Psalm 129

Let Israel now say: from my youngest days
I have been persecuted many times.
From my youth they have much afflicted me,
But they have never prevailed over me.

Plowmen have plowed over my back,
And they have made long their furrows.

Jehovah is just.  He has cut me free
From the cords of the wicked that have bound me.

May all who hate Jerusalem
Be confounded and defeated.
May they be like grass on the rooftops
That withers before it can sprout,
Unable to fill a reaper’s hand,
Or the arms of one who binds the sheaves.

Nor do any that will pass by them say,
“May the blessings of Jehovah be on you,
We bless you in the name of Jehovah.”

Psalm 122

I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to Jehovah’s house.”
And now it is our feet are standing
Within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, constructed to be
A city compact and close-knit,
Where all the tribes of Israel,
The tribes of Jehovah’s people,
Go up to make a pilgrimage
To praise the name of Jehovah —
As the law of Israel demands.
For there are the thrones of judges,
The thrones of the House of David.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May those who love you be secure!
May there be peace within your walls,
Prosperity in your palaces.”
Because of my family and friends
I will now say, “Peace be with you.”
Because of the house of Jehovah,
Our god, I seek all the best for you.

Psalm 97

Jehovah reigns, let the world rejoice,
Let the farthest shores be gladdened.

Storm clouds and darkness circle round him.
Righteousness and his divine law
Are the foundation of his throne.
A conflagration precedes him
And consumes his foes on all sides.
His lightning illuminates the world:
The earth sees it and shakes with fear.
The mountains melt away like wax
In the presence of Jehovah,
Who is master of the whole earth.
The heavens proclaim his righteousness;
All peoples have witnessed his glory.
All who serve images are shamed,
Those who adore worthless idols,
All you gods must bow down to him!

Jerusalem has heard and rejoices,
And the villages of Judah exult
Because of your judgments, O Jehovah.
For you are the most high over all the earth,
Exalted far above all other gods.
Let those who love Jehovah hate evil.
He protects the lives of those who are pious,
And saves them from the hands of the wicked.

A light will shine upon the righteous
And gladness upon the pure of heart.

Rejoice in Jehovah, you righteous ones,
And give thanks to honor his holiness.