The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Psalms 89

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Psalms chapter 89 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite.” — the complete text of all 53 verses is below, free to read online.

1Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite.

2I will sing of the mercies of HaShem for ever; to all generations will I make known Thy faithfulness with my mouth.

3For I have said: 'For ever is mercy built; in the very heavens Thou dost establish Thy faithfulness.

4I have made a covenant with My chosen, I have sworn unto David My servant:

5For ever will I establish thy seed, and build up thy throne to all generations.' Selah

6So shall the heavens praise Thy wonders, O HaShem, Thy faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones.

7For who in the skies can be compared unto HaShem, who among the sons of might can be likened unto HaShem,

8A G-d dreaded in the great council of the holy ones, and feared of all them that are about Him?

9O HaShem G-d of hosts, who is a mighty one, like unto Thee, O HaShem? And Thy faithfulness is round about Thee.

10Thou rulest the proud swelling of the sea; when the waves thereof arise, Thou stillest them.

11Thou didst crush Rahab, as one that is slain; Thou didst scattered Thine enemies with the arm of Thy strength.

12Thine are the heavens, Thine also the earth; the world and the fulness thereof, Thou hast founded them.

13The north and the south, Thou hast created them; Tabor and Hermon rejoice in Thy name.

14Thine is an arm with might; strong is Thy hand, and exalted is Thy right hand.

15Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Thy throne; mercy and truth go before Thee.

16Happy is the people that know the joyful shout; they walk, O HaShem, in the light of Thy countenance.

17In Thy name do they rejoice all the day; and through Thy righteousness are they exalted.

18For Thou art the glory of their strength; and in Thy favour our horn is exalted.

19For of HaShem is our shield; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.

20Then Thou spokest in vision to Thy godly ones, and saidst: 'I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.

21I have found David My servant; with My holy oil have I anointed him;

22With whom My hand shall be established; Mine arm also shall strengthen him.

23The enemy shall not exact from him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.

24And I will beat to pieces his adversaries before him, and smite them that hate him.

25But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him; and through My name shall his horn be exalted.

26I will set his hand also on the sea, and his right hand on the rivers.

27He shall call unto Me: Thou art my Father, my G-d, and the rock of my salvation.

28I also will appoint him first-born, the highest of the kings of the earth.

29For ever will I keep for him My mercy, and My covenant shall stand fast with him.

30His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.

31If his children forsake My law, and walk not in Mine ordinances;

32If they profane My statutes, and keep not My commandments;

33Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with strokes.

34But My mercy will I not break off from him, nor will I be false to My faithfulness.

35My covenant will I not profane, nor alter that which is gone out of My lips.

36Once have I sworn by My holiness: Surely I will not be false unto David;

37His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before Me.

38It shall be established for ever as the moon; and be stedfast as the witness in sky.' Selah

39But Thou hast cast off and rejected, Thou hast been wroth with Thine anointed.

40Thou hast abhorred the covenant of Thy servant; Thou hast profaned his crown even to the ground.

41Thou hast broken down all his fences; Thou hast brought his strongholds to ruin.

42All that pass by the way spoil him; he is become a taunt to his neighbours.

43Thou hast exalted the right hand of his adversaries; Thou hast made all his enemies to rejoice.

44Yea, Thou turnest back the edge of his sword, and hast not made him to stand in the battle.

45Thou hast made his brightness to cease, and cast his throne down to the ground.

46The days of his youth hast Thou shortened; Thou hast covered him with shame. Selah

47How long, O HaShem, wilt Thou hide Thyself for ever? How long shall Thy wrath burn like fire?

48O remember how short my time is; for what vanity hast Thou created all the children of men!

49What man is he that liveth and shall not see death, that shall deliver his soul from the power of the grave? Selah

50Where are Thy former mercies, O L-rd, which Thou didst swear unto David in Thy faithfulness?

51Remember, L-rd, the taunt of Thy servants; how I do bear in my bosom the taunt of so many peoples;

52Wherewith Thine enemies have taunted, O HaShem, wherewith they have taunted the footsteps of Thine anointed.

53Blessed be HaShem for evermore. Amen, and Amen. BOOK IV

53 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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