Bible in a Year · Day 161 of 365
Today’s reading: Psalms 3–5 (3 chapters)
Read the passage below, or open your own Bible and follow along. The text here is the World English Bible, a public-domain translation, printed in full so the day’s reading is all on one page.
About Psalms
The Psalms are the Bible's prayer book, one hundred and fifty songs and poems gathered into five books. They cover more emotional ground than any other part of Scripture: praise, complaint, rage, repentance, trust, and silence. Some were written by David and carry the marks of his life, others come from temple worship or later editors, and many were sung by the congregation rather than read alone. Taken together they teach a person how to speak to God when everything is going well and when it is not. Many of them do not resolve neatly, which is part of their honesty.
What to watch for. Watch how many psalms begin in distress and end in praise, and how many do not. Notice the psalmists addressing God directly rather than talking about him, and let the complaints be as instructive as the thanksgiving.
Psalms 3
1A Psalm by David, when he fled from Absalom his son. Yahweh, how my adversaries have increased! Many are those who rise up against me. 2Many there are who say of my soul, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah. 3But you, Yahweh, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. 4I cry to Yahweh with my voice, and he answers me out of his holy hill. Selah. 5I laid myself down and slept. I awakened; for Yahweh sustains me.
6I will not be afraid of tens of thousands of people who have set themselves against me on every side. 7Arise, Yahweh! Save me, my God! For you have struck all of my enemies on the cheek bone. You have broken the teeth of the wicked. 8Salvation belongs to Yahweh. Your blessing be on your people. Selah.
Psalms 4
1For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by David. Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. 2You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? Will you love vanity, and seek after falsehood? Selah. 3But know that Yahweh has set apart for himself him who is godly: Yahweh will hear when I call to him. 4Stand in awe, and don’t sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah. 5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in Yahweh.
6Many say, “Who will show us any good?” Yahweh, let the light of your face shine on us. 7You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and their new wine are increased. 8In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety.
Psalms 5
1For the Chief Musician, with the flutes. A Psalm by David. Give ear to my words, Yahweh. Consider my meditation. 2Listen to the voice of my cry, my King and my God; for to you do I pray. 3Yahweh, in the morning you shall hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly. 4For you are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness. Evil can’t live with you. 5The arrogant shall not stand in your sight. You hate all workers of iniquity.
6You will destroy those who speak lies. Yahweh abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. 7But as for me, in the abundance of your loving kindness I will come into your house. I will bow toward your holy temple in reverence of you. 8Lead me, Yahweh, in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way straight before my face. 9For there is no faithfulness in their mouth. Their heart is destruction. Their throat is an open tomb. They flatter with their tongue. 10Hold them guilty, God. Let them fall by their own counsels; Thrust them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against you.
11But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice, Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them. Let them also who love your name be joyful in you. 12For you will bless the righteous. Yahweh, you will surround him with favor as with a shield.
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public-domain translation. Day numbering follows the calendar year; you can start at Day 1 on any date.
