Tag / Psalm 119

by jdansmall

Psalm 119 – ב Beth

Ps 119 11By taking heed to what You say
young ones learn to cleanse their way.

Because I seek with all my heart
from Your words I’ll not depart.

Buried treasure deep within
keeps me from all kinds of sin.

Blessed are You, Adonai
teach me Your law to apply.

Boldly I recite Your word
all that from Your mouth I’ve heard.

Bigger blessings than much gold
following Your statutes hold.

Bringing Your word to my mind
keeps my focus well-aligned.

Best delights Your laws affect
Your word I will not neglect.

© J Dan Small

by jdansmall

Psalm 119 – א Aleph

Psalm 119 is unusual in that it consists of 22 8-verse sections. Some Jewish traditions suggest that David wrote this as a way to teach young Solomon his alphabet. This is my attempt to duplicate that effort by having the first letter of every stanza in each section begin with the same letter (Hebrew transliterated). Occasionally I will use the Hebrew word as part of the poetry.

All who walk upright are blessed
to God’s law they acquiesce.

Asreh, Blest, His statutes keep
God, with all their heart they seek.

Always walking in His way
follow Him and never stray.

Axioms that God has made
should, by us, be all obeyed.

Abiding in what You require
is my heart’s supreme desire.

Ashamed my soul would never be
looking at commands from Thee.

A heart that’s pure pours out its praise
as it discerns Your righteous ways.

Avowed to follow Your decree
do not, O Lord, abandon me.