Psalm 119
Your Word Is a Lamp to My Feet
Aleph
119  Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord!
2    Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3    who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
4    You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
5    Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6    Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7    I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.
8    I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!
Beth
9    How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10    With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
11    I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12    Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes!
13    With my lips I declare
all the rules of your mouth.
14    In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
15    I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
16    I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
Gimel
17    Deal bountifully with your servant,
that I may live and keep your word.
18    Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
19    I am a sojourner on the earth;
hide not your commandments from me!
20    My soul is consumed with longing
for your rules at all times.
21    You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from your commandments.
22    Take away from me scorn and contempt,
for I have kept your testimonies.
23    Even though princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will meditate on your statutes.
24    Your testimonies are my delight;
they are my counselors.
Daleth
25    My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
26    When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
27    Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28    My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
29    Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!
30    I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
31    I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
let me not be put to shame!
32    I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart!
He
33    Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep it to the end.
34    Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35    Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36    Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!
37    Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
38    Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
39    Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
40    Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!
Waw
41    Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise;
42    then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43    And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.
44    I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,
45    and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.
46    I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
47    for I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
48    I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
Zayin
49    Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
50    This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.
51    The insolent utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
52    When I think of your rules from of old,
I take comfort, O Lord.
53    Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
who forsake your law.
54    Your statutes have been my songs
in the house of my sojourning.
55    I remember your name in the night, O Lord,
and keep your law.
56    This blessing has fallen to me,
that I have kept your precepts.
Heth
57    The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58    I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59    When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60    I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61    Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
62    At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous rules.
63    I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
64    The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes!
Teth
65    You have dealt well with your servant,
O Lord, according to your word.
66    Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
67    Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68    You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
69    The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70    their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in your law.
71    It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
72    The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Yodh
73    Your hands have made and fashioned me;
give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
74    Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
75    I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
76    Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
77    Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.
78    Let the insolent be put to shame,
because they have wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
79    Let those who fear you turn to me,
that they may know your testimonies.
80    May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
that I may not be put to shame!
Kaph
81    My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word.
82    My eyes long for your promise;
I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83    For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
yet I have not forgotten your statutes.
84    How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
85    The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
86    All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
87    They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88    In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
Lamedh
89    Forever, O Lord, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
90    Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
91    By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
92    If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
93    I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
94    I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
95    The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
96    I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
Mem
97    Oh how I love your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
98    Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
for it is ever with me.
99    I have more understanding than all my teachers,
for your testimonies are my meditation.
100   I understand more than the aged,
for I keep your precepts.
101   I hold back my feet from every evil way,
in order to keep your word.
102   I do not turn aside from your rules,
for you have taught me.
103   How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104   Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.
Nun
105   Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
106   I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
to keep your righteous rules.
107   I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
108   Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your rules.
109   I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.
110   The wicked have laid a snare for me,
but I do not stray from your precepts.
111   Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.
112   I incline my heart to perform your statutes
forever, to the end.
Samekh
113   I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.
114   You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
115   Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116   Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117   Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
118   You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
119   All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
therefore I love your testimonies.
120   My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.
Ayin
121   I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122   Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.
123   My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
124   Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
125   I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
126   It is time for the Lord to act,
for your law has been broken.
127   Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
128   Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.
Pe
129   Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
130   The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
131   I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
132   Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
133   Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
134   Redeem me from man’s oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
135   Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
136   My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.
Tsadhe
137   Righteous are you, O Lord,
and right are your rules.
138   You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
139   My zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
140   Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
141   I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142   Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is true.
143   Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my delight.
144   Your testimonies are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.
Qoph
145   With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
I will keep your statutes.
146   I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
147   I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
148   My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
149   Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O Lord, according to your justice give me life.
150   They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
151   But you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.
152   Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have founded them forever.
Resh
153   Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.
154   Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!
155   Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
156   Great is your mercy, O Lord;
give me life according to your rules.
157   Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
158   I look at the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
159   Consider how I love your precepts!
Give me life according to your steadfast love.
160   The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
Sin and Shin
161   Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
162   I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
163   I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
164   Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous rules.
165   Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
166   I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
and I do your commandments.
167   My soul keeps your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly.
168   I keep your precepts and testimonies,
for all my ways are before you.
Taw
169   Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word!
170   Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
171   My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
172   My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
173   Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174   I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
175   Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
176   I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments. [1]
1 Kings 4
Solomon’s Officials
4 King Solomon was king over all Israel, 2 and these were his high officials: Azariah the son of Zadok was the priest; 3 Elihoreph and Ahijah the sons of Shisha were secretaries; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; 4 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was in command of the army; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; 5 Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; Zabud the son of Nathan was priest and king’s friend; 6 Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram the son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor.
7 Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household. Each man had to make provision for one month in the year. 8 These were their names: Ben-hur, in the hill country of Ephraim; 9 Ben-deker, in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elonbeth-hanan; 10 Ben-hesed, in Arubboth (to him belonged Socoh and all the land of Hepher); 11 Ben-abinadab, in all Naphath-dor (he had Taphath the daughter of Solomon as his wife); 12 Baana the son of Ahilud, in Taanach, Megiddo, and all Beth-shean that is beside Zarethan below Jezreel, and from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah, as far as the other side of Jokmeam; 13 Ben-geber, in Ramoth-gilead (he had the villages of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead, and he had the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, sixty great cities with walls and bronze bars); 14 Ahinadab the son of Iddo, in Mahanaim; 15 Ahimaaz, in Naphtali (he had taken Basemath the daughter of Solomon as his wife); 16 Baana the son of Hushai, in Asher and Bealoth; 17 Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar; 18 Shimei the son of Ela, in Benjamin; 19 Geber the son of Uri, in the land of Gilead, the country of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan. And there was one governor who was over the land.
Solomon’s Wealth and Wisdom
20 Judah and Israel were as many as the sand by the sea. They ate and drank and were happy. 21  Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. They brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.
22 Solomon’s provision for one day was thirty cors of fine flour and sixty cors of meal, 23 ten fat oxen, and twenty pasture-fed cattle, a hundred sheep, besides deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened fowl. 24 For he had dominion over all the region west of the Euphrates from Tiphsah to Gaza, over all the kings west of the Euphrates. And he had peace on all sides around him. 25 And Judah and Israel lived in safety, from Dan even to Beersheba, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, all the days of Solomon. 26 Solomon also had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots, and 12,000 horsemen. 27 And those officers supplied provisions for King Solomon, and for all who came to King Solomon’s table, each one in his month. They let nothing be lacking. 28 Barley also and straw for the horses and swift steeds they brought to the place where it was required, each according to his duty.
29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, 30 so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. 32 He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005. 33 He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts, and of birds, and of reptiles, and of fish. 34 And people of all nations came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all the kings of the earth, who had heard of his wisdom. [2]

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ps 119:1–176.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Ki 4:1–34.

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