<< o give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for
His mercy endureth for ever.
His mercy endureth for ever.
Childrens - Psalm-Book
inar'i 37 :e>'pioS DnS vn']
aria du on tos&yn 38 :dh/b>S Drvn^a
pKn ejjrp jy;xa wvh yn}\ n#k Drvnmi
e|x-m'i 40 'Dn^yoa iko^i 39 ? D^a
|j- -|-- av "-:|-: ': ;? - f t-
trta-Ta wn'i 41 nnSm-nx ayrm ioya nirv
a<< : i t~:i- v t:_ a -: jt : ?
orva^K DwnS'i 42 :btkjb> Dna neton
av **: i * t : ? - iv ? ? : i t '::
n^m dS'V nian trws43 :dt nnn waa'5
t|" ;i ? ~ -- ^- t: ltt -j- ':|t --
nrb -raa tn'i 44 :Daiya won Drrava no*
Dna'i irna qnS na^i 45 :DntvriK iyoE>a
-Sa rasS' owfe oniK wvi 46 nnon ana
t **: ? a* jt itt-: j;
Swapi wrfot nirv 1 u&*trin 47 :Divaie>
'
? ? ; I i: ? ? v: <t: ? ? ? I lv ? ? (
177 N
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
p8. CVI. name, and to triumph in Thy praise. 48 Blessed be
the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to ever-
lasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye
the Lord.
mote on The 106th Psalm opens with a song of praise
IPs. CVI. and thanks, and recalls the high privilege God
conferred on the Israelites in making them His
chosen messengers. Continuing the theme of the
105th Psalm--the history of the Messenger Race--
the Psalmist laments the way in which the Israelites
were many times faithless to their great mission,
and records God's merciful forgiveness towards
them whenever they were truly sorry for their
evil-doings.
PSALM CVII.
O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good:
for His mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He
hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; 3 And
gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and
from the west, from the north, and from the south.
4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary
way; they found no city to dwell in. 5 Hungry
and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. 6 Then they
cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He
delivered them out of their distresses. 7 And He
led them forth by the right way, that they might go
to a city of habitation.
178
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
125 I P^JOT? ti^tf 1 nin! TO 48>>8-CVI-
The impressive lesson so tersely taught in verse 15 mote on
comes home to us all, " He gave them their request, P8,
but sent leanness into their souls. " If we covet that
which we have not, instead of thankfully making the
best of what we have--the attainment of our desires
will never bring into our souls the full and serene
happiness that is the lot of those who in their times
of trial have never lost faith in the perfect justice
and mercy of God.
niinx^3 "i>> Tgte nin;
cvn. tp
179
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
. CVII. 8 Oh that men would praise the Lord for His
goodness, and for His wonderful works to the
children of men!
9 For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth
the hungry soul with goodness. 10 Such as sit
in darkness and in the shadow of death, being
bound in affliction and iron; n Because they
rebelled against the words of God, and contemned
the counsel of the most High: 12 Therefore
He brought down their heart with labour; they
fell down, and there was none to help. 13 Then
they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and
He saved them out of their distresses. 14 He
brought them out of darkness and the shadow of
death, and brake their bands in sunder.
15 Oh that men would praise the Lord for His
goodness, and for His wonderful works to the
children of men!
16 For He hath broken the gates of brass, and cut
the bars of iron in sunder. 17 Fools because of their
transgression, and because of their iniquities, are
afflicted. 18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of
meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.
19 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble,
and He saveth them out of their distresses. 20 He
sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them
from their destructions.
21 Oh that men would praise the Lord for His
goodness, and for His wonderful works to the
children of men! 22 And let them sacrifice the
180
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
r\)r\h i-iv 8 ixfto t^-Sn na$? mtf* rna >><<. cvn.
jt |" -l it ? V V V t att: I VjV:
|at|? ? i vjv B *T n Is itt ? t ::? : a:-
nia^i. ij^pi 1o :aitp-N! ? 9 niyi
i. . ^ | j. . . . jT at . jTtiv j-;-- Itt I j; v
:pni? BrniTOi H)^] 14
:ettk v)W? Mi nDn nirvS vtv 15
itt j? ? ; ? t :: ? : a : - jt i- j
:$na Sra vynan ntfm ninSn -fieHa 16
-S| 13 . ^y? j* Dn^jiyai qy^s ^ri? d^ik, >>
^j! ) 19 :nja-ny^-ny wwi dtfsj nynfi
rr\nh vtv 21 jDnirviro &Vbn' dkbti inn
jt :i - j it 1* : * "~ t ? a** t :*; t;
rnin *nnr vian^ jd-tn onS wfotWi nDn
at j"; * ::? ;i itt :? t ;: ? : a ; -
181
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
. CVII. sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works
in joyous song.
23 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do
business in great waters; 24 These see the works
of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. 25 For
He commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which
lifteth up the waves thereof. 26 They mount up to
the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their
soul is melted because of trouble. 27 They reel to
and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at
their wit's end. 28 Then they cry unto the Lord
in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their
distresses. 29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that
the waves thereof are still. 30 Then are they glad
because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto
their desired haven.
31 Oh that men would praise the Lord for His
goodness, and for His wonderful works to the
children of men!
32 Let them exalt Him also in the congregation
of the people, and praise Him in the assembly of the
elders. 33 He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and
the watersprings into dry ground; 34 A fruitful land
into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that
dwell therein. 35 He turneth the wilderness into a
standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
36 And there He maketh the hungry to dwell, that
they may prepare a city for habitation; 37 And
sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield
fruits of increase. 38 He blesseth them also, so
182
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
ntoxa D'n mv 23 :nri? v&t>> nso*i (C)a. cvn.
nirv %n nan 24 :D'w d^3 nwfea
at; n. tj" i* - . j-; t t;
d? s: nia'inn bp 26 :v^a Dftinj
t:- a: ? = 'n it-"
tt;t t: a ? - t: jt it :? 'tt;
BrrpttBM nrh isa rrtrrW pgyj 28 . ySann
v "lI :? vt -- t: v if - : ?
: Dn^a nsa-jS n^D Dp. . ; 29 . D^xi)
ian* *xb vhSihpyi i^Dn rdnh rt* 31
itt jt* : * t A : ~ jt - j
:*tten* D^apt aenani Dsr^npa vnaaftn 32
:jixasS mb' ^ nansS rihm db* 33
I 1 t ? : ? - 'vt at :? ; j t: t
35 nyn6 nnW? ns nn 34
j. . t it . j k ti. . at" ; ? *;i I vav
ae>i>>l 36 :d)|5 wxb1? it? H$ dVmnJ? n3nQ
ninb <<np] 37 :a&no nn? <<^ D^asn db>
f :? - ti 4 ::? - it p :i :- a? n: r
Datit 38 :nwan ns ieVi D*1513
: ? ~* J? ? :t :~ it : j*; *s* t;
183
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
IPs. CVII. that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not
their cattle to decrease.
39 Again, they are minished and brought low
through oppression, affliction, and sorrow. 40 He
poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them
to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.
41 Yet setteth He the poor on high from affliction,
and maketh him families like a flock. 42 The
righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity
shall stop her mouth. 43 Whoso is wise, and giveth
heed to these things, even they shall understand the
lovingkindness of the Lord.
mote on The opening verse gives the theme of the whole:
IPs. CV1J.
<< o give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for
His mercy endureth for ever. "
The closing verse states with impressive simplicity
the moral of the whole Psalm: they who learn to
understand "these things " (i. e. , our dependence on
God throughout our lives) learn to understand His
infinite mercy to us.
For Older Children. --The 107th Psalm breathes the
noblest universalism, in its vivid picture of the benefi-
cent Spirit that rules the whole world, in its passionate
invocation to all mankind to see and understand the
Divine Power, the Divine justice and the Divine
mercy. There is no trace of the idea of a specially
favoured nation in the lofty and philosophic thought
presented in the six graphic word-pictures of the
poem. The chorus verse is a fervid and yet simple
appeal to the minds and hearts of all mankind.
The rest of the poem is divided into six stanzas,
184
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
tojttjn 39 ? & dnonM ikd >><<. era.
at- >>*T'" l ? : - t : v; A:
and a chorus verse which is repeated after each of the mote on
first four stanzas: "O that men would praise the IPs. CVII.
Lord for His mercy, and His wonderful works to the
children of men. " The chorus verse is the answering
refrain to the opening verse, and emphasizes the con-
nection of that verse with each successive stanza.
The English version, beautiful as it is, does not quite
convey the echoing effect of the Hebrew.
Opening verse:
Chorus verse:
TT ? ? : ? t :: . : :- T
The first two words of each are the same, the
differing first letters of the first word merely being
the difference between the second and third person of
it : f T :1 :\'\ t : ? : t ti i>> t ~
Vron obiy1? *3 " nica <<3 rtirvb rrin
: - t 2? t -
185
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
flote on the verb. In the opening verse, " Give ye thanks to
t>s. CVU. the Lord" (nVl? rrtn); in the chorus verse, (8,
15, 21, 31,) " O that they (i. e. , mankind) would give
thanks to the Lord" (HW HV).
A prelude to the refrain is introduced just before
the last verse of each stanza (verses 6, 13, 19, 28),
"Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble,
PSALM CXI.
Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with
my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and
in the congregation. 2 The works of the Lord
are great, sought out of all them that delight
therein. 3 His work is honourable and glorious:
and His righteousness endureth for ever. 4 He
hath made His wonderful works to be remembered:
the Lord is gracious and full of compassion. 5 He
hath given meat unto them that fear Him: He will
ever be mindful of His covenant. 6 He hath showed
His people the power of His works, that He may
give them the heritage of the heathen. 7 The works
of His hands are verity and judgment; all His com-
mandments are sure. 8 They stand fast for ever
and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption unto His people: He hath
commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend
186
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
and He saveth them out of their distresses. " When flore on
we are happy and prosperous, we are apt to forget to IP8, CVII.
offer to God our tribute of thanks in word and deed.
But when trouble overtakes us we all cry to God in
our anguish to save us out of our distresses, and
then we learn to "understand the lovingkindness of
God. "
cxi. vrp
oyfi itea aa^aa nirv n-rix 1 tfohn
iv ? ? : v t: ? : at: - ;i it":
nar 4 :nyS rnay injV]$ iSys Trn-nin 3
Tan vtwa na 6 nnna oSiyS nan vntS
j. . t -j i *: jt: i :? at
nax vt 7 :trta nSm onS' nnn iayn
ivv; tt. j" |- --:i- vt /"t ac:
dW? nuS ooffiD8 :vmps-na doom tDsetei
at : j- t : It I ? t ? t v:(v at: ?
nw iay1? nS$ 1 run? 9 naxa dm
1 nsan n wi 10 :ito^ xnin tfhp inna rh)vh
t ; t <? ? ? I: jt: 1 Jt a ? : jt:
187
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
CXI. is His name. 10 Fear of the Lord is the begin-
ning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they
that do so: His praise endureth for ever.
PSALM CXII.
Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that
feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in His
commandments. 2 His seed shall be mighty upon
earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and
his righteousness endureth for ever. 4 Unto the
upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is
gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. 5
Good is the man who is gracious, and lendeth: he
will guide his affairs justly. 6 Surely he shall
not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in
everlasting remembrance. 7 He shall not be afraid
of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the
Lord. 8 His heart is established, he shall not be
afraid, even when he looks upon his enemies. 9 He
hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righte-
ousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted
with honour. 10 The wicked shall see it, and be
grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt
away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.
188
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
may irtann onw^aS nica Sab nirv n<<T>><<. wu
cxii.
t : ? ; at: v j"t n ? ? - - t -; \--
one* nn nvr pxa -riaj 2 ysn
njjb rna'y ihjrpj irvna TVrp1? 3
Mfnj pan Dn^? 1? nix ^na rn] 4
:tfeetoa man W? y ni^i nin aiD 5
it: ? : jtt: ? ? : -: av: - U? ? n I
:p<<re rrrr natS DWr*a 6
I i ? - *v: ? t' w: ? i . it i ?
*rrirra n&a ia1? nt* run pwy#fe 7
|t f "St ? I j t at ? . >> tti jt ;?
:rwa nK*v-itrK ny k"v* nS iaS wod 8
i tt: jv :* v ~: \- at ? j -i I j t
phni qpaj 1 nsrv yen 10 :-rtaaa
I" j- t: --; |- >>tt;
189
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
>>te on The 111th and 112th Psalms are evidently
an& composed by the same author. They are alike in
CXII. form, both Psalms being alphabetical. * They are
also alike in subject, for both are poems in praise of
wisdom, but the 111th is an ode to the wisdom and
power of God; the 112th extols the wisdom and
uprightness of a virtuous man.
Comparing the two Psalms verse by verse, we find
the thought, and sometimes the very words in the
one echoed, as it were, in the other. Thus, the
third and fourth verses of both Psalms contain
identical phrases, referring in cxi. to God, and in cxii.
to man. "His righteousness endureth for ever"
(verse 3 in both), "He is gracious and full of
compassion" (verse 4 in both). Still more remark-
able is the response of verses 5 and 9 in cxii. to
verses 5 and 9 in cxi. --suggesting the thought that
the perception of the mercifulness and bounteous-
ness of God inspires generosity in man, and that
charity is the highest form of human gratitude for
the Divine mercy towards mankind.
The sixth, seventh, and eighth verses of cxii. tell of
the serene courage that comes to all who realize the
eternal goodness and wisdom of God proclaimed
in the corresponding verses of cxi. For it is the
thought of the infinite wisdom and infinite power of
God that brings with it the thought of His infinite
justice and mercy.
To understand how to conduct our lives so as to
justify our existence and to make the best of our
powers, we must first understand the Infinite Good-
ness and the Infinite Greatness of God. Realizing
this, the Psalmist says :--*" The fearf of the Lord is
* The initial letters of each half verse are in alphabetical order.
+ The word " fear " in Hebrew means also awe and reverence,
(compare Ps. xix. , verse 6. ) The word "reverend" in verse 9
also means full of awe.
190
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
the beginning of wisdom, a good understanding have mote on
all they that do so. His praise" (i. e. the silent praise CXI.
of His wonderful works) "endureth for ever," because pgi cxil.
His works do not perish or decay like the works of
men, but endure for ever and ever by reason of the
immutable Divine laws by which God "reneweth
the face of the earth. "
"The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom,"
the conclusion of Psalm cxi. , is closely linked with
the opening verse of Ps. cxii. , "Happy is the man
who feareth the Lord. " Fear of God (not cowardly
fear, but awe and reverence) is not only the fountain
head of wisdom, but also the foundation of happiness.
That is the theme of the 112th Psalm.
Man must stand in awe of God in order to get
wisdom. He who has wisdom will also get hap-
piness, the sort of happiness that is associated with
goodness and that will keep him uncorrupted by
the temptations of wealth and power, and un-
daunted by visitations of adversity--a happiness
that fills his heart with gracious and practical
sympathy for the difficulties and troubles of his
fellow-creatures. Happiness of mind is based on
the wisdom that leads to goodness; "The light that
dawneth out of darkness for the upright," as the
Psalmist puts it.
The spirit of verses 7 and 8 of Ps. cxii. is difficult
to render in exact translation. The word "desire"
in verse 8, used in the English Bible version,
is misleading, and does not occur in the Hebrew.
It seems to make the verse out of harmony with the
rest of the Psalm, and suggests a special meaning
as contrasted with the " desire of the wicked" in
the tenth verse.
But the real contrast to verse 10 of Ps.
aria du on tos&yn 38 :dh/b>S Drvn^a
pKn ejjrp jy;xa wvh yn}\ n#k Drvnmi
e|x-m'i 40 'Dn^yoa iko^i 39 ? D^a
|j- -|-- av "-:|-: ': ;? - f t-
trta-Ta wn'i 41 nnSm-nx ayrm ioya nirv
a<< : i t~:i- v t:_ a -: jt : ?
orva^K DwnS'i 42 :btkjb> Dna neton
av **: i * t : ? - iv ? ? : i t '::
n^m dS'V nian trws43 :dt nnn waa'5
t|" ;i ? ~ -- ^- t: ltt -j- ':|t --
nrb -raa tn'i 44 :Daiya won Drrava no*
Dna'i irna qnS na^i 45 :DntvriK iyoE>a
-Sa rasS' owfe oniK wvi 46 nnon ana
t **: ? a* jt itt-: j;
Swapi wrfot nirv 1 u&*trin 47 :Divaie>
'
? ? ; I i: ? ? v: <t: ? ? ? I lv ? ? (
177 N
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
p8. CVI. name, and to triumph in Thy praise. 48 Blessed be
the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to ever-
lasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye
the Lord.
mote on The 106th Psalm opens with a song of praise
IPs. CVI. and thanks, and recalls the high privilege God
conferred on the Israelites in making them His
chosen messengers. Continuing the theme of the
105th Psalm--the history of the Messenger Race--
the Psalmist laments the way in which the Israelites
were many times faithless to their great mission,
and records God's merciful forgiveness towards
them whenever they were truly sorry for their
evil-doings.
PSALM CVII.
O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good:
for His mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He
hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; 3 And
gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and
from the west, from the north, and from the south.
4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary
way; they found no city to dwell in. 5 Hungry
and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. 6 Then they
cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He
delivered them out of their distresses. 7 And He
led them forth by the right way, that they might go
to a city of habitation.
178
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
125 I P^JOT? ti^tf 1 nin! TO 48>>8-CVI-
The impressive lesson so tersely taught in verse 15 mote on
comes home to us all, " He gave them their request, P8,
but sent leanness into their souls. " If we covet that
which we have not, instead of thankfully making the
best of what we have--the attainment of our desires
will never bring into our souls the full and serene
happiness that is the lot of those who in their times
of trial have never lost faith in the perfect justice
and mercy of God.
niinx^3 "i>> Tgte nin;
cvn. tp
179
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
. CVII. 8 Oh that men would praise the Lord for His
goodness, and for His wonderful works to the
children of men!
9 For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth
the hungry soul with goodness. 10 Such as sit
in darkness and in the shadow of death, being
bound in affliction and iron; n Because they
rebelled against the words of God, and contemned
the counsel of the most High: 12 Therefore
He brought down their heart with labour; they
fell down, and there was none to help. 13 Then
they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and
He saved them out of their distresses. 14 He
brought them out of darkness and the shadow of
death, and brake their bands in sunder.
15 Oh that men would praise the Lord for His
goodness, and for His wonderful works to the
children of men!
16 For He hath broken the gates of brass, and cut
the bars of iron in sunder. 17 Fools because of their
transgression, and because of their iniquities, are
afflicted. 18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of
meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.
19 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble,
and He saveth them out of their distresses. 20 He
sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them
from their destructions.
21 Oh that men would praise the Lord for His
goodness, and for His wonderful works to the
children of men! 22 And let them sacrifice the
180
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
r\)r\h i-iv 8 ixfto t^-Sn na$? mtf* rna >><<. cvn.
jt |" -l it ? V V V t att: I VjV:
|at|? ? i vjv B *T n Is itt ? t ::? : a:-
nia^i. ij^pi 1o :aitp-N! ? 9 niyi
i. . ^ | j. . . . jT at . jTtiv j-;-- Itt I j; v
:pni? BrniTOi H)^] 14
:ettk v)W? Mi nDn nirvS vtv 15
itt j? ? ; ? t :: ? : a : - jt i- j
:$na Sra vynan ntfm ninSn -fieHa 16
-S| 13 . ^y? j* Dn^jiyai qy^s ^ri? d^ik, >>
^j! ) 19 :nja-ny^-ny wwi dtfsj nynfi
rr\nh vtv 21 jDnirviro &Vbn' dkbti inn
jt :i - j it 1* : * "~ t ? a** t :*; t;
rnin *nnr vian^ jd-tn onS wfotWi nDn
at j"; * ::? ;i itt :? t ;: ? : a ; -
181
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
. CVII. sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works
in joyous song.
23 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do
business in great waters; 24 These see the works
of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. 25 For
He commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which
lifteth up the waves thereof. 26 They mount up to
the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their
soul is melted because of trouble. 27 They reel to
and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at
their wit's end. 28 Then they cry unto the Lord
in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their
distresses. 29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that
the waves thereof are still. 30 Then are they glad
because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto
their desired haven.
31 Oh that men would praise the Lord for His
goodness, and for His wonderful works to the
children of men!
32 Let them exalt Him also in the congregation
of the people, and praise Him in the assembly of the
elders. 33 He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and
the watersprings into dry ground; 34 A fruitful land
into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that
dwell therein. 35 He turneth the wilderness into a
standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
36 And there He maketh the hungry to dwell, that
they may prepare a city for habitation; 37 And
sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield
fruits of increase. 38 He blesseth them also, so
182
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
ntoxa D'n mv 23 :nri? v&t>> nso*i (C)a. cvn.
nirv %n nan 24 :D'w d^3 nwfea
at; n. tj" i* - . j-; t t;
d? s: nia'inn bp 26 :v^a Dftinj
t:- a: ? = 'n it-"
tt;t t: a ? - t: jt it :? 'tt;
BrrpttBM nrh isa rrtrrW pgyj 28 . ySann
v "lI :? vt -- t: v if - : ?
: Dn^a nsa-jS n^D Dp. . ; 29 . D^xi)
ian* *xb vhSihpyi i^Dn rdnh rt* 31
itt jt* : * t A : ~ jt - j
:*tten* D^apt aenani Dsr^npa vnaaftn 32
:jixasS mb' ^ nansS rihm db* 33
I 1 t ? : ? - 'vt at :? ; j t: t
35 nyn6 nnW? ns nn 34
j. . t it . j k ti. . at" ; ? *;i I vav
ae>i>>l 36 :d)|5 wxb1? it? H$ dVmnJ? n3nQ
ninb <<np] 37 :a&no nn? <<^ D^asn db>
f :? - ti 4 ::? - it p :i :- a? n: r
Datit 38 :nwan ns ieVi D*1513
: ? ~* J? ? :t :~ it : j*; *s* t;
183
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
IPs. CVII. that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not
their cattle to decrease.
39 Again, they are minished and brought low
through oppression, affliction, and sorrow. 40 He
poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them
to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.
41 Yet setteth He the poor on high from affliction,
and maketh him families like a flock. 42 The
righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity
shall stop her mouth. 43 Whoso is wise, and giveth
heed to these things, even they shall understand the
lovingkindness of the Lord.
mote on The opening verse gives the theme of the whole:
IPs. CV1J.
<< o give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for
His mercy endureth for ever. "
The closing verse states with impressive simplicity
the moral of the whole Psalm: they who learn to
understand "these things " (i. e. , our dependence on
God throughout our lives) learn to understand His
infinite mercy to us.
For Older Children. --The 107th Psalm breathes the
noblest universalism, in its vivid picture of the benefi-
cent Spirit that rules the whole world, in its passionate
invocation to all mankind to see and understand the
Divine Power, the Divine justice and the Divine
mercy. There is no trace of the idea of a specially
favoured nation in the lofty and philosophic thought
presented in the six graphic word-pictures of the
poem. The chorus verse is a fervid and yet simple
appeal to the minds and hearts of all mankind.
The rest of the poem is divided into six stanzas,
184
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
tojttjn 39 ? & dnonM ikd >><<. era.
at- >>*T'" l ? : - t : v; A:
and a chorus verse which is repeated after each of the mote on
first four stanzas: "O that men would praise the IPs. CVII.
Lord for His mercy, and His wonderful works to the
children of men. " The chorus verse is the answering
refrain to the opening verse, and emphasizes the con-
nection of that verse with each successive stanza.
The English version, beautiful as it is, does not quite
convey the echoing effect of the Hebrew.
Opening verse:
Chorus verse:
TT ? ? : ? t :: . : :- T
The first two words of each are the same, the
differing first letters of the first word merely being
the difference between the second and third person of
it : f T :1 :\'\ t : ? : t ti i>> t ~
Vron obiy1? *3 " nica <<3 rtirvb rrin
: - t 2? t -
185
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
flote on the verb. In the opening verse, " Give ye thanks to
t>s. CVU. the Lord" (nVl? rrtn); in the chorus verse, (8,
15, 21, 31,) " O that they (i. e. , mankind) would give
thanks to the Lord" (HW HV).
A prelude to the refrain is introduced just before
the last verse of each stanza (verses 6, 13, 19, 28),
"Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble,
PSALM CXI.
Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with
my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and
in the congregation. 2 The works of the Lord
are great, sought out of all them that delight
therein. 3 His work is honourable and glorious:
and His righteousness endureth for ever. 4 He
hath made His wonderful works to be remembered:
the Lord is gracious and full of compassion. 5 He
hath given meat unto them that fear Him: He will
ever be mindful of His covenant. 6 He hath showed
His people the power of His works, that He may
give them the heritage of the heathen. 7 The works
of His hands are verity and judgment; all His com-
mandments are sure. 8 They stand fast for ever
and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption unto His people: He hath
commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend
186
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
and He saveth them out of their distresses. " When flore on
we are happy and prosperous, we are apt to forget to IP8, CVII.
offer to God our tribute of thanks in word and deed.
But when trouble overtakes us we all cry to God in
our anguish to save us out of our distresses, and
then we learn to "understand the lovingkindness of
God. "
cxi. vrp
oyfi itea aa^aa nirv n-rix 1 tfohn
iv ? ? : v t: ? : at: - ;i it":
nar 4 :nyS rnay injV]$ iSys Trn-nin 3
Tan vtwa na 6 nnna oSiyS nan vntS
j. . t -j i *: jt: i :? at
nax vt 7 :trta nSm onS' nnn iayn
ivv; tt. j" |- --:i- vt /"t ac:
dW? nuS ooffiD8 :vmps-na doom tDsetei
at : j- t : It I ? t ? t v:(v at: ?
nw iay1? nS$ 1 run? 9 naxa dm
1 nsan n wi 10 :ito^ xnin tfhp inna rh)vh
t ; t <? ? ? I: jt: 1 Jt a ? : jt:
187
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
CXI. is His name. 10 Fear of the Lord is the begin-
ning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they
that do so: His praise endureth for ever.
PSALM CXII.
Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that
feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in His
commandments. 2 His seed shall be mighty upon
earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and
his righteousness endureth for ever. 4 Unto the
upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is
gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. 5
Good is the man who is gracious, and lendeth: he
will guide his affairs justly. 6 Surely he shall
not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in
everlasting remembrance. 7 He shall not be afraid
of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the
Lord. 8 His heart is established, he shall not be
afraid, even when he looks upon his enemies. 9 He
hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righte-
ousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted
with honour. 10 The wicked shall see it, and be
grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt
away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.
188
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
may irtann onw^aS nica Sab nirv n<<T>><<. wu
cxii.
t : ? ; at: v j"t n ? ? - - t -; \--
one* nn nvr pxa -riaj 2 ysn
njjb rna'y ihjrpj irvna TVrp1? 3
Mfnj pan Dn^? 1? nix ^na rn] 4
:tfeetoa man W? y ni^i nin aiD 5
it: ? : jtt: ? ? : -: av: - U? ? n I
:p<<re rrrr natS DWr*a 6
I i ? - *v: ? t' w: ? i . it i ?
*rrirra n&a ia1? nt* run pwy#fe 7
|t f "St ? I j t at ? . >> tti jt ;?
:rwa nK*v-itrK ny k"v* nS iaS wod 8
i tt: jv :* v ~: \- at ? j -i I j t
phni qpaj 1 nsrv yen 10 :-rtaaa
I" j- t: --; |- >>tt;
189
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
>>te on The 111th and 112th Psalms are evidently
an& composed by the same author. They are alike in
CXII. form, both Psalms being alphabetical. * They are
also alike in subject, for both are poems in praise of
wisdom, but the 111th is an ode to the wisdom and
power of God; the 112th extols the wisdom and
uprightness of a virtuous man.
Comparing the two Psalms verse by verse, we find
the thought, and sometimes the very words in the
one echoed, as it were, in the other. Thus, the
third and fourth verses of both Psalms contain
identical phrases, referring in cxi. to God, and in cxii.
to man. "His righteousness endureth for ever"
(verse 3 in both), "He is gracious and full of
compassion" (verse 4 in both). Still more remark-
able is the response of verses 5 and 9 in cxii. to
verses 5 and 9 in cxi. --suggesting the thought that
the perception of the mercifulness and bounteous-
ness of God inspires generosity in man, and that
charity is the highest form of human gratitude for
the Divine mercy towards mankind.
The sixth, seventh, and eighth verses of cxii. tell of
the serene courage that comes to all who realize the
eternal goodness and wisdom of God proclaimed
in the corresponding verses of cxi. For it is the
thought of the infinite wisdom and infinite power of
God that brings with it the thought of His infinite
justice and mercy.
To understand how to conduct our lives so as to
justify our existence and to make the best of our
powers, we must first understand the Infinite Good-
ness and the Infinite Greatness of God. Realizing
this, the Psalmist says :--*" The fearf of the Lord is
* The initial letters of each half verse are in alphabetical order.
+ The word " fear " in Hebrew means also awe and reverence,
(compare Ps. xix. , verse 6. ) The word "reverend" in verse 9
also means full of awe.
190
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 15:06 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/uc1. $b283842 Public Domain in the United States, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-us-google
? THE CHILDREN'S PSALM-BOOK
the beginning of wisdom, a good understanding have mote on
all they that do so. His praise" (i. e. the silent praise CXI.
of His wonderful works) "endureth for ever," because pgi cxil.
His works do not perish or decay like the works of
men, but endure for ever and ever by reason of the
immutable Divine laws by which God "reneweth
the face of the earth. "
"The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom,"
the conclusion of Psalm cxi. , is closely linked with
the opening verse of Ps. cxii. , "Happy is the man
who feareth the Lord. " Fear of God (not cowardly
fear, but awe and reverence) is not only the fountain
head of wisdom, but also the foundation of happiness.
That is the theme of the 112th Psalm.
Man must stand in awe of God in order to get
wisdom. He who has wisdom will also get hap-
piness, the sort of happiness that is associated with
goodness and that will keep him uncorrupted by
the temptations of wealth and power, and un-
daunted by visitations of adversity--a happiness
that fills his heart with gracious and practical
sympathy for the difficulties and troubles of his
fellow-creatures. Happiness of mind is based on
the wisdom that leads to goodness; "The light that
dawneth out of darkness for the upright," as the
Psalmist puts it.
The spirit of verses 7 and 8 of Ps. cxii. is difficult
to render in exact translation. The word "desire"
in verse 8, used in the English Bible version,
is misleading, and does not occur in the Hebrew.
It seems to make the verse out of harmony with the
rest of the Psalm, and suggests a special meaning
as contrasted with the " desire of the wicked" in
the tenth verse.
But the real contrast to verse 10 of Ps.
