁמַ֓יִם ׀ תָּכִ֖ן אֱמוּנָתְךָ֣ בָהֶֽם׃ | For I have said: 'For ever is mercy built; In the very heavens Thou dost establish Thy faithfulness. |
4 | כָּרַ֣תִּי בְ֭רִית לִבְחִירִ֑י נִ֝שְׁבַּ֗עְתִּי לְדָוִ֥ד עַבְדִּֽי׃ | I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn unto David My servant: |
5 | עַד־ע֭וֹלָם אָכִ֣ין זַרְעֶ֑ךָ וּבָנִ֨יתִי לְדֹר־וָד֖וֹר כִּסְאֲךָ֣ סֶֽלָה׃ | For ever will I establish thy seed, And build up thy throne to all generations.' Selah |
6 | וְי֘וֹד֤וּ שָׁמַ֣יִם פִּלְאֲךָ֣ יְהֹוָ֑ה אַף־אֱ֝מ֥וּנָתְךָ֗ בִּקְהַ֥ל קְדֹשִֽׁים׃ | So shall the heavens praise Thy wonders, O LORD, Thy faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones. |
7 | כִּ֤י מִ֣י בַ֭שַּׁחַק יַעֲרֹ֣ךְ לַיהֹוָ֑ה יִדְמֶ֥ה לַ֝יהֹוָ֗ה בִּבְנֵ֥י אֵלִֽים׃ | For who in the skies can be compared unto the LORD, Who among the sons of might can be likened unto the LORD, |
8 | אֵ֣ל נַ֭עֲרָץ בְּסוֹד־קְדֹשִׁ֣ים רַבָּ֑ה וְ֝נוֹרָ֗א עַל־כׇּל־סְבִיבָֽיו׃ | A God dreaded in the great council of the holy ones, And feared of all them that are about Him? |
9 | יְהֹוָ֤ה ׀ אֱלֹ֘הֵ֤י צְבָא֗וֹת מִֽי־כָמ֖וֹךָֽ חֲסִ֥ין ׀ יָ֑הּ וֶ֝אֱמ֥וּנָתְךָ֗ סְבִיבוֹתֶֽיךָ׃ | O LORD God of hosts, Who is a mighty one, like unto Thee, O LORD? And Thy faithfulness is round about Thee. |
10 | אַתָּ֣ה מ֭וֹשֵׁל בְּגֵא֣וּת הַיָּ֑ם בְּשׂ֥וֹא גַ֝לָּ֗יו אַתָּ֥ה תְשַׁבְּחֵֽם׃ | Thou rulest the proud swelling of the sea; When the waves thereof arise, Thou stillest them. |
11 | אַתָּ֤ה דִכִּ֣אתָ כֶחָלָ֣ל רָ֑הַב בִּזְר֥וֹעַ עֻ֝זְּךָ֗ פִּזַּ֥רְתָּ אוֹיְבֶֽיךָ׃ | Thou didst crush Rahab, as one that is slain; Thou didst scattered Thine enemies with the arm of Thy strength. |
12 | לְךָ֣ שָׁ֭מַיִם אַף־לְךָ֥ אָ֑רֶץ תֵּבֵ֥ל וּ֝מְלֹאָ֗הּ אַתָּ֥ה יְסַדְתָּֽם׃ | Thine are the heavens, Thine also the earth; The world and the fulness thereof, Thou hast founded them. |
13 | צָפ֣וֹן וְ֭יָמִין אַתָּ֣ה בְרָאתָ֑ם תָּב֥וֹר וְ֝חֶרְמ֗וֹן בְּשִׁמְךָ֥ יְרַנֵּֽנוּ׃ | The north and the south, Thou hast created them; Tabor and Hermon rejoice in Thy name. |
14 | לְךָ֣ זְ֭רוֹעַ עִם־גְּבוּרָ֑ה תָּעֹ֥ז יָ֝דְךָ֗ תָּר֥וּם יְמִינֶֽךָ׃ | Thine is an arm with might; Strong is Thy hand, and exalted is Thy right hand. |
15 | צֶ֣דֶק וּ֭מִשְׁפָּט מְכ֣וֹן כִּסְאֶ֑ךָ חֶ֥סֶד וֶ֝אֱמֶ֗ת יְֽקַדְּמ֥וּ פָנֶֽיךָ׃ | Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Thy throne; Mercy and truth go before Thee. |
16 | אַשְׁרֵ֣י הָ֭עָם יֹדְעֵ֣י תְרוּעָ֑ה יְ֝הֹוָ֗ה בְּֽאוֹר־פָּנֶ֥יךָ יְהַלֵּכֽוּן׃ | Happy is the people that know the joyful shout; They walk, O LORD, in the light of Thy countenance. |
17 | בְּ֭שִׁמְךָ יְגִיל֣וּן כׇּל־הַיּ֑וֹם וּבְצִדְקָתְךָ֥ יָרֽוּמוּ׃ | In Thy name do they rejoice all the day; And through Thy righteousness are they exalted. |
18 | כִּי־תִפְאֶ֣רֶת עֻזָּ֣מוֹ אָ֑תָּה וּ֝בִרְצוֹנְךָ֗ (תרים) [תָּר֥וּם] קַרְנֵֽינוּ׃ | For Thou art the glory of their strength; And in Thy favour our horn is exalted. |
19 | כִּ֣י לַ֭יהֹוָה מָגִנֵּ֑נוּ וְלִקְד֖וֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל מַלְכֵּֽנוּ׃ | For of the LORD is our shield; And the Holy One of Israel is our king. |
20 | אָ֤ז דִּבַּ֥רְתָּֽ־בְחָז֡וֹן לַחֲסִידֶ֗יךָ וַתֹּ֗אמֶר שִׁוִּ֣יתִי עֵ֭זֶר עַל־גִּבּ֑וֹר הֲרִימ֖וֹתִי בָח֣וּר מֵעָֽם׃ | Then Thou spokest in vision to Thy godly ones, And saidst: 'I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people. |
21 | מָ֭צָאתִי דָּוִ֣ד עַבְדִּ֑י בְּשֶׁ֖מֶן קׇדְשִׁ֣י מְשַׁחְתִּֽיו׃ | I have found David My servant; With My holy oil have I anointed him; |
22 | אֲשֶׁ֣ר יָ֭דִי תִּכּ֣וֹן עִמּ֑וֹ אַף־זְרוֹעִ֥י תְאַמְּצֶֽנּוּ׃ | With whom My hand shall be established; Mine arm also shall strengthen him. |
23 | לֹא־יַשִּׁ֣יא אוֹיֵ֣ב בּ֑וֹ וּבֶן־עַ֝וְלָ֗ה לֹ֣א יְעַנֶּֽנּוּ׃ | The enemy shall not exact from him; Nor the son of wickedness afflict him. |
24 | וְכַתּוֹתִ֣י מִפָּנָ֣יו צָרָ֑יו וּמְשַׂנְאָ֥יו אֶגּֽוֹף׃ | And I will beat to pieces his adversaries before him, And smite them that hate him. |
25 | וֶ֥אֱֽמוּנָתִ֣י וְחַסְדִּ֣י עִמּ֑וֹ וּ֝בִשְׁמִ֗י תָּר֥וּם קַרְנֽוֹ׃ | But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him; And through My name shall his horn be exalted. |
26 | וְשַׂמְתִּ֣י בַיָּ֣ם יָד֑וֹ וּֽבַנְּהָר֥וֹת יְמִינֽוֹ׃ | I will set his hand also on the sea, And his right hand on the rivers. |
27 | ה֣וּא יִ֭קְרָאֵנִי אָ֣בִי אָ֑תָּה אֵ֝לִ֗י וְצ֣וּר יְשׁוּעָתִֽי׃ | He shall call unto Me: Thou art my Father, My God, and the rock of my salvation. . |
28 | אַף־אָ֭נִי בְּכ֣וֹר אֶתְּנֵ֑הוּ עֶ֝לְי֗וֹן לְמַלְכֵי־אָֽרֶץ׃ | I also will appoint him first-born, The highest of the kings of the earth. |
29 | לְ֭עוֹלָם (אשמור) [אֶשְׁמׇר־]ל֣וֹ חַסְדִּ֑י וּ֝בְרִיתִ֗י נֶאֱמֶ֥נֶת לֽוֹ׃ | For ever will I keep for him My mercy, And My covenant shall stand fast with him. |
30 | וְשַׂמְתִּ֣י לָעַ֣ד זַרְע֑וֹ וְ֝כִסְא֗וֹ כִּימֵ֥י שָׁמָֽיִם׃ | His seed also will I make to endure for ever, And his throne as the days of heaven. |
31 | אִם־יַעַזְב֣וּ בָ֭נָיו תּוֹרָתִ֑י וּ֝בְמִשְׁפָּטַ֗י לֹ֣א יֵלֵכֽוּן׃ | If his children forsake My law, And walk not in Mine ordinances; : |
32 | אִם־חֻקֹּתַ֥י יְחַלֵּ֑לוּ וּ֝מִצְוֺתַ֗י לֹ֣א יִשְׁמֹֽרוּ׃ | If they profane My statutes, And keep not My commandments; |
33 | וּפָקַדְתִּ֣י בְשֵׁ֣בֶט פִּשְׁעָ֑ם וּבִנְגָעִ֥ים עֲוֺנָֽם׃ | Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, And their iniquity with strokes. |
34 | וְ֭חַסְדִּי לֹא־אָפִ֣יר מֵעִמּ֑וֹ וְלֹא־אֲ֝שַׁקֵּ֗ר בֶּאֱמוּנָתִֽי׃ | But My mercy will I not break off from him, Nor will I be false to My faithfulness. |
35 | לֹֽא־אֲחַלֵּ֥ל בְּרִיתִ֑י וּמוֹצָ֥א שְׂ֝פָתַ֗י לֹ֣א אֲשַׁנֶּֽה׃ | My covenant will I not profane, Nor alter that which is gone out of My lips. |
36 | אַ֭חַת נִשְׁבַּ֣עְתִּי בְקׇדְשִׁ֑י אִֽם־לְדָוִ֥ד אֲכַזֵּֽב׃ | Once have I sworn by My holiness: Surely I will not be false unto David; |
37 | זַ֭רְעוֹ לְעוֹלָ֣ם יִהְיֶ֑ה וְכִסְא֖וֹ כַשֶּׁ֣מֶשׁ נֶגְדִּֽי׃ | His seed shall endure for ever, And his throne as the sun before Me. |
38 | כְּ֭יָרֵחַ יִכּ֣וֹן עוֹלָ֑ם וְעֵ֥ד בַּ֝שַּׁ֗חַק נֶאֱמָ֥ן סֶֽלָה׃ | It shall be established for ever as the moon; And be stedfast as the witness in sky.' Selah |
39 | וְאַתָּ֣ה זָ֭נַחְתָּ וַתִּמְאָ֑ס הִ֝תְעַבַּ֗רְתָּ עִם־מְשִׁיחֶֽךָ׃ | But Thou hast cast off and rejected, Thou hast been wroth with Thine anointed. |
40 | נֵ֭אַרְתָּה בְּרִ֣ית עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ חִלַּ֖לְתָּ לָאָ֣רֶץ נִזְרֽוֹ׃ | Thou hast abhorred the covenant of Thy servant; Thou hast profaned his crown even to the ground. |
41 | פָּרַ֥צְתָּ כׇל־גְּדֵרֹתָ֑יו שַׂ֖מְתָּ מִבְצָרָ֣יו מְחִתָּֽה׃ | Thou hast broken down all his fences; Thou hast brought his strongholds to ruin. |
42 | שַׁ֭סֻּהוּ כׇּל־עֹ֣בְרֵי דָ֑רֶךְ הָיָ֥ה חֶ֝רְפָּ֗ה לִשְׁכֵנָֽיו׃ | All that pass by the way spoil him; He is become a taunt to his neighbours. |
43 | הֲ֭רִימוֹתָ יְמִ֣ין צָרָ֑יו הִ֝שְׂמַ֗חְתָּ כׇּל־אוֹיְבָֽיו׃ | Thou hast exalted the right hand of his adversaries; Thou hast made all his enemies to rejoice. |
44 | אַף־תָּ֭שִׁיב צ֣וּר חַרְבּ֑וֹ וְלֹ֥א הֲ֝קֵימֹת֗וֹ בַּמִּלְחָמָֽה׃ | Yea, Thou turnest back the edge of his sword, And hast not made him to stand in the battle. |
45 | הִשְׁבַּ֥תָּ מִטְּהָר֑וֹ וְ֝כִסְא֗וֹ לָאָ֥רֶץ מִגַּֽרְתָּה׃ | Thou hast made his brightness to cease, And cast his throne down to the ground. |
46 | הִ֭קְצַרְתָּ יְמֵ֣י עֲלוּמָ֑יו הֶ֥עֱטִ֨יתָ עָלָ֖יו בּוּשָׁ֣ה סֶֽלָה׃ | The days of his youth hast Thou shortened; Thou hast covered him with shame. Selah |
47 | עַד־מָ֣ה יְ֭הֹוָה תִּסָּתֵ֣ר לָנֶ֑צַח תִּבְעַ֖ר כְּמוֹ־אֵ֣שׁ חֲמָתֶֽךָ׃ | How long, O LORD, wilt Thou hide Thyself for ever? How long shall Thy wrath burn like fire? |
48 | זְכׇר־אֲנִ֥י מֶה־חָ֑לֶד עַל־מַה־שָּׁ֝֗וְא בָּרָ֥אתָ כׇל־בְּנֵֽי־אָדָֽם׃ | O remember how short my time is; For what vanity hast Thou created all the children of men! |
49 | מִ֤י גֶ֣בֶר יִֽ֭חְיֶה וְלֹ֣א יִרְאֶה־מָּ֑וֶת יְמַלֵּ֨ט נַפְשׁ֖וֹ מִיַּד־שְׁא֣וֹל סֶֽלָה׃ | What man is he that liveth and shall not see death, That shall deliver his soul from the power of the grave? Selah |
50 | אַיֵּ֤ה ׀ חֲסָדֶ֖יךָ הָרִאשֹׁנִ֥ים ׀ אֲדֹנָ֑י נִשְׁבַּ֥עְתָּ לְ֝דָוִ֗ד בֶּאֱמוּנָתֶֽךָ׃ | Where are Thy former mercies, O Lord, Which Thou didst swear unto David in Thy faithfulness? |
51 | זְכֹ֣ר אֲ֭דֹנָי חֶרְפַּ֣ת עֲבָדֶ֑יךָ שְׂאֵתִ֥י בְ֝חֵיקִ֗י כׇּל־רַבִּ֥ים עַמִּֽים׃ | Remember, Lord, the taunt of Thy servants; How I do bear in my bosom [the taunt of] so many peoples; |
52 | אֲשֶׁ֤ר חֵרְפ֖וּ אוֹיְבֶ֥יךָ ׀ יְהֹוָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר חֵ֝רְפ֗וּ עִקְּב֥וֹת מְשִׁיחֶֽךָ׃ | Wherewith Thine enemies have taunted, O LORD, Wherewith they have taunted the footsteps of Thine anointed. |
53 | בָּר֖וּךְ יְהֹוָ֥ה לְעוֹלָ֗ם אָ֘מֵ֥ן ׀ וְאָמֵֽן׃ | Blessed be the LORD for evermore. Amen, and Amen. |
The superscription of the psalm states that it was written by Ethan the Ezrahite, who, along with Heman the Ezrahite (to whom Psalm 88 is attributed), was a wise man from the time of, or prior to, King Solomon. 1 Kings 4:31 states that Solomon "was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations" (ESV).
In 2 Samuel 7:12–17, God promises King David that there will always be a king from his line to rule over Israel. Some scholars claim that this psalm was written after the deportation of the Jews to Babylon. [6] However, this claim is inconsistent with the dating of Ethan to the time of Solomon. More likely is that it was written on behalf of the king (David or Solomon) during a time of trouble.[ citation needed ] The author expresses his belief that the promises outlined in 2 Samuel 7:12-17 will be fulfilled.
Charles Spurgeon called this psalm a Covenant Psalm and described it as "the utterance of a believer". [2] It begins with words of praise for Yahweh's goodness and covenant faithfulness. For the first 37 verses, the psalm recounts the promises made to King David and the covenant established by God with him; from verse 38 to 51, the psalmist laments what seems to him like God's lack of remembrance of his covenant promises.
This closing verse is the benediction or doxology by which the third book of the psalter is brought to a close, [2] "[not] part of the original psalm, [but] entirely in harmony with the spirit of it". [8]
In the New Testament, part of verse 10 is quoted in Luke 1:51, [13] and verse 20 is quoted in Acts 13:22. [13]
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Psalm 88 (Psalm 89 in the Masoretic Text) is part of the twelfth Kathisma division of the Psalter, read at Vespers on Wednesday evenings, as well as on Tuesdays and Thursdays during Lent, at Matins and the Ninth Hour, respectively. [14]
In the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer , this psalm is appointed to be read in the evening of the 17th day of the month, [15] as well as at Evensong on Christmas Day. [16]
Heinrich Schütz set Psalm 90 in a metred version in German as part of the Becker Psalter , first published in 1628. It is split in two parts, "Ich will von Gnade singen" and "Ach Gott, warum verstößt du nun", SWV 186 and 1878. Alan Hovhaness set the text to music in his Op. 27, a choral work O Lord God of Hosts. [17]
Psalm 9 is the ninth psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works." In Latin, it is known as "Confitebor tibi, Domine". The topic of the psalm is that the success of evil is only temporary, and in the end, the righteous will endure. Psalm 10 is considered part of Psalm 9 in the Greek Septuagint and in most pre-Reformation Christian Bibles. These two consecutive psalms have the form of a single acrostic Hebrew poem.
Psalm 74 is the 74th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "O God, why hast thou cast us off for ever?". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 73. In Latin, it is known as "Ut quid Deus reppulisti in finem iratus". Subheaded a maschil or contemplation, and a community lament, it expresses the pleas of the Jewish community in the Babylonian captivity. It is attributed to Asaph.
Psalm 69 is the 69th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul". It is subtitled: "To the chief musician, upon Shoshannim, a Psalm of David". 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 version of the Bible and in the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 68. In Latin, it is known as "Salvum me fac Deus". It has 36 verses.
Psalm 10 is the tenth psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?" In the Greek Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate, it is not an individual psalm but the second part of psalm 9, "Ut quid Domine recessisti". These two consecutive psalms have the form of a single acrostic Hebrew poem. Compared to Psalm 9, Psalm 10 is focused more on the individual than the collective human condition.
Psalm 17 is the 17th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry". In the Greek Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate, it is psalm 16 in a slightly different numbering system, "Exaudi Domine iustitiam meam". Its authorship is traditionally assigned to King David.
Psalm 21 is the 21st psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "The king shall joy in thy strength". 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 20. In Latin, it is known by the incipit, "Domine in virtute tua". The psalm is attributed to David.
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".
Psalm 44 is the 44th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint version of the bible, and generally in its Latin translations, this psalm is Psalm 43. In the Vulgate, it begins "Deus auribus nostris audivimus patres nostri adnuntiaverunt". The psalm was composed by the sons of Korah and is classified in the series of lamentations of the people.
Psalm 50, a Psalm of Asaph, is the 50th psalm from the Book of Psalms in the Bible, beginning in English in the King James Version: "The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof." In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 49. The opening words in Latin are Deus deorum, Dominus, locutus est / et vocavit terram a solis ortu usque ad occasum. The psalm is a prophetic imagining of God's judgment on the Israelites.
Psalm 56 is the 56th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up". In the slightly different numbering system of the Greek Septuagint version of the Bible and the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 55. In Latin, it is known as "Miserere mei Deus quoniam conculcavit me homo". The psalm is the first of a series of five psalms in this part of the book which are referred to as Miktams. It is attributed to King David and may be considered representative of him or anyone else hiding from an enemy.
Psalm 57 is the 57th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me". In the slightly different numbering system of the Greek Septuagint version of the Bible and the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 56. In Latin, it is known as " Miserere mei Deus". It is attributed to King David, and is described as a Michtam of David, when he fled from the face of Saul, in the cave, recalling either the cave of Adullam, or the cave in the wilderness of En-gedi, on the western shore of the Dead Sea.
Psalm 59 is the 59th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me". In the slightly different numbering system of the Greek Septuagint version of the Bible and the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 58. In Latin, it is known as "Eripe me de inimicis meis Deu". It is described as "a prayer composed when Saul sent messengers to wait at the house in order to kill him", and commentator Cyril Rodd describes it as a "vigorous plea for the destruction of the psalmist's enemies".
Psalm 66 is the 66th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands". In the slightly different numbering system of the Greek Septuagint version of the Bible and the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 65. In Latin, it is known as "Iubilate Deo omnis terra". It is a psalm of thanksgiving probably intended for use at the Passover. The psalm is divided into two parts: in verses 1-12 the community praises God and invites the whole world to join in praise; in verses 13–20, "an individual from the rescued community fulfils a vow to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving".
Psalm 68 is "the most difficult and obscure of all the psalms." In the English of the King James Version it begins "Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered". In the Latin Vulgate version it begins "Exsurgat Deus et dissipentur inimici eius". It has 35 verses. Methodist writer Arno C. Gaebelein calls it "The Great Redemption Accomplished" and describes it as "one of the greatest Psalms".
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".
Psalm 77 is the 77th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 76. In Latin, it is known as "Voce mea ad Dominum clamavi".
Psalm 86 is the 86th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 85. In Latin, it is known as "Inclina Domine". It is attributed to David.
Psalm 88 is the 88th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 87. In Latin, it is known as "Domine Deus salutis meae". According to the title, it is a "psalm of the sons of Korah" as well as a "maskil of Heman the Ezrahite".
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".
Psalm 61 is the 61st psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.". In the slightly different numbering system of the Greek Septuagint version of the Bible and the Latin Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 60. In Latin, it is known as "Exaudi Deus". The psalm is to be played on a neginah or stringed instrument. The Psalm is attributed to King David. The Jerusalem Bible calls it a "prayer of an exile".