The Psalms of David in Metre

 Back to the 1650 Scottish Psalter

 

Psalm 118

1 O praise the Lord, for he is good;
his mercy lasteth ever.
2 Let those of Israel now say,
His mercy faileth never.

3 Now let the house of Aaron say,
His mercy lasteth ever.
4 Let those that fear the Lord now say,
His mercy faileth never.

5 I in distress call’d on the Lord;
the Lord did answer me:
He in a large place did me set,
from trouble made me free.

6 The mighty Lord is on my side,
I will not be afraid;
For any thing that man can do
I shall not be dismay’d.

7 The Lord doth take my part with them
that help to succour me:
Therefore on those that do me hate
I my desire shall see.

8 Better it is to trust in God
than trust in man’s defence;
9 Better to trust in God than make
princes our confidence.

10 The nations, joining all in one,
did compass me about:
But in the Lord’s most holy name
I shall them all root out.

11 They compass’d me about; I say,
they compass’d me about:
But in the Lord’s most holy name
I shall them all root out.

12 Like bees they compass’d me about;
like unto thorns that flame
They quenched are: for them shall I
destroy in God’s own name.

13 Thou sore hast thrust, that I might fall,
but my Lord helped me.
14 God my salvation is become,
my strength and song is he.

15 In dwellings of the righteous
is heard the melody
Of joy and health: the Lord’s right hand
doth ever valiantly.

16 The right hand of the mighty Lord
exalted is on high;
The right hand of the mighty Lord
doth ever valiantly.

17 I shall not die, but live, and shall
the works of God discover.
18 The Lord hath me chastised sore,
but not to death giv’n over.

19 O set ye open unto me
the gates of righteousness;
Then will I enter into them,
and I the Lord will bless.

20 This is the gate of God, by it
the just shall enter in.
21 Thee will I praise, for thou me heard’st
and hast my safety been.

22 That stone is made head corner-stone,
which builders did despise:
23 This is the doing of the Lord,
and wondrous in our eyes.

24 This is the day God made, in it
we’ll joy triumphantly.
25 Save now, I pray thee, Lord; I pray,
send now prosperity.

26 Blessed is he in God’s great name
that cometh us to save:
We, from the house which to the Lord
pertains, you blessed have.

27 God is the Lord, who unto us
hath made light to arise:
Bind ye unto the altar’s horns
with cords the sacrifice.

28 Thou art my God, I’ll thee exalt;
my God, I will thee praise.
29 Give thanks to God, for he is good:
his mercy lasts always.