New Believers Bible - Flipbook - Page 143
Psalms
A U T H O R : D AV I D , A S A P H , S O LO M O N , E T. AL. | D AT E W R I T T E N : 1440–586 B .C. | G E N R E : P O E T RY
Psalms contains a variety of themes that touch on every area of life. The central theme,
however, is the praise and worship of a sovereign and loving God. Besides being a source of
comfort and worship, the Psalms are filled with prophecies about Jesus Christ.
4
BOOK ONE (Psalms 1–41)
PSALM
1
1
1
Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the
riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.
7
The king proclaims the Lord’s decree:
“The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son.*
Today I have become your Father.*
8 Only ask, and I will give you the nations
as your inheritance,
the whole earth as your possession.
9 You will break* them with an iron rod
and smash them like clay pots.’”
4
But not the wicked!
They are like worthless chaff, scattered
by the wind.
5 They will be condemned at the time
of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among
the godly.
6 For the Lord watches over the path
of the godly,
but the path of the wicked leads
to destruction.
PSALM
1
2
Why are the nations so angry?
Why do they waste their time with
futile plans?
2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
the rulers plot together
against the Lord
and against his anointed one.
3 “Let us break their chains,” they cry,
“and free ourselves from slavery to God.”
But the one who rules in heaven laughs.
The Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then in anger he rebukes them,
terrifying them with his fierce fury.
6 For the Lord declares, “I have placed my
chosen king on the throne
in Jerusalem,* on my holy mountain.”
10
2
Now then, you kings, act wisely!
Be warned, you rulers of the earth!
11 Serve the Lord with reverent fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Submit to God’s royal son,* or he will
become angry,
and you will be destroyed in the midst
of all your activities—
for his anger flares up in an instant.
But what joy for all who take refuge
in him!
PSALM
3
3
A psalm of David, regarding the time David fled
from his son Absalom.
1
O Lord, I have so many enemies;
so many are against me.
2 So many are saying,
“God will never rescue him!”
Interlude*
2:6 Hebrew on Zion. 2:7a Or Son; also in 2:12. 2:7b Or Today I reveal you as my son. 2:9 Greek version reads rule.
Compare Rev 2:27. 2:12 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain. 3:2 Hebrew Selah. The meaning of this word is
uncertain, though it is probably a musical or literary term. It is rendered Interlude throughout the Psalms.
