to such serene courage under all trouble and trial as
the faith that inspires the prayer of the last verse of
this canto.
the faith that inspires the prayer of the last verse of
this canto.
Childrens - Psalm-Book
104 Through Thy
precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every
false way.
3
NUN,
(1) 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light
(2) unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and I will
perform it, that I will keep Thy righteous judg-
(3) ments. 107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me
(4) O Lord, according unto Thy word. 108 Accept, I
beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, 0
(5) Lord, and teach me Thy judgments. 109 My soul
is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget Thy
(6) law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet
(7) I erred not from Thy precepts. 111 Thy testimonies
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
Q
:*nrvjr wn dftrha sinnin ^mnx-na 97 >><<. cxix.
i' t|' 4* - t |av t i ? ir- t It
i* t I v ;t" ^ ? :a-: * /-; -; t ?
-bib 101 :*nn^ ^ppp \a IW* D'3j3p 100
-no 103 ? vjrnin nfix-"a vnEn6 TtDSetoo 102
*T2# 1 *nx:? e> p-^y faiapx
3
*fio:ft 10G *nynaf? "nxi teh ^rfc-o 105
t$tt8 wy3 107 'sjpny 'pf^a u6^? na'j5xi
nin; xrrrcn *| nirn io8 :^m? hyv.
^iVfinj Tan *s33 109 :*jp? fe ^Ds^bi
T"flpsb$ h na dw'n ^iru no :*nn3tf xS
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
ps. CXIX. have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are
(8) the rejoicing of my heart. 112 I have inclined mine
heart to perform Thy statutes alway, even unto the
end.
D
SAMECH.
(1) 113 Doubters I hate: but Thy law do I love.
(2) 114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I
(3) hope in Thy word. 115 Depart from me, ye evil-
doers: for I will keep the commandments of my
(4) God. 116 Uphold me according unto Thy word,
that I may live: and let me not be disappointed of
(5) my hope. 117 Hold Thou me up, and I shall be
safe: and I will have respect unto Thy statutes
(6) continually. 118 Thou hast set at nought all them
that err from Thy statutes: for their deceit is false-
(7) hood. 119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the
earth like dross: therefore I love Thy testimonies.
(8) 120 My flesh trembleth for fear of Thee; and I am
afraid of Thy judgments.
Hote on Cantos Mem (D), Nun (3) and Samech (D)
D ^ D declare the wisdom and the strength that come to us
by studying the laws of God. Have you ever tried on
a dark night to make your way step by step along a
track by the light of a lantern held just in front of
your feet? If so you will better realize the meaning
conveyed by the imagery of the first verse of Canto J.
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light
unto my path. " We may be tempted at times to do
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
D
nnp 114 imim ^mim *r>>ttB> D*syp 113
*? ? ? : ,jv ? j ? :it ? I :it :? tat 1>> ? t
wrong in order to get something that we very much mote on
want. But there is just one right path of conduct, D 3 Q
and the law of God is the light that guides us along
it. If we stick to that light, instead of letting our
thoughts pass into the darkness of doubt and
temptation, we shall be guided on the right path of
conduct, as surely as the wayfarer's lantern guides
him safely through the darkness of the night.
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
ps. CXIX. V
AIN.
(1) 121 I have done judgment and justice: leave me
(2) not to mine oppressors. 122 Be surety for Thy
servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
(3) 123 Mine eyes fail for Thy salvation, and for the
(4) word of Thy righteousness. 124 Deal with Thy
servant according unto Thy mercy, and teach me
(5) Thy statutes. 125 I am Thy servant; give me
understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies.
(6) 126 It is time for Thee, Lord, to work: for they have
(7) made void Thy law. 127 Therefore I love Thy
commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
(8) 128 Therefore I esteem all Thy precepts concerning
all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
mote on y Canto A'in (V) is a prayer for two kinds of help.
First the Psalmist prays to be saved from the
oppression of man. Then he utters a prayer of over-
whelming longing for help to his own soul. The
3
PE.
(1) 129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth
(2) my soul obey them. 130 The entrance of Thy
words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the
(3) simple. 131 I opened my mouth, and panted : for I
(4) longed for Thy commandments. 132 Look Thou
upon me, and be merciful unto me, as Thou usest to
(5) do unto those that love Thy name. 133 Order my
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
V
'W^7 *jrr$? r^3 tofyfa wy 121 >><<. cxix.
^ 123 . dht ^yi-Sx nip1? spfty any 122
? jj^yoy rpv. 124 i^jji* ID? ^'?
oann ^ny 125 riifh ^jpm ^pro
nan nirvS rwyS ny 126 :why ny-M
:tb#i an]a ^T\ixa mro frSy 127 :sjnnin
nap mfc^a *nB>> Sb h^pb-V3 1 p-Sy 128
? ? ? t
last two verses--declaring his loving and loyal faith flote on y
in God's ruling--shew that the earnestness of his
prayer has gone far towards bringing about its fulfil-
ment.
s
-nets 130 :^aa. Drr&a jf-Sy ^nny nixSs 129
nSxetai *mya '3 131 :D"ns paa tn* spyi
t t: vit ? ;-t< j- i-t; I J" ? ? | <<? ? :
BstfM oam ^x-nas 132 rfox' wfotoS '3
-oSevrSfeO ^jnnpKa j an 133 :sjq^ *ani<S
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
p8. CXIX. steps in Thy word: and let not any iniquity have
(6) dominion over me. 134 Deliver me from the
(7) oppression of man: so will I keep Thy precepts.
135 Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant; and
(8) teach me Thy statutes. 136 Rivers of waters run
down mine eyes, because they keep not Thy law.
IRote on 3 The first three verses are a poem in praise of the
Law, the next four verses are a prayer for help in the
effort to live according to its precepts; the concluding
verse is the Psalmist's lament when he sees the law
of God neglected and forgotten.
The second verse suffers in translation, owing to
the fewness of English words to express the idea of
imparting wisdom. "It giveth understanding" is a
2t
TZADDI.
(1) 137 Righteous art Thou, O Lord, and upright are
(2) Thy judgments. 138 Thy testimonies that Thou
hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
(3) i39 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine
(4) enemies have forgotten Thy words. 140 Thy word
is very pure: therefore Thy servant loveth it.
(5) 141 I am small and despised: yet do not I forget
(6) Thy precepts. 142 Thy righteousness is an ever-
lasting righteousness, and Thy law is the truth.
(7) 143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me:
(8) yet Thy commandments are my delights. 144 The
righteousness of Thy testimonies is everlasting: give
me understanding, and I shall live.
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
136 :^,-5n-nx to! ? ] nxn spjs 135
:wnin vio^-*fr bv m
I'V t ( ;it - at n j ;|t
cumbrous though accurate equivalent to the Hebrew mote on 3
idea expressed in one word of four letters.
The fourth verse also loses much of its ring, the six
words of the original having to be rendered by twenty
English words. Here is the literal translation :--
look-Thou upon-me, and-compassionate-me accord-
ing-to-the-privilege-of the-lovers-of Thy-name.
3
IVW 138 :^Bseto -IeM TfRV Tim p^X 137
*nx3p rmnax 139 nib nMaKi wfw pnx
*? t :|- i: jt v:iv I av | vjv
^jhJ3S nn3i ^ix 141 :nnnx ^35? i
:na<< friirn pnx "2 :*in^
ttc 144 vnraa *:m<<o pixor-a 143
:iTDj*) \3? ;? n dSV? ^ninj?
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
IRote on S The name of the letter (tzaddi) means righte-
ousness and canto tzaddi is a song of praise to the
everlasting righteousness of God.
The Psalmist sees that atrueunderstandingofGod's
righteousness gives life and light to the human soul.
As David says in another Psalm, "The testimony of
the Lord maketh wise the simple. " For it is not
cleverness but faith that helps us to goodness. No
P
KOPH.
(1) 145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O
(2) Lord: I will keep Thy statutes. 146 I cried unto
Thee; save me, and I shall keep Thy testimonies.
(3) 147 I prevented the dawning of the morning,
(4) and cried: I hoped in Thy word. 148 Mine eyes
prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in
(5) Thy word. 149 Hear my voice according unto Thy
lovingkindness: O Lord, quicken me according to
(6) Thy judgment. 150 They draw nigh that follow
(7) after mischief: they are far from Thy law. 151 Thou
art near, O Lord; and all Thy commandments are
(8) truth. 152 Concerning Thy testimonies, I have
known of old that Thou hast founded them for ever.
P
mote on p Canto Koph is a passionate prayer for help from
God, a fervent expression of hope and faith.
The word "prevent" (in the third and fourth
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
effort of human thought can attune the human soul Iftote on ?
to such serene courage under all trouble and trial as
the faith that inspires the prayer of the last verse of
this canto.
"Give me understanding of the everlasting righte-
ousness of Thy testimonies*--and I shall live. "
* The Hebrew word JTV"Ty (testimonies) has no exact counter-
part in English. It conveys the double meaning of laws and acts.
P
:rrkx Tpn nirr *ay nS-SM *r>>np i<<
t i v I \n\ t: "i t: ? jt|t
147 :sp? f$ ^T^V spWP146
W ttwp ^nSr sinmS pRnetei eieto
-**i j :|* ? :it ? I :|t ;? -;it |v v-i
nat >snh Dnp 150 :*3'pi spsetea nirv
at ? :i j :| it ? |-- | << t: ? : t:
spnix? ? -S:! ) nin: nnx rrnj5 <<i nprn ^rnin?
verses) is used in the original meaning from the mote on p
Latin "prevenire/' to come before. In that sense
it exactly conveys the meaning of the Hebrew word
in the text, D~]\), to anticipate.
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
ps. CXIX. n
RESH.
(1) I53 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for
(2) I do not forget Thy law. 154 Plead my cause, and
deliver me: quicken me according to Thy word.
(3) I55 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they
(4) seek not Thy statutes. 156 Great are Thy tender
mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to Thy
(5) judgments. 157 Many are my persecutors and
mine enemies; yet do I not decline from Thy testi-
(6) monies. 158 I beheld the transgressors, and was
(7) grieved; because they kept not Thy word. i5g
Consider how I love Thy precepts: quicken me, 0
(8) Lord, according to Thy lovingkindness. 160 Thy
word is true from the beginning: and every one of
Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
"I
IRote on 1 The keynote of Canto Resh is a prayer (con-
veyed in the expression, "quicken me,") for that
SCHIEN.
(1) 161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause:
(2) but my heart standeth in awe of Thy word. 162 I
rejoice at Thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
(3) 163 I hate and abhor lying: but Thy law do I love.
(4) 164 Seven times a day do I praise Thee because of
(5) Thy righteous judgments. 165 Great peace have
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
? : it t j | : it i- :-:: '? : t i? ? :
rtrn 155 :^>>n sjrno^ ^xji ran 154
TOT 156 ^TP*1? Tit1? -*a- DWl?
*fipfi D^ai 157 :n>>n t&b^m nirv 1 mi
j- : l r --i ? ! **- I iv tT 7: at: /? -
dh*q wni 158 :*rvp3 ih whSivts mn
? : i ? j. t ? 1 ? t j I v :? ? ? ? at t:
run 159 vb Stmak mte ntptatarini
: it t j I :|t; ? /v -; tat | ;v it
-&tq leo :^>>n spjpnB nirv. *nim y^pf*}
spiritual life, which is the consciousness of God in tflote on ~l
the human soul, and which gives us the highest and
purest form of courage.
npB 55n ^st] iei
:n SStr xitoi Trmox-Sy *b3n 162
it jt t ? ? : lw t: ? - ? tl jt
164 j ^? nx ^in naynxi ypnjjjp 163
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
ps. CXIX. they which love Thy law: and nothing shall be a
(6) stumbling block to them. 166 Lord, I have hoped
for Thy salvation, and done Thy commandments.
(7) 167 My soul hath kept Thy testimonies; and I love
(8) them exceedingly. 168 I have kept Thy precepts
and Thy testimonies: for all my ways are before
Thee.
Mote on Canto Schien expresses the calm and steadfast
faith ot the Psalmist. "Great peace have they that
n
TAU.
(1) 169 Let my cry come near before Thee, O Lord:
give me understanding according to Thy word.
(2) 170 Let my supplication come before Thee: deliver
(3) me according to Thy word. 171 My lips shall utter
praise, when thou hast taught me Thy statutes.
(4) 172 My tongue shall speak of Thy word: for all
(5) Thy commandments are righteousness. 173 Let
Thine hand help me; for I have chosen Thy
(6) precepts. 174 I have longed for Thy salvation, O
(7) Lord; and Thy law is my delight. 175 Let my
soul live, and it shall praise Thee; and let Thy
(8) judgments help me. 176 I have gone astray like a
lost sheep; seek Thy servant; for I do not forget
Thy commandments.
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
Y,rti ^'JW 108 t? Wl TW
llvTv j- t: t
love Thy law: and nothing shall be a stumbling block Tlote on V
to them. "
pjyan rcna nirv spaaS Ton npn 1e<<
n>>an 171 . woxs visb *nann Nian no
^itrS p? n 172 :Yj? n yyhiy *j riSru? *Jt$p
jfcfpov Hf'^jpn? 175 ^twi? to^I
pnn? t f riS ^niv6
24I R
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
mote on Pi In Canto Tau the "servant " of God, prays for
the Divine acceptance of his prayer poem, and for
Divine Mercy towards himself--and he humbly asks
that if he be tempted to do wrong, God will mercifully
lead him back to righteousness--as a shepherd leads
a strayed sheep back to the fold.
"For," he says, " I do not forget Thy command-
ments. "
When we know we have done wrong, we are
sometimes apt to try ? iol to hear the voice within us
that reproaches us for our wrong-doing. Then we
PSALM CXX.
21 Song of Degrees.
In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and He
heard me. 2 Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying
lips, and from a false tongue. 3 What shall be
given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee,
thou false tongue? 4 Sharp arrows of the mighty,
with coals of genista. * 5 Woe is me, that I so-
journ in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar ! f
6 My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth
peace. 7 I am for peace: but when I speak, they
are for war.
* A pink broom, which grows abundantly in the desert. It is
exceedingly bitter. The roots, when burned, make fine charcoal,
a precious thing in a country where there is no coal. "Sharp
arrows of the mighty with coals of genista" is a description in
imagery of the poet's hatred of all manner of untruth ; he would
punish, with sharpest weapon and hottest fire, the "false
tongue. "
t Mesech and Kedar were tribes of barbarians.
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
are trying to forget the commandments of God. IRote on n
But if--like the Psalmist--we try to remember the
laws of God and are truly sorry whenever we have
disobeyed them, and try hard to resist doing so
again--then God will mercifully pardon our wrong-
doing. The Psalmist's prayer recalls the comforting
words of the prophet Isaiah: "Let the wicked for-
sake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts,,
and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have
mercy on him, and unto our God and He will abun-
dantly pardon. "
CXX. 3p
t j? _ t; 'r . i-- * t|t a>> tjtt- t ;i
oy D^3^ ni33 4 'rv&-j jitpS s|*p*-nw
n3ijr oy *traa n^-n3Dtr nan e :-np *Shx-D>>
V" ? a" :- jt t :|t 1 |t|" j"t;|t
:nanW? nan na-tx *ai DiW-^x 7 :Di^tr
|t t : ? - t ** a" --: j'; n I t
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
ore on This is the first of a series of fifteen Psalms, all
. CXX. with the title " A Song of Degrees," which means
a song of steps, a marching song.
Old Hebrew traditions say that these Songs were
sung by the Priests in procession on the steps of the
Temple at Jerusalem. Some of them may be older
still, and may have been sung by the Israelites, (to
whom they were probably as familiar as " God Save
the King " is to us), to beguile the way on the pil-
grimages to Jerusalem to celebrate the three great
yearly festivals of Passover, Pentecost, and Taber-
nacles. *
When the Israelites were carried away as captives
to Babylon, one the Psalms tells us how they silently
cherished their national hymns:
"By the rivers of Babylon, there sat we down and
"wept when we remembered Zion. Upon the
"willows in the midst thereof we hanged our harps.
"For there they that had led us captive required of
* "Three times a year shall all thy males appear before the
Lord thy God in the place that He shall choose " (Deut. xvi. 15).
PSALM CXXI.
a Song of Degrees.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills. Whence
cometh my help? 2 My help cometh from the
Lord, Which made heaven and earth. 3 He will
not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth
thee will not slumber. 4 Behold, He that keepeth
Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lorp
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
"us songs, and they that had wasted us--mirth, IRote on
"saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. CSX
"How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange
"land? "
After seventy years' captivity in Babylon, the
Israelites were allowed by King Cyrus of Persia,
(who had conquered the King of Babylon), to go back
to Jerusalem, and to rebuild the Temple. *
We can imagine the exiles setting out to return to
the land of their fathers, joyfully singing the old
marching hymns, and mingling with them new songs
of joy and thankfulness to God as they approached
Jerusalem, the beloved City that symbolized the
history of their race and faith.
The " Songs of Degrees " seem to carry us through
all the episodes of the return of Israel to the Father-
land. The first one, Psalm cxx.
precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every
false way.
3
NUN,
(1) 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light
(2) unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and I will
perform it, that I will keep Thy righteous judg-
(3) ments. 107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me
(4) O Lord, according unto Thy word. 108 Accept, I
beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, 0
(5) Lord, and teach me Thy judgments. 109 My soul
is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget Thy
(6) law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet
(7) I erred not from Thy precepts. 111 Thy testimonies
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
Q
:*nrvjr wn dftrha sinnin ^mnx-na 97 >><<. cxix.
i' t|' 4* - t |av t i ? ir- t It
i* t I v ;t" ^ ? :a-: * /-; -; t ?
-bib 101 :*nn^ ^ppp \a IW* D'3j3p 100
-no 103 ? vjrnin nfix-"a vnEn6 TtDSetoo 102
*T2# 1 *nx:? e> p-^y faiapx
3
*fio:ft 10G *nynaf? "nxi teh ^rfc-o 105
t$tt8 wy3 107 'sjpny 'pf^a u6^? na'j5xi
nin; xrrrcn *| nirn io8 :^m? hyv.
^iVfinj Tan *s33 109 :*jp? fe ^Ds^bi
T"flpsb$ h na dw'n ^iru no :*nn3tf xS
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
ps. CXIX. have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are
(8) the rejoicing of my heart. 112 I have inclined mine
heart to perform Thy statutes alway, even unto the
end.
D
SAMECH.
(1) 113 Doubters I hate: but Thy law do I love.
(2) 114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I
(3) hope in Thy word. 115 Depart from me, ye evil-
doers: for I will keep the commandments of my
(4) God. 116 Uphold me according unto Thy word,
that I may live: and let me not be disappointed of
(5) my hope. 117 Hold Thou me up, and I shall be
safe: and I will have respect unto Thy statutes
(6) continually. 118 Thou hast set at nought all them
that err from Thy statutes: for their deceit is false-
(7) hood. 119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the
earth like dross: therefore I love Thy testimonies.
(8) 120 My flesh trembleth for fear of Thee; and I am
afraid of Thy judgments.
Hote on Cantos Mem (D), Nun (3) and Samech (D)
D ^ D declare the wisdom and the strength that come to us
by studying the laws of God. Have you ever tried on
a dark night to make your way step by step along a
track by the light of a lantern held just in front of
your feet? If so you will better realize the meaning
conveyed by the imagery of the first verse of Canto J.
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light
unto my path. " We may be tempted at times to do
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
D
nnp 114 imim ^mim *r>>ttB> D*syp 113
*? ? ? : ,jv ? j ? :it ? I :it :? tat 1>> ? t
wrong in order to get something that we very much mote on
want. But there is just one right path of conduct, D 3 Q
and the law of God is the light that guides us along
it. If we stick to that light, instead of letting our
thoughts pass into the darkness of doubt and
temptation, we shall be guided on the right path of
conduct, as surely as the wayfarer's lantern guides
him safely through the darkness of the night.
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
ps. CXIX. V
AIN.
(1) 121 I have done judgment and justice: leave me
(2) not to mine oppressors. 122 Be surety for Thy
servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
(3) 123 Mine eyes fail for Thy salvation, and for the
(4) word of Thy righteousness. 124 Deal with Thy
servant according unto Thy mercy, and teach me
(5) Thy statutes. 125 I am Thy servant; give me
understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies.
(6) 126 It is time for Thee, Lord, to work: for they have
(7) made void Thy law. 127 Therefore I love Thy
commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
(8) 128 Therefore I esteem all Thy precepts concerning
all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
mote on y Canto A'in (V) is a prayer for two kinds of help.
First the Psalmist prays to be saved from the
oppression of man. Then he utters a prayer of over-
whelming longing for help to his own soul. The
3
PE.
(1) 129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth
(2) my soul obey them. 130 The entrance of Thy
words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the
(3) simple. 131 I opened my mouth, and panted : for I
(4) longed for Thy commandments. 132 Look Thou
upon me, and be merciful unto me, as Thou usest to
(5) do unto those that love Thy name. 133 Order my
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
V
'W^7 *jrr$? r^3 tofyfa wy 121 >><<. cxix.
^ 123 . dht ^yi-Sx nip1? spfty any 122
? jj^yoy rpv. 124 i^jji* ID? ^'?
oann ^ny 125 riifh ^jpm ^pro
nan nirvS rwyS ny 126 :why ny-M
:tb#i an]a ^T\ixa mro frSy 127 :sjnnin
nap mfc^a *nB>> Sb h^pb-V3 1 p-Sy 128
? ? ? t
last two verses--declaring his loving and loyal faith flote on y
in God's ruling--shew that the earnestness of his
prayer has gone far towards bringing about its fulfil-
ment.
s
-nets 130 :^aa. Drr&a jf-Sy ^nny nixSs 129
nSxetai *mya '3 131 :D"ns paa tn* spyi
t t: vit ? ;-t< j- i-t; I J" ? ? | <<? ? :
BstfM oam ^x-nas 132 rfox' wfotoS '3
-oSevrSfeO ^jnnpKa j an 133 :sjq^ *ani<S
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
p8. CXIX. steps in Thy word: and let not any iniquity have
(6) dominion over me. 134 Deliver me from the
(7) oppression of man: so will I keep Thy precepts.
135 Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant; and
(8) teach me Thy statutes. 136 Rivers of waters run
down mine eyes, because they keep not Thy law.
IRote on 3 The first three verses are a poem in praise of the
Law, the next four verses are a prayer for help in the
effort to live according to its precepts; the concluding
verse is the Psalmist's lament when he sees the law
of God neglected and forgotten.
The second verse suffers in translation, owing to
the fewness of English words to express the idea of
imparting wisdom. "It giveth understanding" is a
2t
TZADDI.
(1) 137 Righteous art Thou, O Lord, and upright are
(2) Thy judgments. 138 Thy testimonies that Thou
hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
(3) i39 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine
(4) enemies have forgotten Thy words. 140 Thy word
is very pure: therefore Thy servant loveth it.
(5) 141 I am small and despised: yet do not I forget
(6) Thy precepts. 142 Thy righteousness is an ever-
lasting righteousness, and Thy law is the truth.
(7) 143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me:
(8) yet Thy commandments are my delights. 144 The
righteousness of Thy testimonies is everlasting: give
me understanding, and I shall live.
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
136 :^,-5n-nx to! ? ] nxn spjs 135
:wnin vio^-*fr bv m
I'V t ( ;it - at n j ;|t
cumbrous though accurate equivalent to the Hebrew mote on 3
idea expressed in one word of four letters.
The fourth verse also loses much of its ring, the six
words of the original having to be rendered by twenty
English words. Here is the literal translation :--
look-Thou upon-me, and-compassionate-me accord-
ing-to-the-privilege-of the-lovers-of Thy-name.
3
IVW 138 :^Bseto -IeM TfRV Tim p^X 137
*nx3p rmnax 139 nib nMaKi wfw pnx
*? t :|- i: jt v:iv I av | vjv
^jhJ3S nn3i ^ix 141 :nnnx ^35? i
:na<< friirn pnx "2 :*in^
ttc 144 vnraa *:m<<o pixor-a 143
:iTDj*) \3? ;? n dSV? ^ninj?
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
IRote on S The name of the letter (tzaddi) means righte-
ousness and canto tzaddi is a song of praise to the
everlasting righteousness of God.
The Psalmist sees that atrueunderstandingofGod's
righteousness gives life and light to the human soul.
As David says in another Psalm, "The testimony of
the Lord maketh wise the simple. " For it is not
cleverness but faith that helps us to goodness. No
P
KOPH.
(1) 145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O
(2) Lord: I will keep Thy statutes. 146 I cried unto
Thee; save me, and I shall keep Thy testimonies.
(3) 147 I prevented the dawning of the morning,
(4) and cried: I hoped in Thy word. 148 Mine eyes
prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in
(5) Thy word. 149 Hear my voice according unto Thy
lovingkindness: O Lord, quicken me according to
(6) Thy judgment. 150 They draw nigh that follow
(7) after mischief: they are far from Thy law. 151 Thou
art near, O Lord; and all Thy commandments are
(8) truth. 152 Concerning Thy testimonies, I have
known of old that Thou hast founded them for ever.
P
mote on p Canto Koph is a passionate prayer for help from
God, a fervent expression of hope and faith.
The word "prevent" (in the third and fourth
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
effort of human thought can attune the human soul Iftote on ?
to such serene courage under all trouble and trial as
the faith that inspires the prayer of the last verse of
this canto.
"Give me understanding of the everlasting righte-
ousness of Thy testimonies*--and I shall live. "
* The Hebrew word JTV"Ty (testimonies) has no exact counter-
part in English. It conveys the double meaning of laws and acts.
P
:rrkx Tpn nirr *ay nS-SM *r>>np i<<
t i v I \n\ t: "i t: ? jt|t
147 :sp? f$ ^T^V spWP146
W ttwp ^nSr sinmS pRnetei eieto
-**i j :|* ? :it ? I :|t ;? -;it |v v-i
nat >snh Dnp 150 :*3'pi spsetea nirv
at ? :i j :| it ? |-- | << t: ? : t:
spnix? ? -S:! ) nin: nnx rrnj5 <<i nprn ^rnin?
verses) is used in the original meaning from the mote on p
Latin "prevenire/' to come before. In that sense
it exactly conveys the meaning of the Hebrew word
in the text, D~]\), to anticipate.
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
ps. CXIX. n
RESH.
(1) I53 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for
(2) I do not forget Thy law. 154 Plead my cause, and
deliver me: quicken me according to Thy word.
(3) I55 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they
(4) seek not Thy statutes. 156 Great are Thy tender
mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to Thy
(5) judgments. 157 Many are my persecutors and
mine enemies; yet do I not decline from Thy testi-
(6) monies. 158 I beheld the transgressors, and was
(7) grieved; because they kept not Thy word. i5g
Consider how I love Thy precepts: quicken me, 0
(8) Lord, according to Thy lovingkindness. 160 Thy
word is true from the beginning: and every one of
Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
"I
IRote on 1 The keynote of Canto Resh is a prayer (con-
veyed in the expression, "quicken me,") for that
SCHIEN.
(1) 161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause:
(2) but my heart standeth in awe of Thy word. 162 I
rejoice at Thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.
(3) 163 I hate and abhor lying: but Thy law do I love.
(4) 164 Seven times a day do I praise Thee because of
(5) Thy righteous judgments. 165 Great peace have
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
? : it t j | : it i- :-:: '? : t i? ? :
rtrn 155 :^>>n sjrno^ ^xji ran 154
TOT 156 ^TP*1? Tit1? -*a- DWl?
*fipfi D^ai 157 :n>>n t&b^m nirv 1 mi
j- : l r --i ? ! **- I iv tT 7: at: /? -
dh*q wni 158 :*rvp3 ih whSivts mn
? : i ? j. t ? 1 ? t j I v :? ? ? ? at t:
run 159 vb Stmak mte ntptatarini
: it t j I :|t; ? /v -; tat | ;v it
-&tq leo :^>>n spjpnB nirv. *nim y^pf*}
spiritual life, which is the consciousness of God in tflote on ~l
the human soul, and which gives us the highest and
purest form of courage.
npB 55n ^st] iei
:n SStr xitoi Trmox-Sy *b3n 162
it jt t ? ? : lw t: ? - ? tl jt
164 j ^? nx ^in naynxi ypnjjjp 163
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
ps. CXIX. they which love Thy law: and nothing shall be a
(6) stumbling block to them. 166 Lord, I have hoped
for Thy salvation, and done Thy commandments.
(7) 167 My soul hath kept Thy testimonies; and I love
(8) them exceedingly. 168 I have kept Thy precepts
and Thy testimonies: for all my ways are before
Thee.
Mote on Canto Schien expresses the calm and steadfast
faith ot the Psalmist. "Great peace have they that
n
TAU.
(1) 169 Let my cry come near before Thee, O Lord:
give me understanding according to Thy word.
(2) 170 Let my supplication come before Thee: deliver
(3) me according to Thy word. 171 My lips shall utter
praise, when thou hast taught me Thy statutes.
(4) 172 My tongue shall speak of Thy word: for all
(5) Thy commandments are righteousness. 173 Let
Thine hand help me; for I have chosen Thy
(6) precepts. 174 I have longed for Thy salvation, O
(7) Lord; and Thy law is my delight. 175 Let my
soul live, and it shall praise Thee; and let Thy
(8) judgments help me. 176 I have gone astray like a
lost sheep; seek Thy servant; for I do not forget
Thy commandments.
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
Y,rti ^'JW 108 t? Wl TW
llvTv j- t: t
love Thy law: and nothing shall be a stumbling block Tlote on V
to them. "
pjyan rcna nirv spaaS Ton npn 1e<<
n>>an 171 . woxs visb *nann Nian no
^itrS p? n 172 :Yj? n yyhiy *j riSru? *Jt$p
jfcfpov Hf'^jpn? 175 ^twi? to^I
pnn? t f riS ^niv6
24I R
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
mote on Pi In Canto Tau the "servant " of God, prays for
the Divine acceptance of his prayer poem, and for
Divine Mercy towards himself--and he humbly asks
that if he be tempted to do wrong, God will mercifully
lead him back to righteousness--as a shepherd leads
a strayed sheep back to the fold.
"For," he says, " I do not forget Thy command-
ments. "
When we know we have done wrong, we are
sometimes apt to try ? iol to hear the voice within us
that reproaches us for our wrong-doing. Then we
PSALM CXX.
21 Song of Degrees.
In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and He
heard me. 2 Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying
lips, and from a false tongue. 3 What shall be
given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee,
thou false tongue? 4 Sharp arrows of the mighty,
with coals of genista. * 5 Woe is me, that I so-
journ in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar ! f
6 My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth
peace. 7 I am for peace: but when I speak, they
are for war.
* A pink broom, which grows abundantly in the desert. It is
exceedingly bitter. The roots, when burned, make fine charcoal,
a precious thing in a country where there is no coal. "Sharp
arrows of the mighty with coals of genista" is a description in
imagery of the poet's hatred of all manner of untruth ; he would
punish, with sharpest weapon and hottest fire, the "false
tongue. "
t Mesech and Kedar were tribes of barbarians.
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
are trying to forget the commandments of God. IRote on n
But if--like the Psalmist--we try to remember the
laws of God and are truly sorry whenever we have
disobeyed them, and try hard to resist doing so
again--then God will mercifully pardon our wrong-
doing. The Psalmist's prayer recalls the comforting
words of the prophet Isaiah: "Let the wicked for-
sake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts,,
and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have
mercy on him, and unto our God and He will abun-
dantly pardon. "
CXX. 3p
t j? _ t; 'r . i-- * t|t a>> tjtt- t ;i
oy D^3^ ni33 4 'rv&-j jitpS s|*p*-nw
n3ijr oy *traa n^-n3Dtr nan e :-np *Shx-D>>
V" ? a" :- jt t :|t 1 |t|" j"t;|t
:nanW? nan na-tx *ai DiW-^x 7 :Di^tr
|t t : ? - t ** a" --: j'; n I t
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
ore on This is the first of a series of fifteen Psalms, all
. CXX. with the title " A Song of Degrees," which means
a song of steps, a marching song.
Old Hebrew traditions say that these Songs were
sung by the Priests in procession on the steps of the
Temple at Jerusalem. Some of them may be older
still, and may have been sung by the Israelites, (to
whom they were probably as familiar as " God Save
the King " is to us), to beguile the way on the pil-
grimages to Jerusalem to celebrate the three great
yearly festivals of Passover, Pentecost, and Taber-
nacles. *
When the Israelites were carried away as captives
to Babylon, one the Psalms tells us how they silently
cherished their national hymns:
"By the rivers of Babylon, there sat we down and
"wept when we remembered Zion. Upon the
"willows in the midst thereof we hanged our harps.
"For there they that had led us captive required of
* "Three times a year shall all thy males appear before the
Lord thy God in the place that He shall choose " (Deut. xvi. 15).
PSALM CXXI.
a Song of Degrees.
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills. Whence
cometh my help? 2 My help cometh from the
Lord, Which made heaven and earth. 3 He will
not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth
thee will not slumber. 4 Behold, He that keepeth
Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lorp
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? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
"us songs, and they that had wasted us--mirth, IRote on
"saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. CSX
"How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange
"land? "
After seventy years' captivity in Babylon, the
Israelites were allowed by King Cyrus of Persia,
(who had conquered the King of Babylon), to go back
to Jerusalem, and to rebuild the Temple. *
We can imagine the exiles setting out to return to
the land of their fathers, joyfully singing the old
marching hymns, and mingling with them new songs
of joy and thankfulness to God as they approached
Jerusalem, the beloved City that symbolized the
history of their race and faith.
The " Songs of Degrees " seem to carry us through
all the episodes of the return of Israel to the Father-
land. The first one, Psalm cxx.
