Harp-song 16

I'm continuing with my study of the psalms as the focus of my Lectio Divina practice, so
(at least for now) I'll be posting one of the psalms assigned in the Daily Lectionary, with my best attempt to render it as close to the original Hebrew as possible, with an eye to poetic turns of phrase.

I'm using Robert Alter's translations, and the translations from The Complete Jewish Bible to help me, but my primary reference source is the online Hebrew Interlinear. (https://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/Hebrew_Index.htm)
I also use the website My Jewish Learning (https://www.myjewishlearning.com/)

So, here is


Harp-song 16

¹{inscription to David} Keep me, You! God—

because I hide away in you.


² You said to Yahweh, “My Lord”—

my goodness has nothing on you!


³To holy ones living on earth, they and all the worthy ones,

all of my delight is in them.


⁴Their sorrows will spread—the ones who hurry off to another god—

I won’t offer their offerings of blood and I won’t carry their names on my lips.


⁵Yahweh has custody of my share and my cup—

you are the upholder of my part.


⁶(the) Boundaries were laid for me in pleasant places;

indeed, their allotment is fitting for me. 


⁷I will bless Yahweh who guides me;

indeed, in the night they train me, my insides do.


⁸I balance Yahweh ahead of me always;

so that at Yahweh’s right side, I won’t slip.


⁹So— happy is this heart of mine, and thrilled is this honor of mine;

indeed, my body will take shelter in trust.



¹⁰So that you won’t abandon my being to the deep dark;

you won’t let your kindhearted ones see devastation.



¹¹You will teach me the Way of life; (the) satisfaction of happiness before you;

at your right side enjoyment lasts forever.