A Psalm [A Dedication Song for the Temple] of David
I will exalt you, Yahweh, because you have drawn me up;
You have not let my enemies rejoice over me.
Yahweh my God, I cried to you and you healed me.
Yahweh, you brought me up from the realm of the dead.
You kept me alive, apart from those going down to the grave-cistern.
Chant to Yahweh, you who are loyal to him;
Praise his sacred reputation:
His anger is momentary;
his favor life-long.
Crying may last through the evening;
In the morning there is a cheer of victory.
As for me, I said when things were going well for me:
"I will never be moved!
Yahweh, in your favor you have made me stand like a strong mountain."
Then you hid your face and I became completely unstrung.
To you, Yahweh, I called,
And to my lord I begged for grace:
"What profit would there be in my death,
in my going down to the grave-pit?
Does the dust of the underworld praise you?
Does it recite your faithfulness?
Hear, Yahweh, be gracious to me;
Oh, Yahweh, be my helper."
You have turned my wailing into dancing;
You have loosened my mourning clothes and girded me with joy;
So that my liver may chant for you and not be silent:
"Yahweh my God, I will praise you forever."
© 2000 Ralph W. Klein