Today's bible teaching: O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore

 Psalm 131

1

Psalm 131 A song of ascents. Of David.

1

My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.

2

But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3

O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.

Dimitri Payet has confirmed his ‘sadomasochism’ relationship with Larissa Ferrari but has denied any aggression towards her.

Dimitri Payet has confirmed his ‘sadomasochism’ relationship with Larissa Ferrari but has denied any aggression towards her. 

Payet has admitted they met on social media, acknowledged his fetishism and having had sexual relations with the complainant, dressed as a bride.  

According to the player, she asked him to "urinate" on him several times.  In January 2025, Larissa Ferrari sent him "a video in which she spontaneously drank her own urine and put her head in the toilet.”  

According to Payet, the practice of drinking urine was common within their relationship.  

In response to the accusations of "aggression" made by Larissa Ferrari, Payet nevertheless says that the lawyer “asked her to slap her buttocks, which left traces.” 

 He therefore firmly rejects these accusations against him and repeats that their relationship was consensual!  

@Metropolis

Today's bible teaching: They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer

Psalm 78

1

Psalm 78 A maskil ^[1] of Asaph.

1

O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.

2

I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old--

3

what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us.

4

We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.

5

He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children,

6

so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.

7

Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

8

They would not be like their forefathers-- a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him.

9

The men of Ephraim, though armed with bows, turned back on the day of battle;

10

they did not keep God's covenant and refused to live by his law.

11

They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them.

12

He did miracles in the sight of their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan.

13

He divided the sea and led them through; he made the water stand firm like a wall.

14

He guided them with the cloud by day and with light from the fire all night.

15

He split the rocks in the desert and gave them water as abundant as the seas;

16

he brought streams out of a rocky crag and made water flow down like rivers.

17

But they continued to sin against him, rebelling in the desert against the Most High.

18

They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved.

19

They spoke against God, saying, "Can God spread a table in the desert?

20

When he struck the rock, water gushed out, and streams flowed abundantly. But can he also give us food? Can he supply meat for his people?"

21

When the LORD heard them, he was very angry; his fire broke out against Jacob, and his wrath rose against Israel,

22

for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance.

23

Yet he gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens;

24

he rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven.

25

Men ate the bread of angels; he sent them all the food they could eat.

26

He let loose the east wind from the heavens and led forth the south wind by his power.

27

He rained meat down on them like dust, flying birds like sand on the seashore.

28

He made them come down inside their camp, all around their tents.

29

They ate till they had more than enough, for he had given them what they craved.

30

But before they turned from the food they craved, even while it was still in their mouths,

31

God's anger rose against them; he put to death the sturdiest among them, cutting down the young men of Israel.

32

In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; in spite of his wonders, they did not believe.

33

So he ended their days in futility and their years in terror.

34

Whenever God slew them, they would seek him; they eagerly turned to him again.

35

They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer.

36

But then they would flatter him with their mouths, lying to him with their tongues;

37

their hearts were not loyal to him, they were not faithful to his covenant.

38

Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath.

39

He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return.

40

How often they rebelled against him in the desert and grieved him in the wasteland!

41

Again and again they put God to the test; they vexed the Holy One of Israel.

42

They did not remember his power-- the day he redeemed them from the oppressor,

43

the day he displayed his miraculous signs in Egypt, his wonders in the region of Zoan.

44

He turned their rivers to blood; they could not drink from their streams.

45

He sent swarms of flies that devoured them, and frogs that devastated them.

46

He gave their crops to the grasshopper, their produce to the locust.

47

He destroyed their vines with hail and their sycamore-figs with sleet.

48

He gave over their cattle to the hail, their livestock to bolts of lightning.

49

He unleashed against them his hot anger, his wrath, indignation and hostility-- a band of destroying angels.

50

He prepared a path for his anger; he did not spare them from death but gave them over to the plague.

51

He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt, the firstfruits of manhood in the tents of Ham.

52

But he brought his people out like a flock; he led them like sheep through the desert.

53

He guided them safely, so they were unafraid; but the sea engulfed their enemies.

54

Thus he brought them to the border of his holy land, to the hill country his right hand had taken.

55

He drove out nations before them and allotted their lands to them as an inheritance; he settled the tribes of Israel in their homes.

56

But they put God to the test and rebelled against the Most High; they did not keep his statutes.

57

Like their fathers they were disloyal and faithless, as unreliable as a faulty bow.

58

They angered him with their high places; they aroused his jealousy with their idols.

59

When God heard them, he was very angry; he rejected Israel completely.

60

He abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent he had set up among men.

61

He sent [the ark of] his might into captivity, his splendor into the hands of the enemy.

62

He gave his people over to the sword; he was very angry with his inheritance.

63

Fire consumed their young men, and their maidens had no wedding songs;

64

their priests were put to the sword, and their widows could not weep.

65

Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, as a man wakes from the stupor of wine.

66

He beat back his enemies; he put them to everlasting shame.

67

Then he rejected the tents of Joseph, he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim;

68

but he chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which he loved.

69

He built his sanctuary like the heights, like the earth that he established forever.

70

He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens;

71

from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance.

72

And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.

Today's bible teaching: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever

Psalm 73

1

Psalm 73 A psalm of Asaph.

1

Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

2

But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.

3

For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4

They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. ^[1]

5

They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.

6

Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.

7

From their callous hearts comes iniquity ^[2] ; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.

8

They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.

9

Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.

10

Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. ^[3]

11

They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?"

12

This is what the wicked are like-- always carefree, they increase in wealth.

13

Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.

14

All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.

15

If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children.

16

When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me

17

till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.

18

Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.

19

How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!

20

As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.

21

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,

22

I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.

23

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.

24

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.

25

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27

Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Today's praises: Praise God with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals

Psalm 150

1

Psalm 150

1

Praise the LORD. ^[1] Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.

2

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,

4

praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,

5

praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.

6

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. 

Today's praises: Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.

Psalm 150

1

Psalm 150

1

Praise the LORD. ^[1] Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.

2

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,

4

praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,

5

praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.

6

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. 

Today's praises: Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre

Psalm 150

1

Psalm 150

1

Praise the LORD. ^[1] Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.

2

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,

4

praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,

5

praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.

6

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. 

Today's praises: Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD

Psalm 150

1

Psalm 150

1

Praise the LORD. ^[1] Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.

2

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,

4

praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,

5

praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.

6

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. 

Today's bible teaching:Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

 Psalm 32

1

Psalm 32 Of David. A maskil. 

1

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

2

Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

4

For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah

5

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"-- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

6

Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.

7

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

9

Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

10

Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.

11

Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Today's bible teaching: You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge

 Psalm 14

1

Psalm 14 For the director of music. Of David.

1

The fool ^[1] says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.

2

The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.

3

All have turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

4

Will evildoers never learn-- those who devour my people as men eat bread and who do not call on the LORD?

5

There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous.

6

You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.

7

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

Today's prayer: Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help

 Psalm 30

1

Psalm 30 A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. ^[1] Of David.

1

I will exalt you, O LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

2

O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.

3

O LORD, you brought me up from the grave ^[2] ; you spared me from going down into the pit.

4

Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name.

5

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6

When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken."

7

O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain ^[3] stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.

8

To you, O LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy:

9

"What gain is there in my destruction, ^[4] in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

10

Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help."

11

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

12

that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Today's prayer: Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.

 Psalm 69

1

Psalm 69 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "Lilies." Of David.

1

Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.

2

I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.

3

I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.

4

Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal.

5

You know my folly, O God; my guilt is not hidden from you.

6

May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me, O Lord, the LORD Almighty; may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me, O God of Israel.

7

For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face.

8

I am a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother's sons;

9

for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.

10

When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn;

11

when I put on sackcloth, people make sport of me.

12

Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the drunkards.

13

But I pray to you, O LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.

14

Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters.

15

Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me.

16

Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me.

17

Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.

18

Come near and rescue me; redeem me because of my foes.

19

You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed; all my enemies are before you.

20

Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none.

21

They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

22

May the table set before them become a snare; may it become retribution and ^[1] a trap.

23

May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.

24

Pour out your wrath on them; let your fierce anger overtake them.

25

May their place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in their tents.

26

For they persecute those you wound and talk about the pain of those you hurt.

27

Charge them with crime upon crime; do not let them share in your salvation.

28

May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.

29

I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me.

30

I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

31

This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs.

32

The poor will see and be glad-- you who seek God, may your hearts live!

33

The LORD hears the needy and does not despise his captive people.

34

Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them,

35

for God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. Then people will settle there and possess it;

36

the children of his servants will inherit it, and those who love his name will dwell there.

Today's bible teaching:It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore

 Psalm 133

1

Psalm 133 A song of ascents. Of David.

1

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

2

It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes.

3

It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Boniface Bows To Osimhen After Scoring In The 26th Minute For Galatasaray

Galatasaray are on the brink of Turkish Cup glory after a commanding 5-1 victory over Konyaspor in the semi-final, driven by the brilliance of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.

The Nigerian star’s relentless performance at the Türk Telekom Stadium propelled the Lions into the final, keeping their hopes alive for a domestic double.

The match had Galatasaray’s attacking prowess on display, with Osimhen at the heart of their dominance.

The 26-year-old opened the scoring in the 26th minute, powering a header past Konyaspor’s goalkeeper Deniz Ertas.

The early goal set the tone, and Lucas Torreira doubled the lead before halftime, capitalising on the momentum created by Galatasaray’s high press.

After the break, Osimhen turned provider, setting up Roland Sallai for Galatasaray’s third goal, effectively putting one foot in the final.

Despite a brief response from Konyaspor’s Pedrinho, who pulled one back before the hour mark, Galatasaray remained unfazed.

Dries Mertens stepped up, assisting Sallai and Yusuf Demir to seal the 5-1 rout, ensuring a comfortable passage to the final.

This semi-final win follows Galatasaray’s earlier victory over rivals Fenerbahce in the quarter-finals, also powered by Osimhen, underlining their credentials as clear favourites for the cup.

The dynamic partnership between Osimhen and Mertens has been pivotal, with the duo consistently delivering match-defining moments throughout the campaign.

The victory sparked celebrations among fans and players, with social media buzzing post-match.

Osimhen, known for his vibrant online presence, shared his customary victory post on Instagram, drawing reactions from fans and peers.

Among those celebrating his performance was fellow Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface, who took to the comment section to laud his national teammate.

“He too sure,” Boniface wrote, a nod to Osimhen’s growing reputation as a clutch performer in Turkey.

Osimhen’s form has been a major talking point this season, with the forward thriving since his move to Galatasaray.

His contributions in both the Turkish Super Lig and the cup have fueled optimism that the club can secure silverware this term.

Galatasaray now await their opponents in the Turkish Cup final, with Osimhen and company firmly focused on adding another trophy to the club’s storied history.

Pulse sports

Finnish Court Didn’t Approve Simon Ekpa’s Extradition To Nigeria

On Tuesday, some social media users and blog sites made a post claiming that a Finnish court has approved the extradition of Simon Ekpa, the controversial Biafra separatist, from Finland to Nigeria.

The judgment was said to have been delivered at the Päijät-Häme district court in Lahti on April 18, 2025.

The post was widely shared on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok. The viral post was accompanied by an AI-generated picture showing Ekpa in an attire that appears to be from a prison uniform.

Popular blog sites like Instabloggja and Nigerian Stories published the post.

“Finnish Court Approves Simon Ekpa’s Extradition to Nigeria. Simon Ekpa, the controversial Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, will be extradited to Nigeria following a Finnish court ruling on April 18, 2025,” part of the post reads.

Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, referenced the viral post on Ekpa in a comment published via X on Wednesday.

Daily Times, a national newspaper with about one million followers across social media platforms, also amplified the post about Ekpa’s extradition.

On Wednesday, the newspaper published the picture for its front page for Wednesday’s edition. The picture shows that the viral post on the purported approval of Ekpa’s extradition by a Finnish court was the cover story of the newspaper edition.

Other versions of the viral post have been archived

BACKGROUND

Ekpa was arrested in Finland on November 21, 2024, by law enforcement agents over alleged terrorism.

He was subsequently sent to prison by the district court of Päijät-Häme for “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media”.

Ekpa was said to have committed the crime in 2021 in Lahti municipality.

He is accused of instigating violence and inciting terror in the south-east of Nigeria through his social media pages.

Before his arrest, the controversial Biafra agitator was using his social media platforms, especially on X, to incite violence in the south-east region, especially against security agents and public institutions.

Nigerian authorities have been demanding the extradition of Ekpa, a dual citizen of Finland and Nigeria, for prosecution. However, the effort has not yielded the right result.

Last year, Mikko Laaksonen, the senior detective superintendent at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Finland, disclosed that a Finnish district court fixed May 2025 for the prosecution to file charges against Ekpa.

Subsequently, Laaksonen said Ekpa would remain in custody until his trial since the alleged offence was not bailable.

Recently, Kaarle Gummerus, Ekpa’s new lawyer, said Ekpa will appear in court in June 2025 to face trial.

VERIFICATION

CableCheck conducted online searches on the websites of Yle, a broadcasting organisation in Finland, and the Päijät Häme district court. There was no credible information suggesting that a Finnish court ordered the extradition of Ekpa to Nigeria.

Although Nigerian authorities have indicated their intention to seek Ekpa’s extradition, it remains unclear whether a formal request has been submitted to Finnish authorities or when extradition proceedings might begin in court.

When CableCheck contacted Gummerus via email, he said no court in Finland has taken such a decision.

“I can confirm to you that no decision has been taken in Finland. I have no information on the matter, so no such decision could have been taken,” the lawyer said.

“I wonder who is spreading such information.”

In an email sent to CableCheck, Laaksonen said Finnish NBI is unaware of any court order about the purported extradition of Ekpa.

“NBI has received similar information from different sources. However, NBI is not aware of any decisions regarding extradition that is related to the investigation in question,” Laaksonen said.

VERDICT

The claim that a Finnish court has ordered the extradition of Ekpa to Nigeria is false.

Source : thecable

Today's bible teaching:For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.

 Psalm 122

1

Psalm 122 A song of ascents. Of David.

1

I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD."

2

Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem.

3

Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.

4

That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to Israel.

5

There the thrones for judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David.

6

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure.

7

May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels."

8

For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you."

9

For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.

Today's bible teaching: Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?

 Psalm 77

1

Psalm 77 For the director of music. For Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A psalm.

1

I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me.

2

When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted.

3

I remembered you, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint. Selah

4

You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak.

5

I thought about the former days, the years of long ago;

6

I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired:

7

"Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?

8

Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?

9

Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" Selah

10

Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High."

11

I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

12

I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.

13

Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?

14

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.

15

With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

16

The waters saw you, O God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed.

17

The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth.

18

Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.

19

Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.

20

You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Today's praises: Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name

 Psalm 100

1

Psalm 100 A psalm. For giving thanks.

1

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2

Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

3

Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ^[1] ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

5

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Today's praises: Praise the LORD

 Psalm 149

1

Psalm 149

1

Praise the LORD. ^[1] Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.

2

Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King.

3

Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp.

4

For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.

5

Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.

6

May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands,

7

to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples,

8

to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron,

9

to carry out the sentence written against them. This is the glory of all his saints. Praise the LORD.

Today's bible teaching: The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life

 Psalm 121

1

Psalm 121 A song of ascents.

1

I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from?

2

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

3

He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber;

4

indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5

The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6

the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

7

The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life;

8

the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Today's bible teaching: Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

 Psalm 24

1

Psalm 24 Of David. A psalm.

1

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;

2

for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.

3

Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?

4

He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. ^[1]

5

He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.

6

Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. ^[2] Selah

7

Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

8

Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

9

Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

10

Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-- he is the King of glory. Selah

Today's prayer: Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.

 Psalm 10

1

Psalm 10 

1

Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2

In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises.

3

He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.

4

In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

5

His ways are always prosperous; he is haughty and your laws are far from him; he sneers at all his enemies.

6

He says to himself, "Nothing will shake me; I'll always be happy and never have trouble."

7

His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue.

8

He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent, watching in secret for his victims.

9

He lies in wait like a lion in cover; he lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.

10

His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength.

11

He says to himself, "God has forgotten; he covers his face and never sees."

12

Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.

13

Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, "He won't call me to account"?

14

But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.

15

Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out.

16

The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land.

17

You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,

18

defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.

Today's bible teaching:The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength

 Psalm 93

1

Psalm 93

1

The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.

2

Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.

3

The seas have lifted up, O LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

4

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea-- the LORD on high is mighty.

5

Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days, O LORD.

Today's bible teaching: He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me

 Psalm 18

1

Psalm 18 For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD. He sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:

1

I love you, O LORD, my strength.

2

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn ^[1] of my salvation, my stronghold.

3

I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

4

The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.

5

The cords of the grave ^[2] coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me.

6

In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.

7

The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry.

8

Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it.

9

He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet.

10

He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind.

11

He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him-- the dark rain clouds of the sky.

12

Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning.

13

The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. ^[3]

14

He shot his arrows and scattered [the enemies], great bolts of lightning and routed them.

15

The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of breath from your nostrils.

16

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.

17

He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.

18

They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support.

19

He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.

20

The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.

21

For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not done evil by turning from my God.

22

All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees.

23

I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin.

24

The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.

25

To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless,

26

to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.

27

You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.

28

You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

29

With your help I can advance against a troop ^[4] ; with my God I can scale a wall.

30

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

31

For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?

32

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.

33

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.

34

He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

35

You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.

36

You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.

37

I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed.

38

I crushed them so that they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet.

39

You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet.

40

You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes.

41

They cried for help, but there was no one to save them-- to the LORD, but he did not answer.

42

I beat them as fine as dust borne on the wind; I poured them out like mud in the streets.

43

You have delivered me from the attacks of the people; you have made me the head of nations; people I did not know are subject to me.

44

As soon as they hear me, they obey me; foreigners cringe before me.

45

They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds.

46

The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!

47

He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me,

48

who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from violent men you rescued me.

49

Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD; I will sing praises to your name.

50

He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever.

Today's bible teaching: He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

 Psalm 62

1

Psalm 62 For the director of music. For Jeduthun. A psalm of David.

1

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.

2

He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

3

How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down-- this leaning wall, this tottering fence?

4

They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Selah

5

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.

6

He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7

My salvation and my honor depend on God ^[1] ; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah

9

Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath.

10

Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

11

One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong,

12

and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done.

Today's bible teaching: All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols-- worship him, all you gods!

 Psalm 97

1

Psalm 97

1

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.

2

Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3

Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side.

4

His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles.

5

The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.

6

The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.

7

All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols-- worship him, all you gods!

8

Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments, O LORD.

9

For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.

10

Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11

Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.

12

Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.

Today's bible teaching: I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me

 Psalm 13

1

Psalm 13 For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

2

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

3

Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;

4

my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

5

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

6

I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.

Today's praises: Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name

 Psalm 30

1

Psalm 30 A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. ^[1] Of David.

1

I will exalt you, O LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

2

O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.

3

O LORD, you brought me up from the grave ^[2] ; you spared me from going down into the pit.

4

Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name.

5

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6

When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken."

7

O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain ^[3] stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.

8

To you, O LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy:

9

"What gain is there in my destruction, ^[4] in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?

10

Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help."

11

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

12

that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Today's bible teaching: The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer

 Psalm 6

1

Psalm 6 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. According to sheminith. ^[1] A psalm of David.

1

O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.

2

Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony.

3

My soul is in anguish. How long, O LORD, how long?

4

Turn, O LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.

5

No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave ^[2] ?

6

I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.

7

My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.

8

Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping.

9

The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.

10

All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed; they will turn back in sudden disgrace.

Today's praises: Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done

 Psalm 105

1

Psalm 105

1

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

2

Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.

3

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

4

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.

5

Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,

6

O descendants of Abraham his servant, O sons of Jacob, his chosen ones.

7

He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.

8

He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded, for a thousand generations,

9

the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac.

10

He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant:

11

"To you I will give the land of Canaan as the portion you will inherit."

12

When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it,

13

they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another.

14

He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings:

15

"Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm."

16

He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food;

17

and he sent a man before them-- Joseph, sold as a slave.

18

They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons,

19

till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the LORD proved him true.

20

The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free.

21

He made him master of his household, ruler over all he possessed,

22

to instruct his princes as he pleased and teach his elders wisdom.

23

Then Israel entered Egypt; Jacob lived as an alien in the land of Ham.

24

The LORD made his people very fruitful; he made them too numerous for their foes,

25

whose hearts he turned to hate his people, to conspire against his servants.

26

He sent Moses his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen.

27

They performed his miraculous signs among them, his wonders in the land of Ham.

28

He sent darkness and made the land dark-- for had they not rebelled against his words?

29

He turned their waters into blood, causing their fish to die.

30

Their land teemed with frogs, which went up into the bedrooms of their rulers.

31

He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, and gnats throughout their country.

32

He turned their rain into hail, with lightning throughout their land;

33

he struck down their vines and fig trees and shattered the trees of their country.

34

He spoke, and the locusts came, grasshoppers without number;

35

they ate up every green thing in their land, ate up the produce of their soil.

36

Then he struck down all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their manhood.

37

He brought out Israel, laden with silver and gold, and from among their tribes no one faltered.

38

Egypt was glad when they left, because dread of Israel had fallen on them.

39

He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night.

40

They asked, and he brought them quail and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.

41

He opened the rock, and water gushed out; like a river it flowed in the desert.

42

For he remembered his holy promise given to his servant Abraham.

43

He brought out his people with rejoicing, his chosen ones with shouts of joy;

44

he gave them the lands of the nations, and they fell heir to what others had toiled for--

45

that they might keep his precepts and observe his laws. Praise the LORD. 

Today's prayer: I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever

 Psalm 86

1

Psalm 86 A prayer of David.

1

Hear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.

2

Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.

3

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long.

4

Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

5

You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.

6

Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy.

7

In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.

8

Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours.

9

All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name.

10

For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.

11

Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

12

I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

13

For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave. ^[1]

14

The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life-- men without regard for you.

15

But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

16

Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant your strength to your servant and save the son of your maidservant. ^[2]

17

Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Today's praises: Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs

 Psalm 100

1

Psalm 100 A psalm. For giving thanks.

1

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2

Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

3

Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ^[1] ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

5

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Today's prayer: Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens

 Psalm 68

1

Psalm 68 For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. A song.

1

May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him.

2

As smoke is blown away by the wind, may you blow them away; as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God.

3

But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.

4

Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds ^[1] -- his name is the LORD-- and rejoice before him.

5

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

6

God sets the lonely in families, ^[2] he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

7

When you went out before your people, O God, when you marched through the wasteland, Selah

8

the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel.

9

You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.

10

Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, O God, you provided for the poor.

11

The Lord announced the word, and great was the company of those who proclaimed it:

12

"Kings and armies flee in haste; in the camps men divide the plunder.

13

Even while you sleep among the campfires, ^[3] the wings of [my] dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold."

14

When the Almighty ^[4] scattered the kings in the land, it was like snow fallen on Zalmon.

15

The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains; rugged are the mountains of Bashan.

16

Why gaze in envy, O rugged mountains, at the mountain where God chooses to reign, where the LORD himself will dwell forever?

17

The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord [has come] from Sinai into his sanctuary.

18

When you ascended on high, you led captives in your train; you received gifts from men, even from ^[5] the rebellious-- that you, ^[6] O LORD God, might dwell there.

19

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah

20

Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.

21

Surely God will crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who go on in their sins.

22

The Lord says, "I will bring them from Bashan; I will bring them from the depths of the sea,

23

that you may plunge your feet in the blood of your foes, while the tongues of your dogs have their share."

24

Your procession has come into view, O God, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary.

25

In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the maidens playing tambourines.

26

Praise God in the great congregation; praise the LORD in the assembly of Israel.

27

There is the little tribe of Benjamin, leading them, there the great throng of Judah's princes, and there the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali.

28

Summon your power, O God ^[7] ; show us your strength, O God, as you have done before.

29

Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring you gifts.

30

Rebuke the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations. Humbled, may it bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war.

31

Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush ^[8] will submit herself to God.

32

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, Selah

33

to him who rides the ancient skies above, who thunders with mighty voice.

34

Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies.

35

You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!

Today's praises: May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion

 Psalm 134

1

Psalm 134 A song of ascents.

1

Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD.

2

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD.

3

May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.

Today's bible teaching: My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth

 Psalm 121

1

Psalm 121 A song of ascents.

1

I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from?

2

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

3

He will not let your foot slip-- he who watches over you will not slumber;

4

indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5

The LORD watches over you-- the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6

the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

7

The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life;

8

the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Today's praises:Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples

 Psalm 117

1

Psalm 117

1

Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.

2

For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.^[

Today's bible teaching: So he said he would destroy them-- had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them

 Psalm 106

1

Psalm 106

1

Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

2

Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD or fully declare his praise?

3

Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right.

4

Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them,

5

that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise.

6

We have sinned, even as our fathers did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly.

7

When our fathers were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. ^[2]

8

Yet he saved them for his name's sake, to make his mighty power known.

9

He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert.

10

He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them.

11

The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them survived.

12

Then they believed his promises and sang his praise.

13

But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his counsel.

14

In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wasteland they put God to the test.

15

So he gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease upon them.

16

In the camp they grew envious of Moses and of Aaron, who was consecrated to the LORD.

17

The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it buried the company of Abiram.

18

Fire blazed among their followers; a flame consumed the wicked.

19

At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped an idol cast from metal.

20

They exchanged their Glory for an image of a bull, which eats grass.

21

They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt,

22

miracles in the land of Ham and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.

23

So he said he would destroy them-- had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them.

24

Then they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe his promise.

25

They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the LORD.

26

So he swore to them with uplifted hand that he would make them fall in the desert,

27

make their descendants fall among the nations and scatter them throughout the lands.

28

They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods;

29

they provoked the LORD to anger by their wicked deeds, and a plague broke out among them.

30

But Phinehas stood up and intervened, and the plague was checked.

31

This was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come.

32

By the waters of Meribah they angered the LORD, and trouble came to Moses because of them;

33

for they rebelled against the Spirit of God, and rash words came from Moses' lips. ^[3]

34

They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them,

35

but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs.

36

They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them.

37

They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons.

38

They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was desecrated by their blood.

39

They defiled themselves by what they did; by their deeds they prostituted themselves.

40

Therefore the LORD was angry with his people and abhorred his inheritance.

41

He handed them over to the nations, and their foes ruled over them.

42

Their enemies oppressed them and subjected them to their power.

43

Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin.

44

But he took note of their distress when he heard their cry;

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for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented.

46

He caused them to be pitied by all who held them captive.

47

Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.

48

Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, "Amen!" Praise the LORD.