It Is Good to Sing Praises

1Hallelujah (Praise the LORD)!a

How good it is to sing praises to our God {Elohenu},

how pleasant and lovely to praise Him!

2The LORD {YHWH} builds up Jerusalem (city of peace);

He gathers the exiles of Israel (he wrestles with God).

3He heals the brokenhearted

and binds up their wounds.

4He determines the number of the stars;

He calls them each by name.

5Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;

His understanding has no limit.

6The LORD {YHWH} sustains the humble,

but casts the wicked to the ground.

7Sing to the LORD {YHWH} with thanksgiving;

make music on the harp to our God {Elohehenu},

8who covers the sky with clouds,

who prepares rain for the earth,

who makes grass to grow on the hills.

9He provides food for the animals,

and for the young ravens when they call.

10He does not delight in the strength of the horse;

He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.

11The LORD {YHWH} is pleased with those who fear Him,

who hope in His loving devotion.

12Exalt the LORD {YHWH}, O Jerusalem (city of peace);

praise your God {Eloheka}, O Zion!

13For He strengthens the bars of your gates

and blesses the children within you.

14He makes peace at your borders;

He fills you with the finest wheat.

15He sends forth His command to the earth;

His word runs swiftly.

16He spreads the snow like wool;

He scatters the frost like ashes;

17He casts forth His hail like pebbles (like crumbs).b

Who can withstand His icy blast?

18He sends forth His word and melts them;

He unleashes His winds {ruachow}, and the waters flow.

19He declares His word to Jacob (he grasps the heel),

His statutes and judgments to Israel (he wrestles with God).

20He has done this for no other nation;

they do not know His judgments [He has not made known to them His judgments].c

Hallelujah!