11qpsa-psalms-scrolldead-sea-scrolls
Psalms Scroll 2
A psalmist declares that praise belongs to the living, not the dead — the worm and the maggot offer nothing, but those who yet draw breath recount Jehovah's lovingkindness. Jehovah's glory exceeds what the heavens can hold, and there is none beside Him. The speaker confesses personal sin, receives cleansing and forgiveness, and is graced with a spirit of faith and appointed with knowledge — then petitions that Satan, unclean spirits, pain, and evil inclination be denied dominion over him. He anchors his praise and hope entirely in Jehovah, and calls his brethren and house to rejoice with him in that same gift.
1
For the worm doth not give Thee thanks; nor doth the maggot recount Thy lovingkindness. The living — the living give Thee thanks; all that totter give Thee thanks; in declaring Thy lovingkindness unto them.
2
Thou hast made known unto them Thy righteousness; and unto them which understand Thou hast made known Thy might. For there is none beside Thee. Strong art Thou; and the heavens cannot contain Thy glory.
3
Thou hast forgiven my sins, O Lord; Thou hast cleansed me of mine iniquity. With a spirit of faith Thou hast graced me. With knowledge Thou hast appointed me. Permit not Satan to rule over me, nor an unclean spirit; let neither pain nor evil inclination take possession of my bones.
4
For Thou, O Lord, art my praise; in Thee is my hope all the day. With me let my brethren rejoice; and the house of my father, that is astonished by Thy gracious gift.
5
For ever shall I rejoice in Thee. Hallelujah.
