Praise to God the Help of Israel

1Hallelujah!

Praise the LORD, my soul!

2I will praise the LORD as long as I live,

singing praises to my God while I exist.

3Do not look to nobles,

nor to mere human beings who cannot save.

4When they stop breathing,

they return to the ground;

on that very day their plans evaporate!

5Happy is the one whose help is the God of Jacob,

whose hope is in the LORD his God,

6maker of heaven and earth,

the seas and everything in them,

forever the guardian of truth,

7who brings justice for the oppressed,

and who gives food to the hungry.

The LORD frees the prisoners;

8the LORD gives sight to the blind.

The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down.

The LORD loves the righteous.

9The LORD stands guard over the stranger;

he supports both widows and orphans,

but makes the path of the wicked slippery.a

10The LORD will reign forever,

your God, Zion, for all generations!

Hallelujah!