The Book of Psalms, also known as the Psalter, is a collection of poetic and devotional songs found in the Old Testament of the Bible. Attributed to various authors, including King David, the psalms cover a wide range of themes, expressing deep emotions, praises, laments, and prayers. The Psalms are often used in worship, reflection, and personal devotion.
Psalm 1: The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked
[1:1] Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
[1:2] but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
[1:3] That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
[1:4] Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
[1:5] Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
[1:6] For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
Psalm 2: The Reign of the Lord’s Anointed
[2:1] Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
[2:2] The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
[2:3] “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”
[2:4] The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
[2:5] He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
[2:6] “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”
[2:7] I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father.
[2:8] Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.
[2:9] You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
[2:10] Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
[2:11] Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.
[2:12] Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.