Psalm 156

Psalm 156 (Translated exclusively from the Dead Sea Scrolls: 11Q5 and 4Q88. Note: significant gaps occur in these manuscripts and some words have  been selectively added.)

A Plea for Deliverance.

1 A worm does not thank You, nor does a maggot recount Your lovingkindness.

2 Only the living thank You, all they whose feet stumble do thank You, when You make Your lovingkindness known to them, and cause them to understand Your righteousness; 3 for the soul of all the living is in Your hand, and You have given breath to all flesh.

4 O LORD, do to us according to Your goodness, according to the greatness of Your mercies, and according to the greatness of Your righteous deeds.

5 The LORD listens to the voice of all who love His name, and He does not permit His lovingkindness to depart from them.

6 Blessed be the LORD, who does righteous deeds, who crowns His set-apart ones with lovingkindness and mercies.

7 My soul shouts to praise Your name, to praise Your mercies with jubilation, to announce Your faithfulness; for there is no limit to Your praises.

8 I belonged to death because of my sins, and my iniquities had sold me to Sheol; 9 but You saved me, O LORD, according to the greatness of Your mercies, and according to the greatness of Your righteous deeds.

10 I have, indeed, loved Your name, and have taken refuge in Your shadow.

11 My heart is strengthened when I remember Your power, and I rely on Your mercies.

12 Forgive my sins, O LORD, and purify me of my iniquity.

13 Grant me a spirit of faithfulness and knowledge; let me not be dishonored in ruin.

14 Do not allow the wicked one or an unclean spirit to overtake me, and do not allow pain or the evil inclination to possess my bones; 15 for You, O LORD, are my praise, and I hope in You every day.

16 My brethren rejoice with me, and the house of my father is astounded by Your graciousness.

17 I will always rejoice in You.