Psalm 119 – ע Ayin*

praying hands‘a·śî·ṯî, I’ve done what is just and is right
do not abandon me to oppressors plight.

‘a·rōḇ, guarantee Your blessing to Your servant, I pray
shield from the proud who would harass me today.

‘ê·nay,  my eyes are straining to see how You’ll save
how You’ll keep Your good promise, the word that You gave.

‘ă·śêh, deal with Your servant in mercy and grace
teach me Your statutes, Your laws I’ll embrace.

‘aḇ·də·ḵā, Your servant I am, help me understand
the purpose and meaning of all Your commands.

‘êṯ, it’s time, Adonai, that You take some clear action
Against all their sins, their misdeeds and infractions.

‘al, therefore Your commandments I love and I cherish
much more than fine gold which eventu’lly will perish.

‘al, because all Your precepts I honor as true
I hate every false way, all evil eschew.

* This is a silent letter in Hebrew, perhaps similar to our “h” in honor, herb, or hour.  Rather than utilize a variety of such English words that begin with a silent letter I have opted to implement the Hebrew word transliterated followed by the English equivalent.

© J Dan  Small

Psalm 119 – ן Nun

lampNêr, a lamp to my feet and a light on the way
Your word shows the path so I won’t go astray.

Now swear I an oath and confirm with my word
to keep all the laws from Your mouth I have heard.

Needy, afflicted, with sufferings fraught
revive me, O Lord, with the word You have taught.

Niḏ·ḇō·wṯ, freewill off’rings, O Lord, please receive
and teach me your laws and decrees to believe.

Never will I Your commandments forget
not even when my fragile life faces threats.

Nefarious foes lay their traps in my way
yet from Your good precepts I refuse to stray.

Nā·ḥal·tî, I’ve inherited the laws You impart
forever my treasure, the joy of my heart.

Newly resolved my heart wants to obey
Your rules and Your laws every step of the way.

© J Dan  Small

Psalm 119 – י Yodh

potterYour hands shaped and fashioned me
help my heart learn from Your decrees.

Ye ones who fear the Lord rejoice
because I’ve made His word my choice.

Yes, Lord, Your laws are just and right
Your discipline keeps me contrite.

You promised cov’nant loyalty
now may Your word my comfort be.

Your law, O Lord, is my delight
in mercy, come, that live I might.

Yê·ḇō·šū, shame on those who slander
but on Your precepts I will ponder.

Yet may all those who fear You see
that in Your statutes we agree.

Yielded and pure my heart would be
that from all shame I might be free.

© J Dan Small