We do not see any signs of God’s presence; there are no longer any prophets and we have no one to tell us how long this will last.

The bravehearted were plundered; they “fell asleep.” All the warriors were helpless.

Then they will place their confidence in God. They will not forget the works of God, and they will obey his commands.

There must be no other god among you. You must not worship a foreign god.

But my people did not obey me; Israel did not submit to me.

They neither know nor understand. They stumble around in the dark, while all the foundations of the earth crumble.

They say, “Come on, let’s annihilate them so they are no longer a nation! Then the name of Israel will be remembered no more.”

O God, arrogant men attack me; a gang of ruthless men, who do not respect you, seek my life.

You cause those who know me to keep their distance; you make me an appalling sight to them. I am trapped and cannot get free.

No man can live on without experiencing death, or deliver his life from the power of Sheol. (Selah)

So they proclaim that the Lord, my protector, is just and never unfair.

Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

when he responds to the prayer of the destitute, and does not reject their request.

but when the hot wind blows by, it disappears, and one can no longer even spot the place where it once grew.

The Lord makes this promise on oath and will not revoke it: “You are an eternal priest after the pattern of Melchizedek.”

Those who pass by will not say, “May you experience the Lord’s blessing! We pronounce a blessing on you in the name of the Lord.”

and ears, but cannot hear. Indeed, they cannot breathe.

Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb. All the days ordained for me were recorded in your scroll before one of them came into existence.

A psalm – a song used at the dedication of the temple; by David. I will praise you, O Lord, for you lifted me up, and did not allow my enemies to gloat over me.

For the Lord promotes justice, and never abandons his faithful followers. They are permanently secure, but the children of evil men are wiped out.