Gott, gieb dem König außerkorn

 Here is my translation of the psalm paraphrase, “Gott, gieb dem König außerkorn” (Cornelius Becker, d. 1604), based on Psalm LXXII, Deus judicium tuum regi, with title “Christ’s kingdom of grace . . . Of Solomon” and melody assignment “Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr.” Luther writes of the psalm,

It is a quite glorious and beautiful prophecy of Christ and His kingdom throughout the world, where sin and wicked consciences (as under the Law) are not to blossom and govern, but only righteousness, peace, and joy of conscience, yet without any cross, by which they must let their blood flow, but which is to be counted very precious before Him. And he also proclaims the new divine service (v. 15), namely, calling upon Him and thanking Him. They will pray before Him (he says), and daily worship Him, which is our daily sacrifice among all the nations. Here we hear of no circumcision nor Law of Moses, that the kings and pagans should accept that, but kings and heathen remain, and regard this King as the true, natural God, and so call upon and honor Him. For praying in troubles and thanking for help is divine service and befits God alone, who alone is a Helper in time of need and a Savior, without whom nothing else exists or avails.

 

GOD, grant to Thine elected king
To keep Thy judgment rightly,
And righteousness in governing
Unto his son born highly,
That He may bring the people grace
And by his perfect righteousness
The lowly soul deliver.

2 On hill and mountain far and wide
Grant peace to be residing,
And let Thy people be supplied
With righteousness abiding,
That in Thy judgment they may stand
And poor men prosper in the land,
And slanderers be broken.

3 As long as sun and moon endure
In every generation
There shall be those whose hearts are pure,
And hope in Thy salvation.
His Word’s great pow’r shall stand in view,
Like as the land is quenched by dew,
And Gideon’s fleece berainèd.

4 The righteous shall in flow’r be found
While yet His kingdom stirreth,
And under Him shall peace abound
As long as moon endureth,
And His dominion shall extent
From sea to sea, to earth’s far end,
And over all creation.

5 The dwellers in the desert dim
Shall bow in fear before Him,
His enemies shall turn to Him
And kneeling low, adore Him;
The kings that dwell beside the sea
And in the isles shall fervently
Come offer Him their riches.

6 The kings of wealthy Araby
And those from Seba hailing
Shall come with gifts of majesty,
Him with their crowns regaling;
All kings before Him down shall fall,
He shall be served by great and small,
Yea, by all earthly nations.
    
7 The poor and needy He shall spare,
And those by trials saddened
Who seek His help with hearty pray’r,
Shall by His grace be gladdened.
His goodness and His mercy free
Console His people ceaselessly;
The needy souls He helpeth.

8 Although with craft and sly deceit
The world the righteous hateth
And longs believers to defeat,
And their demise awaiteth,
Yet dear and precious to the Lord,
Is all their blood that they have poured;
’Tis in His sight most priceless.

9 The Lord shall live forevermore,
And gifts to Him be given;
The gold of Araby in store
Shall grace the Lord of heaven,
And they shall joy who give Him praise
For all His kind and gracious ways;
He shall be praisèd daily.

10 Upon the earth and mountains high
And in the lowly valley,
The corn shall thicken by and by,
And men behold it gladly,
So doth God’s blessed Word of grace
Bring plenteous fruit in every place,
And like the grass shall flourish.

11 Forever may His name endure
While suns yet shine before Him,
And men be in His arms secure
And children yet adore Him!
Through Him may one and all be blest
And faithful nations never rest
In called Him the blessed!

12 Blest be the Lord, our mighty Tow’r
By all His people holy,
Who shows to Israel His pow’r
And doeth wonders solely!
His glorious name forever be
Praised by the earth devotedly:
Amen, Amen, most truly!

Translation © 2024 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Gott, gieb dem König außerkorn
Recht dein Gericht zu halten,
Des Königs Sohn ſo hoch geborn,
Die Grechtigkeit laß walten,
Daß Er das Volck zu Gnaden bring
Und ſeiner Grechtigkeit geling,
Den Elenden zu retten.

2 Auff Hügeln, Bergen weit und breit
Laß deinen Frieden walten,
Daß dein Volck bey Gerechtigkeit
Und bey Recht werd erhalten,
Daß ſie für deim Gericht beſtehn
Und mög den Armen Hülff geſchehn,
Den Leſterer zerſchmeiſſe.

3  So lang der Mond ſcheint und die Sonn,
Werden ſich Leute finden,
Die in der Furcht des HErren ſtehn,
Von Kind zu Kindes Kinden,
Die Krafft ſeins Wortes ſich erzeigt,
Gleichwie vom Taw das Land ward feucht
Und Gedons Fell vom Regen.

4  Das Recht wird ſtehn in voller Blüt,
In unſers Königs Reiche,
Untr ihm wird wachſen groſſer Fried,
So lang der Mond wird leuchten,
Sein Herrſchafft geht von einem Meer
Biß zu dem andern, ſtreckt ſich fern
Biß an aller Welt Ende.

5  Die in der Wüſten wohnen fern,
Werden ſich für ihm neigen,
Die Feinde ſich zu ihm bekehrn,
Und ihm groß Ehr erzeigen,
Die König, wohnend am Meer
Und in den Inſeln, kommen her,
Daß ſie Geſchenke bringen.

6  Die Köng aus Reich Arabia
Und die zu Saba wohnen
Sind mit Geſchenken alle da,
Sie legen ihre Kronen
Zu'n Füſſen dieſes Königs werth,
Mit Anbeten er wird verehrt,
Die Völcker all ihm dienen.
    
7  Er hilfft dem Armen aus der Noth,
Der zu ihm fleht und ſchreyet,
Der Elend der keinn Helffer hat,
Wird durch ſein Gnad erfrewet,
Sein Güte und Barmhertzigkeit
Waltet ſtets ubr betrübte Leut,
Er hilfft der armen Seelen.

8 Obgleich mit Trug und arger Liſt
Die Welt den Frommen ſtellet
Und ſie verfolgt zu aller Friſt,
Frewt ſich, wenn einer fellet,
Dennoch ſie Gott nicht acht gering,
Ihr Blut für ihm iſt köſtlich Ding,
Gar hoch und werth geſchetzet.

9  Der HERR wird leben immerdar,
Man wird ihm Gſchenke bringen
Von Gold aus Reich Arabia,
Denen ſol wol gelingen,
Die für ihm beten alle Zeit,
Umb ſeine groß Barmherzigkeit
Wird man ihn täglich loben.

10  Auffm Land und auff der großn Höh,
Deßgleichen in den Awen,
Steht das Getreidig dick und ſchön,
Daß man ſein Luſt dran ſchawet,
Alſo das lieb göttliche Wort
Bringt reiche Frucht an allem Ort,
Es iſt ſehr wohl gerathen.

11  Ewiglich bleibt des HErren Nam,
So lang die Sonn wird wären,
Sein Ehr und Macht reichet fortan,
Die Nachkommen ihn ehren,
Durch ihn ſie all geſegnet ſeyn,
Darumb den König in gemein
Die Heyden alle rühmen.

12  Gelobt ſey Gott und hoch gepreiſt,
Der HErr der groſſen Gmeine,
Der Iſrael ſein Macht beweiſt
Und Wunder thut alleine,
Seinn herrlichn Namen loben wol,
All Land ſind ſeiner Ehren voll,
Sprecht fröhlich Amen, Amen.

Auf dich Herr trau ich allezeit

Here is my translation of the psalm paraphrase, “Auf dich Herr trau ich allezeit” (Cornelius Becker, d. 1604), based on Psalm LXXI, In te Domine speravi, with title “The church’s age” and melody assignnment “Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ.” Luther writes of the psalm,

It is a psalm of supplication spoken (in my view) in the person of Christendom from the beginning to the end, against all enemies and persecutions. For he especially prays for his old age, when he will be feeble and gray (v. 9), that is, for the last Christians, when there are perilous times, and the faith and the Gospel are struck down, as Daniel declares that the truth is to be struck down, and unrighteousness to vanquish, which we have certainly experienced under Mahomet and the pope. Therefore he glorifies (vv. 15–17) God’s righteousness alone, which he has learned from God from the time of his youth or the beginning. And it may well serve us for a comforting prophecy that God’s Word must return before the end of the world, with which He again (he says in v. 20) pulls us from deep out of the earth and raises us highly. And such is the common word among Christians, that Elijah and Enoch shall come and lay bare the lies of the antichrist, and set all to right again.

 

I PUT my trust in Thee, O Lord;
Leave me confounded never!
Thy righteousness to me afford,
From need and threat deliver!
Thy gracious ear incline to me,
My mighty Habitation
Of salvation;
Let me be torn from Thee
By naught in all creation.

2 My Rock and Fortress, whose command
The hope of succor gave me:
The wicked all around me stand;
Out of their hand, oh, save me!
From tyrants’ hordes deliver me,
My Hope, I bow before Thee
And implore Thee,
Who from my youth have trusted Thee:
Preserve me to Thy glory!

3 From in my mother’s womb, in Thee
Lord God, I have confided;
Thou to the daylight broughtest me
When waiting hours subsided;
My praise shall ever be of Thee.
Men for an omen take me,
And mistake me,
But Thou, my refuge be,
My strength, and ne’er forsake me!

4 Oh, fill my mouth, Lord, with Thy praise
And honor never failing,
Cast me not off in older days,
When strength is unavailing
And I am gray, and sick of heart,
Give me no death distressing,
But in blessing
By grace let me depart:
All in Thy hand is resting!

5 Mine enemies against me speak,
Lay wait, and seek to slay me,
Consulting how, when I am weak,
They may at last dismay me.
They say: God hath forsaken him!
So let us now constrict him
And afflict him
No savior shall there be
To hear our hapless victim!

6 My God, be not Thou far from me,
Come with Thy help not slowly,
Let them in shame confounded be,
And meet destruction wholly
Who are my adversaries sworn!
Oh, that their misdeeds sordid
Were rewarded
With all reproach and scorn
Who have such grief afforded!

7 But I will hope continually
With praises e’er increasing
And show with great publicity
Thy righteousness unceasing,
How in Thy lovingkindness Thou
Unnumbered gifts bestowest,
Mercy showest,
Dost grace and life endow:
Our greatest good Thou knowest.

8 I will in that great strength proceed
Which from the Lord is given,
And glorify with heart and speed
The righteous God of heaven;
God, Thou hast taught me constantly
From youthful years to present,
All things pleasant;
Thy wondrous works I will
Declare with praise incessant.

9 Now also when I’m old and gray,
O God, do not forsake me,
But let me teach the young Thy way
And to Thy praise betake me,
That so Thy strength I may declare
By public proclamations
In all nations,
And all Thy works lay bare
To coming generations.

10 Thy righteousness, O God, is high,
Thou mighty things fulfillest,
To whom shalt Thou be e’er compared?
Thou doest what Thou willest.
In trouble sore I come to Thee,
Thou help’st when grief dismays me;
Thy hand slays me,
Yet Thou shalt quicken me
And from the earth shalt raise me.

11 Thou shalt increase my greatness, Lord,
And give me consolation;
My ceaseless thanks shall be outpoured
With strings and adoration,
To praise thy truth, which long I’ve known!
So let my harp be sounding,
Songs propounding,
To thank the Holy One,
Whose blessings are abounding!

12 My lips rejoice and sing to Thee
My soul with all its power
Gives thanks with true sincerity,
My tongue assays each hour
Thy righteousness, Lord, to proclaim,
On foes confusion wreaking,
Curses speaking:
Thou bringest them to shame
Who for my hurt were seeking!

Translation © 2024 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Auff dich Herr trau ich alle Zeit,
Laß mich zu Schand nicht werden,
Rett mich durch dein Gerechtigkeit,
Hilff mir aus Noth und Gferden,
Dein gnädig Ohr neig her zu mir,
Du ſtarcker Gott gepreiſet,
Hülff beweiſe,
Daß ich ſtets flieh zu dir
Und mich nichts von dir reiſſe.

2  Dein Hülff mir zugeſaget haſt,
Mein Fels, mein Burg in Nöthen,
Die Gottloſen lan mir kein Raſt,
Aus ihrer Hand mich rette,
Hilff mir von der Tyrannen Hauff,
Mein Zuverſicht und Stärcke,
Mein Bitt mercke,
HErr, HErr von Jugend auff
Erhaltn mich deine Wercke.

3  Von Mutterleib verlas ich mich
Auff dich meinn Gott und HErren,
Denn du brachtſt mich ans Tageliecht,
Da ich ſolt gboren werden,
Mein Ruhm auff dich iſt gantz gericht,
Viel Leut eim Wunderzeichen
Mich vergleichen,
Du biſt mein Zuverſicht,
Mein Stärck, von mir nicht weiche.

4  Laß meinen Mund deins Ruhms voll ſeyn,
Daß ich dich täglich preiſe,
Verwirff mich nicht im Alter mein,
Wenn ich nun werd zum Greiſe
Und nehm an meinen Kräfften ab,
Dein Güt nicht von mir wende,
Selig enden
Hilff mir durch deine Gnad,
Es ſteht in deinen Händen.

5  Mein Feinde reden wieder mich
Und laurn auff meine Seele,
Zuſammen ſie beraten ſich,
Wie ſie mich wollen quelen,
Man ſpricht: Gott hab vergeſſen mein,
Sie wollen mich erjagen
Und wol plagen,
Kein Retter wird da ſeyn,
Dem er ſein Noth künnt klagen.

6  Mein Gott, ſey du von mir nicht fern,
Zu helffen dich nicht ſäume,
Sie müſſen all zu Schanden werdn
Und umbkommen gemeine,
Die meiner Seel beweiſen Tück,
Ach daß ihnn werd zu Lohne
Schand mit Hohne,
Sie ſuchen mein Unglück,
Des Frommen ſie nicht ſchonen.
    
7  Drauff will ich hoffen immerdar,
Und dein Lob ſtets vermehren,
Und will verkündign offenbar
Die Grechtigkeit meins HErren,
Wie er aus lauter Gnad und Gunſt
Unzehlig viel thut geben,
Gnad und Leben,
Ohn all Verdienſt umbſonſt,
Darnach wir ſollen ſtreben.

8  Ich geh in groſſer Krafft herein
Des HErren aller Herren,
Seine Gerechtigkeit allein
Preiß ich von Hertzen gerne.
Gott du haſt mich allzeit gelehrt,
Was ich in meinen Jahren
Hab erfahren,
Dein Wunder hoch vermehrt
Zu rühmen ich nicht ſpare.

9  Verlaß mich nicht mein treuer Gott,
In meinem Alter ſchwere,
Auff daß ich dein Recht und Gebot
Auch die Nachkommen lehre,
Damit deins Armes Krafft und Stärck
Stets mög werden verkündet
Kindes Kinden,
Und rühmen deine Werck
All die ſich künfftig finden.

10  Gott deine Grechtigkeit iſt hoch,
Du richſt aus groſſe Sachen,
Wem wil man dich vergleichen doch?
Was du willt, kannſtu machen,
In viel und groſſe Angſt ich kom,
Aber du hilffſt aus Nöthen,
Du kanſt tödten,
Machſt lebend wiederumb,
Aus der Erd wirſt mich retten.

11  Du machſt mich herrlich und ſehr groß,
Dein Troſt mich hoch erfrewet,
So danck ich auch ohn Unterlaß
Mit Seitenſpiel der Treue,
Die ich empfind mein Leben lang,
Drumb ſol mein Harffe klingen,
Ich wil ſingen
Dem heilgen Gott zu Danck,
Der mir hat lahn gelingen.

12  Dir ſing ich Herr mit fröhlichm Mund,
Auch meine Seel aus Kräfften,
Und ſag dir Danck von Hertzen Grund,
Mein Zung iſt auch geſchäfftig,
Tichtet von Deiner Grechtigkeit,
Die Feind müſſen ſich ſchämen,
Schmertz und Grämen
Beſteh sie alle Zeit,
Die nach meim Unglück rennen.

Eil Herr, mein Gott, zu retten mich

Here is my translation of the psalm paraphrase, “Eil Herr, mein Gott, zu retten mich” (Cornelius Becker, d. 1604), based on Psalm LXX, Deus in adjutorium, with title “With Christ we suffer and pray . . . A psalm of David to precent for a memorial” and melody assignment “In dich hab ich gehoffet, Herr.” Luther writes of the psalm, “It is a psalm of supplication against the persecutors and enemies of the upright, for the sake of God’s Word, whose life they seek after with hand and deed (he says in v. 5), with counsel and desire in the heart, with word and cry, that is, in earnest and with all they have, etc.”

 

MAKE haste, O God, to rescue me,
Make haste my Helper, Lord, to be!
Let them be shamed, confounded,
Who only seek
My soul to take
And thus have me surrounded.

2 Turn back my foes, O faithful Lord,
Let shame and scorn be their reward
Who in my hurt would revel!
Turn back in shame
Those who exclaim
O’er me with voices evil!

3 Let all rejoice with joy in Thee,
Who seek Thee ever heartily,
And love Thy great salvation,
And gladly say
Both now and aye,
Let God have adoration!

4 How I am poor and needy see!
Therefore, O God, make haste to me,
My Help and my Deliv’rer
And make, O King,
No tarrying!
Save me both now and ever!

Translation © 2024 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Eil Herr, mein Gott, zu retten mich,
mit deiner Hülff verzeuch doch nicht,
zu Schanden wolſt du machen,
die meine Seel,
in Ungefell,
zu bringen ſtetig trachten.

2  Zurück mein Feinde müſſen kehrn,
Dazu mit Spott gehöhnet werdn,
Die ſich meins Unglücks freuen,
Sie müſſn zuhand,
Werden zu Schand,
Die da, da übr mich ſchreyen.

3  Es müſſen fröhlich ſeyn in dir,
Die nach dir fragen mit Begier,
Und ſich von Hertzen frewen,
Sagn fort und fort,
Gelobt ſey Gott,
Und hoch gebenedeyet.

4  Ich aber bin elend und arm
Darumb O Gott dich mein erbarm,
Eil bald mich zu erretten,
Mein Zuverſicht,
Verzeuch doch nicht,
Hilff mir aus meinen Nöthen.

Gott hilf mir, denn das Wasser dringt

Here is my translation of the psalm paraphrase, “Gott hilf mir, denn das Wasser dringt” (Cornelius Becker, d. 1604), based on Psalm XLIX, Salvum me fac Deus, with title “Christ’s heavy suffering . . . A psalm of David to precent of the roses” and melody assignment “Aus tiefer Noth schrei ich zu dir.” Luther writes of the psalm,

It is a psalm of supplication in the person of Christ when He spoke in His Passion on the cross, wherein He confessed that He was a sinner in our place (v. 7) and lamented His crucifiers and slanderers who gave Him gall and vinegar to drink in His great thirst (v. 23). Thus clear and straightforwardly He speaks of His coming suffering. Then He prophesies concerning the horrible blinding and hardening of the Jews, and final destruction (v. 24), as this all came to pass, as we see and palpably discern.

Finally, he also announces the new divine service, “I will praise God” (he says, v. 32) “and highly honor Him with thanksgiving.” This divine service is to replace the old one, for it pleases God beetter than all the bulls and the best that could be offered then, as he sings here.

 

GOD, save me! for unto my soul
The waters are expanding!
In mire I sink beyond control,
There is no place for standing:
Great torrents gather forcefully
And will entirely cover me
The floods will overflow me.

2 I’ve cried myself to weariness,
My throat is dried and parchèd,
My vision fails in my distress,
So long my eyes have searchèd,
And looked for God to come with speed.
I wait for Him in time of need,
Oh God, how long? I ask Thee!

3 More than the hairs upon my head
Are they that deeply hate me
Without a cause I’ve merited,
They ceaselessly berate me
And to destroy me wage their war,
With force, so that I must restore
What I had never stolen.

4 To Thee the folly is well known
Which on myself I’ve taken,
Thou know’st the sins that make me groan,
O Lord, let mercy waken!
Lord God of hosts, let proof abound
That Thou wilt nothing let confound
Those who Thy grace are waiting.

5 Lord, let no heart that seeks for Thee
Be for my sake ashamèd,
For Thee I bear hostility
And as a curse am namèd,
Shame over all my face extends,
I am a stranger to my friends
And to my mother’s children.

6 With zeal I burn most fervently,
Thy house’s glory seeking;
The vile reproaches fall on me
Of those against Thee speaking.
I fast and weep with bitterness,
To pay for sin and make redress,
Nor any thanks have for it.

7 Sackcloth of mis’ry have I worn,
The mock’ry they devisèd;
He that can best put me to scorn
Is as their master prizèd.
When at the gate their hordes recline,
Or in the tavern take their wine,
They sing a song to mock me.

8 I cried in time acceptable
To Thee with supplication:
God, in Thy mercy bountiful
Grant me Thy true salvation!
Hear in my trouble how I weep,
And help me from the mire so deep,
That I may not be drowning!

9 Lord, from my foes, who hate my soul,
From waters deep deliver!
Let not the deep consume me whole
But stay the flooding river,
And hold me up, that I may stand,
Nor let the pit beneath expand
To swallow me completely!

10 Thy lovingkindness, Lord, is good,
Therefore I pray Thee, hear me;
According to Thy multitude
Of mercies, Lord, draw near me!
Hide not Thy face from me , I pray,
Thy servant is in great dismay.
Make haste and me deliver!
    
11 Unto my needy soul draw nigh
To still its grievous weeping,
Deliv’rance from its pangs supply
For foes around are creeping;
Thou know’st my shame and my disgrace,
My rivals are before Thy face,
Thou know’st their mischiefs also.

12 Reproach hath made my heart to break,
And heavy-laden made me,
I hope for comfort in my ache,
But find no man to aid me.
They gave me gall instead of food,
And in my thirst a bev’rage crude
Of vinegar they gave me.

13 Their table let become their snare,
Rebuke, and vindication,
And let their eyes be darkened e’er
And blind to all creation;
Their loins make evermore to shake,
Thy jar of wrath upon them break,
And let Thine anger take them!

14 Their tents let all be desolate,
With no man left to share them!
If thou smite men of low estate,
Thy surely shall not spare them;
They boast with talk that never ends,
And claim they are God’s dearest friends,
While suff’ring strikes the lowly.

15 Let them from sin to sin progress
Until they perish yonder;
Let them not find Thy graciousness,
But let it from them wander,
And blot them from the book of life,
And cut them in their errors rife
Off from the saintly number.

16 But I am poor, and deeply grieve;
Lord, help, and upward raise me,
Unto Thy name my thanks I’ll give,
And magnify and praise Thee.
And this shall please Thee better, Lord,
Than beasts with hoofs and blood outpoured
Upon Thine holy altar.

17 This shall the humble people see
And joyfully adore Him,
And they that seek God faithfully—
Their heart shall live before Him,
The Lord doth hear the poor man’s cries,
Nor doth His prisoners despise,
Who heartily have sought Him.

18 Let heav’n and earth in chorus sing
Their praise to God forever,
The seas and every moving thing
Acclaim His grace and favor!
For God will build His city fair
And Judah save, to furnish there
By grace a home for Zion.

19 How bright th’ inheritance obtained
By those in Him confiding,
Who fear Him with a heart unstained,
Who firmly trust His guiding!
His faithful servant’s holy seed,
And all who love His name indeed—
They shall therein be dwelling!

Translation © 2024 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

GOtt hilff mir, denn das Waſſer dringt
Mir biß an meine Seele,
In tieffem Schlamm, ich gar verſinck,
In der grundloſen Höhle,
Die Ström gehn her gewaltiglich
Und wollen gar bedecken mich,
Die Fluth will mich erſäuffen.

2  Ich hab mich müd geſchrien zwar,
Mein Hals iſt mir gantz heiſcher,
Das Gſicht vergeht mir gantz und gar,
So ſehr werd ich gekreiſchet,
Ich ſeh mich umb nach meinem Gott,
Der mir zuſpring in ſolcher Noth,
Ach Gott, wie lang ſols wären?

3  Auff meim Häupt ſind nicht ſo viel Haar,
Als derer, die mich haſſen,
Ohn Ursach unverſchuldet fürwahr,
Sie wollen nicht ablaſſen,
Mit großer Macht sie mich anfalln,
Mich zu verderbn, ich muß bezaln,
Was ich nicht hab geraubet.

4  Dir ist die Thorheit wohl bekannt,
Die ich auff mich geladen,
Du weiſt mein Schulden alleſampt,
Ach HErr erzeig mir Gnade,
Beweis an mir HErr Zebaoth,
Daß du nicht leſt werden zu Spott,
Die deiner Gnade warten.

5  An mir nicht ſchamrot werden laß,
Die dich von Hertzen ſuchen,
Umb deinetwillen trag ich Haß
Und muß mich lan verfluchen,
Mein Angeſicht iſt voller Schand,
Meinn Freunden bin ich unbekant.
Und meiner Mutter Kindern.

6  Ich eyffer gantz inbrünſtiglich
Umb deines Hauſes Ehre,
Die Schmach der Leſtrer fellt auff mich,
Krenkt mich im Hertzen ſehre,
Ich faſt und weine bitterlich,
Die Sünd zu büſſen mächtiglich,
Kan doch kein Danck verdienen.

7  Den Sack des Elends zog ich an,
Den Spott ſie daraus treiben,
Wer meim am ſehrſten ſpotten kan,
Der wil hie Meiſter bleiben.
Wenn ſie am Tor beiſammen ſeyn,
Odr ſitzen ſonſt beim külen Wein,
Ein Lied ſie von mir ſingen.

8  Ich rieff zur angenehmen Zeit
Zu dir, mein Gott und HErre,
Durch deine groſſe Gütigkeit
Mich trewer Hülff gewere,
Erhöre mich in dieſer Noth,
Und hilff mir aus dem tieffen Koth,
Daß ich nicht drin verſinke.

9  Errett mich von der Haſſer Grimm,
Und aus der Waſſerteuffe.
Daß mich die Tieffe nicht verſchling,
Die Fluth mich nichr erſäuffe,
Halt mich HErr, daß ich feſte ſteh,
Sonſt über mir zuſammengeht
Das Loch der tieffen Gruben.

10  Tröſtlich iſt deine Gütigkeit,
Drumb wollſtu mich erhören
Durch deine groß Barmherzigkeit
In Gnad dich zu mir kehren,
Verbirg dein Andlitz nicht für mir,
Deim Knecht ist angſt, ich ruff zu dir,
Eil HErr mich zu erretten.
    
11  Mach dich zu meiner armen Seel,
Ihr Kümmernüß zu ſtillen,
Erlöß ſie von der Plag und Quel
Umb meiner Feinde Willen,
Du weiſt Herr meine Schmach und Schand,
Mein Feinde ſind dir allbekant
Und ihre Tück deßgleichen.

12  Mich krenkts, die Schmach bricht mir mein Hertz,
Wart obs jammert jemanden,
Ich hoff auff Troſt in meinem Schmertz,
Da iſt niemand verhanden,
Mit Gallen werd ich abgespeiſt,
Den Eſſig man mich trincken heiſt,
Wenn ich für Durſt verſchmachte.

13  Ihr Tiſch zum Strick ihnn werden muß,
Zur Rach und Straff auff Erden,
Ihr Augen ſchlag mit Finsternus,
Daß sie verblendet werden,
Las ihre Lenden wancken frü,
Dein Zorn und Ungnad geuß auff ſie,
Dein Grimm, HErr, sie ergreiffe.

14  Laß ihre Hütten wüſte ſtahn,
Daß niemand drinnen wohne,
Wenn du ſchlegſt auf ein armen Mann,
Wolln ſie ſein auch nicht ſchonen,
Rühmen ſich denn von Stunden an,
Als weren ſie mit Gott wohl dran,
Weil jene trifft das Leiden.

15  Laß ſie aus einer Sünden ſchwer
Nur fallen in die ander,
Dein Gnad zu ihnen ſich nicht kehr,
Sie muß von ihnen wandern,
Außm Buch des Lebens tilg ſie gar,
Daß ſie mit der gerechten Schar
Nicht angeſchrieben werden.

16  Ich bin elend, und mir iſt angſt,
Dein Hülff, HErr, rett mein Leben,
Ich wil deim Namen ſagen Danck,
Lob, Ehr und Preiß ihm geben,
Das wird dir baß gefallen zwar,
Als wenn ich brecht zu deim Altar
Ein Farren groſſ mit Klawen.

17  Wenn ſolchs der Elend ſchawet an,
Wird er in Frewden ſchweben,
Die Gott mit Trewen zugethan,
Derr Hertz für ihm wird leben,
Der HErr erhört des Armen Bitt,
Verachtet ſeine Gfangnen nit,
Die ihn von Hertzen ſuchen.

18  Es lobe Gott mit groſſem Schall
Der Himmel und die Erden,
Was lebt im Meer und überall,
Sein Nam gerühmt muß werden,
Denn Gott wird bawen ſeine Stadt,
Und Juda helffen in Gnad,
Daß man zu Zion wohne.

19  Das wird ein ſchönes Erbe ſeyn
Für die, ſo ihm vertrawen,
Die ihn fürchten mit Hertzen rein
Und auff ihn feſte bawen,
Sein trewer Knecht, der heilig Sam,
Und all, die lieben ſeinen Namn,
Die werden drinnen bleiben.

Gott man lobt dich in der Still

Here is my translation of the psalm paraphrase, “Gott man lobt dich in der Still” (Cornelius Becker, d. 1604), based on Psalm LXV, Te decet hymns, with title “God blesses body and soul . . . A psalm of David to precent with the song” and melody assignment “Singen wir aus Herzensgrund.” Luther writes in his preface,

It is a psalm of thanksgiving wherein God is praised for giving His Word and divine service as well as temporal peace and for restraining the raging of enemies and war in the land, which roar and rage like the sea (v. 8) and blessing the fields so that all things prosper, bear abundantly, and flourish (v. 10). Oh, how seldom such gratitude is in the people, who abuse both the Word, peace, and good days for all wicked whims, as did Sodom and Gomorrah! But it shall prosper them at last no better than Sodom and Gomorrah.

 

PRAISE, O God, doth wait for Thee,
Vows to Thee performed shall be
In Thy Zion’s holy place
Where our pray’r is heard in grace.
Unto Thee all flesh shall come:
Sins oppress Thy Christendom;
Grant us mercy’s depths to plumb!

2 Blest is he whom Thou dost choose
That he may Thy dwelling use,
And within Thy house’s courts
With the saintly throng consorts!
Lofty is that man’s esteem
On whom such a grace should gleam,
That Thy will is taught to him.

3 Hear us, God, in all distress
By Thy wondrous righteousness,
Our Salvation and Defense,
In Thee stands our confidence.
All that fill the sea and land
Know the might of Thy command,
Which doth make the mountains stand.

4 Though the billows of the sea
Roar and bellow noisily,
And the peoples all around
Loud their furious tumults sound,
Yet Thy might doth still them all,
Makes the lands in fear to fall
At the tokens of Thy call.
    
5 Every life that has a voice
Morn and even Thou mak’st rejoice,
Dost on earth Thy blessing show’r
From the fount of heav’nly pow’r,
So that blessed fruits appear
In the field so rich and dear,
Which our hearts with comfort cheer.

6 Through Thy kind and lavish hand
Thou endowest lake and land,
Makest grain to spring up tall,
When Thy blessings on it fall,
Visitest the furrowed ground,
Makest rain and sun abound
That it fruitful may be found.

7 Thou with goodness crown’st the year,
And Thy footsteps drip with sheer
Fatness filling hill and dale,
Which for health and life avail,
Fair the grass and foliage grow,
Barn and barrel overflow
By the gifts Thou dost bestow.

8 To the pastures flocks repair
By the thousands, sleek and fair
Thick doth corn in valleys stand
At Thy merciful command,
Men behold prosperity,
Shouting, singing joyfully,
Evermore be praise to Thee!

Translation © 2024 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Gott man lobt dich in der Still,
Glübd man dir bezahlen will,
Zu Zion am heilgen Orth,
Da wird unſer Gbet erhört,
Drümb kömt alles Fleiſch zu dir,
Sünde drückt uns für und für,
Thu uns auff der Gnaden Thür.

2. Wol dem den du haſt erwehlt,
Daß er wohn in deinem Zelt,
In den Höfen deines Hauß
Stets zu gehen ein und aus.
Hoch iſt ſolcher Menſch geehrt,
Dem die Gnade widerfehrt,
Daß man ihn deinn Willen lehrt.

3. Gott, erhör uns alle Zeit
Nach der wundern Grechtigkeit,
Unſer Heil und Zuverſicht
Steht zu dir, verlaß uns nicht,
Alln zu Waſſer und zu Land
Deine Rüſtung iſt bekand,
Berg ſtehn feſt durch deine Hand.

4. Obgleich brauſen noch ſo ſehr
Groſſe Wellen auf dem Meer,
Auch die Völcker in gemein
Gar wütend und tobend ſeyn,
Stillet ſie doch deine Macht,
Welchs den Völckern Schrecken bracht,
Die auff dein Wort haben acht.
    
5. Alls was lebt und Odem hat,
Machſtu fröhlich frü und ſpat,
Suchſt das Land mit Segen heim,
Gottes Brünnlein wäſſerns fein,
Daß die lieben Früchte ſtehn
Auff dem Felde reich und ſchön
Und wir unſer Luſt dran ſehn.

6. Durch dein reiche, milde Hand
Wird recht wohl gebawt das Land,
Daſ Getreitig wohl gereth,
Wenn dein Segen drüber geht,
Das Gepflügte ſuchſtu heim,
Gibſt ihm Regn und Sonnenſchein,
Daß es fruchtbarlich gedey.

7. Mit deim Gut krönſtu das Jahr,
Dein Fußſtapffen trieffen gar,
Berg und Thal ſind fett und geil
Durch dein Segn zu unſerm Heil,
Schön geziert mit Laub und Graß,
Dein Segen füllt Scheun und Faß
Und währet ohn Unterlaß.

8. Auff den Angern Schafe gehn,
Bey viel tauſend fett und ſchön,
Dick das Korn in Awen ſteht,
Nach Wunſch alles wol gereth.
Ob ſolch deiner Gütigkeit
Jauchzt und ſingt man alle Zeit
Dir zu Lob in Ewigkeit.

Erhör mein Stimm, Herr, wenn ich klag

Here is my translation of the psalm paraphrase, “Erhör mein Stimm, Herr, wenn ich klag” (Cornelius Becker, d. 1604), based on Psalm LXIV, Exaudi Deus orationem meam cum deprecor, with title “Treachery strikes its own master . . . A psalm of David to precent with the song” and melody assignment “Wo Gott der Herr nicht bei uns hält.” On the psalm, Luther writes (Vierling’s Biblia, 756),

It is a psalm of supplication wherein David prays against his betrayers and slanderers, who painted his case in the darkest terms with poisonous words and evil mischief, such as Absalom, Ahitophel, and their ilk, and earlier, Doëg in the court of Saul, etc. But he was consoled knowing that it would return upon their own head, and their tongue would bring not his fall but their own (v. 5), as even befell Abasolom, Ahitophel, and Doëg also. In the same way, we also pray against our betrayers in the courts of princes, bishops, and kings, who undertake all manner of mischief, schemes, and machinations. But it shall (as has already often been the case) return upon their own heads, and men shall say, It was God that punished them (v. 9).

 

OH, hear my voice, God, when I pray,
And in my life preserve me,
For else I cannot stand a day!
Foes frighten and unnerve me
And swarm around me wickedly;
Their hearts are sworn to slaughter me.
Therefore, I pray Thee, hide me!

2 Their bitter words like arrows fly,
Like swords their tongues are ever;
They aim in manner swift and sly
To shoot the true believer;
They shoot him suddenly, nor fear
How wicked all their works appear
Which brazenly they venture.

3 When they purvey their villainy,
Their snares in secret laying,
They proudly say, What man shall see?
Who shall our hand be staying?
Their heart is filled with evil thoughts,
No man evades their wicked plots,
They carry on their scheming.

4 God suddenly shall from afar
His arrow’s target make them,
So that they know not where they are,
And fear shall overtake them;
Their tongue shall make them fall that day
In shame, and all shall flee away
Who see their devastation.

5 All they shall freely then declare
Who look upon this matter,
And say, Behold, our God is there,
Who foes’ attacks can shatter!
The people shall attentive stand
And say: This work is from God’s hand,
Thus are false tongues rewarded!

6 The righteous shall in God the Lord
Be glad with jubilation,
And trust in Him with one accord,
Who gladly brings salvation.
All faithful hearts shall glory then
To see how God brings help to men
And leaves the foe confounded!

Translation © 2024 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Erhör mein Stim Herr wenn ich klag,
Behüte mir mein Leben,
Denn ich ſonſt nicht beſtehen mag,
Weil mich die Feind umbgeben,
Rings umb mich iſt die böſe Rott,
Die mir geſchworen hat den Tod,
Drumb wollſtu mich verbergen.

2  Ihr gifftig Wort ſind wie die Pfeil,
Wie ſcharffe Schwert ihr Zungen,
Sie zielen heimlich in der Eil,
Sie ſchieſſen auff den Frommen,
Plötzlich ſie ſchieſſen ohne Schew,
Ihr Anſchläg ſind nur Büberey,
Darauff ſies künlich wagen.

3  Wenn ſie mit Büberey umbgehn,
Und legen heimlich Stricke,
So ſprechen ſie: Wer kan es ſehn?
Wer mercket unſer Tücke?
Ihr Hertz iſt böß und Schalkheit voll,
Niemand ihrr Liſt entgehen ſoll,
Geſchwinde Renk ſie treiben.

4  Gott wird ſie plötzlich und geſchwind
Schieſſen mit ſeinen Pfeilen,
Daß ſie nicht wiſſen, wo ſie ſind,
Für Angſt ſie werden heulen,
Wenn ſie wird felln ihr eigne Zung,
Denn wird ihr ſpotten wiederumb,
Wer ihr Elend wird ſehen.

5  Denn wer die Gſchicht wird ſchawen an,
Wird frey und rund bekennen:
Sih diß hat unſer Gott gethan,
Der kan Anſchläg zertrennen,
Die Leute ſtehen zum Gemerck,
Daß man ſprech: Diß iſt Gottes Werck,
So geht es falſchen Zungen.

6  Die Grechten werden fröhlich ſeyn
Und frewen ſich im HErren,
Auff Gott ihr Trawen ſteht allein,
Er hilfft von Hertzen gerne,
All fromme Hertzen rühmen ſich,
Daß ihnen Gott hilfft mächtiglich
Und macht die Feind zuſchanden. 

O Gott, du mein getreuer Gott

Here is my translation of the psalm paraphrase, “O Gott, du mein getreuer Gott” (Cornelius Becker, d. 1604), based on Psalm LXIII, Deus Deus meus ad te, with title “David’s longing . . . A psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah” and melody assignment “Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ.” On the psalm, Vierling writes (Biblia, 755),

It is a psalm of supplication in which David desires, while he is in the wilderness fleeing from Saul, that he might also be in the sanctuary and hear God’s Word (v. 3). And he laments his Saulites who sought his life, from which he could not get away, and thus must be deprived of God’s Word. He nevertheless maintained his right kingship because of God’s promise and determination, with which he was meanwhile consoled (v. 6). This psalm might well be prayed by those who, being under tyrants, are yet eager for God’s Word and must remain deprived of it, yet maintain their right as God’s children and heirs, because they have faith and love for His Word, until “Saul” at last receives his end.

 

O GOD, Thou art my God, and I
In hope will seek Thee early;
In anguish and distress I lie,
Afflicted all severely.
My needy soul doth thirst for Thee,
My flesh doth long in agony
To have Thy pow’r and glorious might
Again in sight,
As in Thy sanctuary bright.

2 Thy lovingkindness and Thy grace
Are better, Lord, than living!
My lips shall ever sing Thy praise,
With songs of true thanksgiving;
Grant that I may lift up my hands
Unto Thy name where glorious stands
Thy temple dear, and ceaselessly
Sing hymns to Thee,
Lord God, with all sincerity!

3 When in my bed I lie to sleep,
I think of all Thy wonders;
And when I nightly vigil keep,
My heart upon Thee ponders;
To Thee, my Help, my spirit sings,
And in the shadow of Thy wings
My soul, to Thee adhering, lies,
With grateful sighs;
And Thy right hand shall make me rise.

4 Those enemies who seek my soul
And long for my undoing,
The yawning earth shall swallow whole,
Their  sword shall be their ruin.
Their bodies shall the fox supply,
But God shall fill the king with joy,
And all who swear by Him shall see
He hears their plea;
But liars’ mouths shall humbled be.

Translation © 2024 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

O Gott, du mein getreuer Gott,
Des Nachts ich auf dich hoffe,
In meiner Angſt und groſſen Noth,
Die mich ſo hart betroffen,
Nach dir dürſtet mein arme Seel,
Mein Fleiſch, mein Geiſt, alls leidet Quel,
Daß ich mög ſehen wiederumb
Im Heiligthumb,
Herr dein göttlich Macht, Ehr und Ruhm.

2  Dein Güte und Barmherzigkeit
Iſt beſſer, HErr, denn Leben,
Ich will dich preiſen alle Zeit,
Mein Gott, du wolſt mir geben,
Daß ich auffheb die Hände mein
Und bet zu dir im Namen dein,
Erfüll mein Frewd, daß ich all Stund
Mit fröhlichm Mund
Dich, HErr Gott, lob von Herzengrund.

3  Wenn ich ins Bett mich leg zur Ruh,
Stets ich an dich gedencke,
Wenn ich wiedrumb erwache nu,
Mein Hertz zu dir ſich lencket;
Denn du HErr biſt die Hülffe mein,
Unterm Schatten der Flügel dein
Rühmt ſich mein Seel und hengt an dir
Mit groſſer Bgir,
Dein Hand mich ſchützet für und für.

4  Die Feind mir nach dem Leben ſtehn,
Sie wolln mich untertreten,
Doch müſſen ſie zugrunde gehn,
Ihr Schwerd wird ſie ſelbſt töten,
Ihr Leichnam unbegraben bleibt,
Gott iſt des Königs Ruhm und Frewd,
Wer Recht bey Gottes Namen ſchwert,
Der wird erhört,
Ein Lügenmaul ſich ſelbſt unehrt.

Mein Seel ist still in meinem Gott

 Here is my translation of the psalm paraphrase, “Mein Seel ist still in meinem Gott” (Cornelius Becker, d. 1604), based on Psalm LXII, with title “Men are nothing . . . A psalm of David to sing before Jeduthun” and melody assignment “Hilff Gott wie geht das immer zu.”—the melody from Knöpken’s paraphrase of Psalm 2 (thus hinting at familiarity with earlier Lutheran metrical psalters). Later, Quirsfeld’s Harfen-Klang assigns the more widespread “Aus tiefer Noth schrei ich zu dir.” On the psalm, Vierling writes (Biblia, 754f.),

It is a psalm of instruction concerning false trust in men (v. 1) and true trust in God. Many there are who, when they enjoy a prince’s or lord’s grace or a rich and powerful man’s favor, suppose they need no more, and proceed to follow every malicious whim, particularly where they see a “bowing wall” (v. 3), that is, where they see someone takes no pleasure in court, or is needy and persecuted by others and cannot defend himself. They all show their knightly side and  with courtly manners readily dissemble and flatter the great potentates of the world. But they do not see how such boasting in men is utter vanity, nor do they believe until they see how wide of the mark they miss. Then let the motto be, Trust in God and do no man wrong; that stands firm before God and man.

On the last verse, he gives the cross-references Matthew 16:27, Romans 2:6, 1 Corinthians 3:8, and 2 Corinthians 5:10.


 

MY soul upon my God doth wait
In every tribulation—
My Rock, Defense, and Savior great-
From Him comes my salvation.
I’ll not be moved by mischief e’er,
Which enemies for me prepare
With so much strength and cunning.

2 How long shall men as one conspire
To seek a man and take him?
To slay him is their sole desire;
They would a dead man make him;
Yea, as an old and bowing wall,
A tott’ring fence, they’d make him fall
Through wickedness and malice.

3 To cast the righteous down their thought
And mind are all directed;
With lies and falsehoods they have wrought,
They would see him dejected;
They go on cursing in their heart
But blessings with their lips impart,
To fool the common people.

4 On God alone my soul doth wait—
My hopeful expectation—
My Help, Defense, and Refuge great,
Against the foe’s transgression;
In God is my salvation sure,
My glory and my rock secure,
On Him I stand unmoving.
    
5 Dear people, trust in God always,
In Him by faith confiding;
Pour out your heart in grievous days
Before Him, firm abiding!
The Lord’s our Refuge none can shake,
He surely shall not us forsake
In all our needs and troubles.

6 The sons of men are vanity,
Be they so num’rous ever,
Be they of low or high degree
Naught is their best endeavor,
In balance weighed, most light of all,
Their glory, pomp, and pride must fall,
As vanity most worthless.

7 Let no man trust in robbery,
Wrongdoing, and oppression,
Which seldom reach maturity.
Blest is true moderation,
Which never sets its heart and trust
On riches, which must turn to dust,
However great their number.

8 God hath declared a precious word
Among His people holy:
And more than once have I this heard:
God is almighty solely.
Thou gracious art, and righteous too,
And renderest to each as due
And as his work deserveth.

Translation © 2024 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Mein Seel iſt ſtill in meinem Gott,
Der mir ſtets hilft aus Nöthen,
Er iſt mein Hülff mein Schutz mein Hort,
Er kan und will mich retten,
Kein Unfall wird mich ſtürzen nicht,
Den mir der Feind hat zugericht
Mit groſſer Macht und Liſten.

2  Wie lang wirds denn ſo gehn daher,
Daß alle einem ſtellen?
Zu würgen ihn ſteht ihr Begehr,
Kurzumb ſie wolln ihn fellen,
Gleich wie ein alte hangend Wand,
Die aus Muthwill wird angerand,
Biß ſie zu Boden liege.

3  Ihr Hertz, Muth, Sinn iſt alls gericht
Zu dämpffen den Gerechten,
Mit Lügen und mit falſchem Gticht
Sie wider ihn ſtets fechten,
Sie fluchen doch im Hertzen fort,
Wenn ſie gleich gebn die beſten Wort,
Die Leute zu bethören.

4  Mein Seele harret nur auff Gott,
Der ſol mein Hoffnung bleiben,
Er iſt mein Hülff, mein Schutz, mein Hort,
Wenn ſie zum Fall mich treiben,
Bey Gott iſt mein Heil, meine Ehr,
Mein ſtarcker Fels, zum Schutz, zur Wehr,
Auff ihn ich mich verlaſſe.
    
5  Ach lieben Leut hofft ja auff Gott,
Allzeit feſt ihm vertrawet,
Schütt aus ewr Hertz in aller Noth
Für Gott, ſteiff auf ihn bawet,
Der Herr iſt unſer Zuverſicht,
Er wird uns gwiß verlaſſen nicht
In allen unſern Nöthen.

6  Die Menſchenkind ſeind doch nichts wert,
So viel ihr ſind auff Erden,
Auch die ſo groß und hoch geehrt,
Zunicht ihr Anſchleg werden,
Wenigr denn nichts ſie wegen all,
Ihr Pracht, Ruhm, Witz, Kunſt allzumal
Iſt eitel und vergebens.

7  Auff Unrecht, Frevel und Gewalt
Sol ſich niemand verlaſſen,
Denn groſſer Pracht wird ſelten alt,
Wol dem der helt recht Maſſe,
Der nicht ſetzt ſein Hertz, Sinn und Muth
Auff Reichthumb und vergenglich Gut,
Wenns ihm zufellt mit Hauffen.

8  Gott hat ein tewres Wort geredt
In ſeiner lieben Gmeine,
Ich hab es etlich mal gehört:
Gott iſt mächtig alleine.
Du HErr biſt gnädig und gerecht,
Du zahlſt und giebſt eim jeden Knecht
Nach ſeim Verdienſt und Wercken.

Gott mein Geschrei erhöre

Here is my translation of the psalm paraphrase, “Gott mein Geschrei erhöre” (Cornelius Becker, d. 1604), based on Psalm LXI, Exaudi Deus deprecationem, with title “Long live the King . . . A psalm of David to sing before [the people] to the playing of strings” and melody assignment “Herr Christ, der einig Gotts Sohn.” Of the psalm, Vierling writes (Biblia, 754),

It is a psalm of supplication against the enemies and especially in behalf of the king and authorities, that they may fear God and enjoy a long reign, nor that the rule of law may be destroyed by enemies and warfare. For Solomon also says that because of the sin of the land, many and various princes come, but where there are many lords, it seldom fails that what one builds up, the other breaks down, according to the saying, Nova rex, nova lex. And indeed, changes in political governance have always been dangerous and harmful. But blessed it is where it is abides in lengthy and venerable goodness.

 

GOD, hear my cry, I bid Thee,
Attend unto my pray’r,
Of all my anguish rid me,
Of worry and despair!
Amid earth’s many offenses,
My heart and mind and senses,
O Lord, are turned to Thee.

2 My needful help provide me,
My rock and fortress be,
Within Thy shelter hide me
Safe from the enemy!
Within Thy house forever
I’ll praise Thy grace and favor,
And in Thy wings I’ll trust.

3 My vows, O God, Thou hearest,
And givest rich reward,
To all who hold Thee dearest,
And, fearing, name Thee Lord.
Thy king shall long be living
By Thy most gracious giving,
And evermore abide.

4  Im Ampt wird er geehret,
HErr Gott durch deine Güt,
Dein Trew an ihm vermehret,
Sein Reich gar wohl behüt,
Ewig Lob wil ich ſingen,
Deins Namens Ehr erklingen,
Bezahlen mein Gelübd.

Thy grace his crown surroundeth,
Thy glories him enfold,
Thy truth on him aboundeth,
And doth his reign uphold,
I will sing praise before Thee
And give Thy name all glory,
And all my vows perform!

Translation © 2024 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

GOtt mein Geſchrey erhöre,
Und merck auff mein Gebeth,
In meiner Angſt ſo ſchwere,
Wenn mich Trübſal angeht,
Hienieden auff der Erden
Mein Hertz, Sinn und Geberden
Hab ich zu dir gericht.

2  HErr thu bey mir das Beſte,
Auff einen Fels mich ſtell,
Sey du mein Burg und Feſte,
Daß mich der Feind nicht fäll,
In deim Haus wil ich bleiben,
Dein Lob ewiglich treiben,
Trawen den Flügeln dein.

3  Mein Glübd, Gott, thuſtu hören,
Und giebſt gar reichen Lohn
Allen, die dich hoch ehren,
Deinn Namen fürchten ſchon,
Dem König langes Leben
Auff viel Jahr wirſtu geben
Zu bleiben für und für.

4  Im Ampt wird er geehret,
HErr Gott durch deine Güt,
Dein Trew an ihm vermehret,
Sein Reich gar wohl behüt,
Ewig Lob wil ich ſingen,
Deins Namens Ehr erklingen,
Bezahlen mein Gelübd.

Ach Gott der du vor dieſer Zeit

Here is my translation of the psalm paraphrase, “Ach Gott der du vor dieſer Zeit” (Cornelius Becker, d. 1604), based on Psalm LX, Deus repulisti, with title “The golden rose-band . . . A golden jewel of David to sing before [the people], to teach of a golden rose-band [shushaneduth], when he strove with the Syrians in Mesopotamia, and with the Syrian of Zobah, where Joab returned and struck 12,000 of the Edomites in the Valley of Salt” and melody assignment “Ach Gott vom Himmel sieh darein.” Concerning the “rose-band,” now often taken to mean a melody “Lily of the covenant,” Vierling has the gloss “That is, a hanging or precious jewel in the shape of a rose; so he calls his kingdom here, which is a divine jewel or decoration.” Vierling writes on the psalm (Biblia, 753),

It is a psalm of thanksgiving in which David thanks God for giving him an excellent kingdom wherein God’s Word was taught and good, orderly government existed, which was truly a precious jewel. For before David, in the time of Saul, it was (as the first three verses lament) a broken, worthless government, and sore afflicted by the Philistines, such that even the ark of God was not much esteemed (2 Chron. 14:3). And otherwise things were ill done, with great injustice, even as it must be so where God is not at home. And David’s example certainly indicates how Saul had wicked villains at court, etc. Yet (it says) God left a sign for His own, and they displayed it, gloried in it, and with it were sure and certain of His grace, namely, the tabernacle of Moses and the ark of the covenant, with the mercy-seat (throne of grace), which He also brought with mighty wonder out of the land of the Philistines, etc., before which they worshiped and called upon God, and thus were delivered out of their troubles.

Then he takes account of his land and people, first the sanctuary and God’s Word, then Shechem, Succoth, Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, Judah, Moab, Edom, and the Philistines (v. 9). Finally, he confesses that it is not a matter of man to have a fortified city, that is, a good, peaceable government, and to win Edom, that is, land and people, and to gain the victory in battle, but God must give it (v. 12). But as to why he names no more lands or tribes than the abovenamed belongs in a commentary, not a summary. We may sing the psalm, God be praised! because He has spread the church far over the world and has many parishes and cathedrals where God’s Word is heard and everyone has his special gift.

 

O GOD, who hast before this day
Cast off Thy favored nation
And scattered us like chaff away,
So great Thine indignation—
Oh, for the glory of Thy name,
Turn to us in our grief and shame
And give again Thy comfort!

2 Thou didst by Thine almighty hand
Remove the earth and break it;
Oh, heal the breaches, help the land,
Let not Thine anger shake it!
Hard things Thou hast Thy people shown,
Hast made us drink with many a groan
Strong wine, and made us stagger.

3 Yet in Thy steadfast faithfulness,
Thou hast a banner given
Of grace to hearts that fear possess
And serve the God of heaven;
They held aloft Thy gracious sign
And therefore saw Thy help divine,
And they were filled with gladness.

4 Lord, by Thy right hand help afford,
Thy people to deliver;
Show that we are by Thee adored
And Thy belovèd ever!
God speaketh in His holy place:
It fills My heart with joy by grace
The land thus to apportion.
    
5 First Shechem and fair Succoth’s vale
I will mete out in measure;
And Gilead and, without fail,
Manasseh, are My treasure;
My head’s great strength is Ephraim,
My prince is Judah. After him,
My washpot is yon Moab.

6 My foot in Edom’s famous ground
I will with God be setting,
And o’er Philistia renowned
My triumph I’ll be getting.
Who’ll bring me to the city there,
With all her walls and towers fair?
Would that I were in Edom!

7 God, wilt not Thou show faithfulness
(Though Thou hast us rejected)
And give us help in our distress,
Nor leave us here neglected?
The help of man is vanity,
Through God we shall do valiantly—
The foe He shall o’erpower.

Translation © 2024 Matthew Carver

GERMAN

Ach Gott der du vor dieſer Zeit,
Uns dein Volck haſt verſtoſſen
Und weit unter die Feind zerſtreut
In deinem Zorn ſo große,
Ach Herr umb deines Nahmens Ehr,
Laß uns nach unſerm Trübſal ſchwer
Wiederumb getröſtet werden.

2  Die Erd haſtu durch deine Hand,
Zerriſſen und bewegt :,:
Heyl ihre Brüch, und hilff dem Land,
Schaff, daß dein Zorn ſich lege.
Du haſt deim Volck ein Harts erzeigt,
Ein ſtarcken Trunck Weins uns gereicht,
Davon wir taumelnd worden.

3  Doch haſtu durch dein groſſe Trew
Ein Gnadenzeichen geben :,:
Allen die nur von Hertzen frey,
In deinem Dienſte leben,
Sie wurffen auff das Zeichen dein,
Daher ihnen dein Hülff erſchein,
Drob ſie ſo fröhlich wurden.

4  Hilff HErr durch deine rechte Hand,
Daß wir erledigt werden,
Erhör uns bald und machs bekannd,
Daß du uns liebſt auff Erden,
Gott redet in ſeim Heiligthumb,
Das ſchafft meim Hertzen Frewd und Wonn,
Das Land wil ich recht theilen.
    
5  Sichem zuerſt, darnach Suchot,
Das Thal will ich abmeſſen,
Auch Gilead, hoff ich zu Gott,
Iſt mein, wie auch Manaſſe.
Meins Häuptes Macht iſt Ephraim,
Juda mein Fürſt, mein Waſchſtöpffin
Die Moabiter bleiben.

6  Mein Fuß ins Edomiter Land
Wil ich mit Gott noch ſetzen,
Auch die Philiſter wol bekannt
Werden mich noch ergetzen.
Wer wil mich führen in die Stadt,
Die groſſe Thürm und Mawren hat?
In Edom wer ich gerne.

7  Wirſtus nicht thun, du trewer Gott,
Der du uns haſt verſtoſſen?
Schaff uns Beyſtand HErr in der Noth,
Sonſt ſtehn wir gantz verlaſſen,
An Menſchen Hülff iſt doch kein Ruhm,
Mit Gott wollen wir Thaten thun,
Er wird die Feind bezwingen.

Hilf, Herre Gott, errette mich

Here is my translation of the psalm paraphrase, “Hilf, Herre Gott, errette mich” (Cornelius Becker, d. 1604), based on Psalm LVIX, Eripe me de inimicis, with title “A curse upon the Jews . . . A golden jewel of David (that he may not perish) when Saul sent and had his house guarded, that he might slay him,” and melody assignment: “Ach Gott vom Himmel sieh darein.” Vierling writes of the psalm (Biblia, 752),

It is a psalm of supplication and can very well be spoken in the person of Christ crying out over the Jews and prophesying that they will not be blotted out but scattered into all the world, and teach utter cursing and contradiction. So they have done hitherto, setting their doctrine against Christ, to curse and to deny Him. For this they also have their reward, so that they run around the city at evening like hungry dogs and find nothing (v. 7), that is, at the end of the world, since the time of the Apostles, they are hunted among the heathen from one land to another, longingly and hungrily seeking where they might be able to establish a kingdom or dominion, but it will not be. They must remain hungry dogs and run around until they lie down unsatisfied, and are buried without a kingdom, and are cast down to hell. However, it can also be understood according to the history of David, against his Saulites, who at last had to run around like hungry dogs without a kingdom, until they were totally rooted out. For Saul’s lineage never regained the kingdom, although they strove for it with great longing and diligence.

 

HELP, O my God, deliver me
From those that rise against me,
From workers of iniquity,
Who ill have recompensed me;
With murd’rous thoughts they round me pace,
They seek my life in every place
Lord, help me in Thy mercy.

2 O faithful God, to help awake,
Thy pity let avail me;
The mighty wait, my soul to take,,
They gather to assail me,
Not for my trespass nor my sin,
They webs of wicked counsel spin,
Though I have not deserved it.

3 Awake, O Lord of Sabaoth,
My God awake to meet me
And visit in Thine anger wroth
The heathen who mistreat me;
Their tide of wicked mishcief stem,
And be not merciful to them,
Who daringly defy Thee.

4 At evening do their howls resound
Like dogs with bloodthirst panting,
In strife they run the city round,
No peaceful moment granting;
They cease not belching sland’rously,
As naked swords they swing at me
Their lips and tongues deceiving.

5 And yet they boastfully exclaim,
Who seeth us or heareth?
Thy judgment, Lord, they thus defame;
And yet Thy reck’ning neareth,
And they shall find there is a God
Who laughs at them, and for their fraud
Shall have them in derision.

6 I shall be safe from all their pow’r,
If I but let Thee lead me;
Thou art my great Defense and Tow’r,
Thy mercy shall precede me.
Thy grace Thou richly showest me,
That I may on mine enemy
See my desire fulfillèd.
    
7 Yet slay them not so utterly,
Nor every life be taking,
But let them widely scattered be,
Of them example making,
That none who scoff at Thee succeed;
Lord, bring them down to death indeed,
Thou Shield of Thy believers!

8 Their doctrine truly is but sin,
Their pride to yield refuseth,
Their preaching has no balm within,
Their tongue Thy Word abuseth;
Against Thy Christ they lie and curse
And blasphemies all day disperse,
In blindness wholly hardened.

9 Consume them, Lord, in furious wrath,
Yea, from the earth consume them,
Destroy them in their wicked path,
With life and limb entomb them,
That they may nothing be, and know
Thou rul’st on high and here below,—
Our Lord, the God of Jacob!

10 At evening let their howls resound
Like dogs with bloodthirst panting,
And in the city run around,
No peaceful moment granting;
Yea, let them wander for their meat,
And grudge for some small scrap to eat,
Yet without satisfaction!

11 But I will of Thy power sing,
Yea, I will sing sincerely,
In morning-tide my off’ring bring,
And sing thanksgiving clearly.
My whole defense I find in Thee,
To Thee in time of need I flee,
And in Thy grace take comfort!

12 To Thee I’ll sing in my distress,
Thy glory magnifying;
Thou hast in Thy great mightiness
Saved me from dangers trying;
Thou art my God and my Defense,
My Shield of peace and Confidence,
My gracious Lord forever!

Translation © 2024 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Hilff, Herre Gott, errette mich
Aus meiner Feinde Händen,
Beſchütze mich, HErr, kräfftiglich,
Daß die ihr Tück nicht enden,
Die ſchwanger gehn mit eytelm Mord,
Stehn wieder mich an allem Orth,
Schaff Hülff HErr durch deine Güte.

2  Ach trewer Gott ſieh doch darein,
Laß dein meinn Jammer tawren,
Die Starcken ſo gewaltig ſeyn,
Auff meine Seele lawren,
Ohn meine Schuld und Miſſethat
Laufn ſie zuſammen, halten Rath,
Ich habs ja nicht verſchuldet.

3  Erwache doch, Herr Zebaoth,
Mein Gott, thu mir begegnen,
Wach auff, ſuch heim, Iſraels Gott,
All die ſo gar verwegen
Frevel begehn und Übelthat,
Erzeig ihr keinem keine Gnad,
Die heydniſch an mir handeln.

4  Des Abends las ſie heulen ſehr,
Wie die hungrigen Hunde,
Die lauffen in der Stadt umbher
In Unfried alle Stunden,
Sie laſſen doch ihr Leſtern nicht,
Wie Schwerder ſind auff mich gericht
Ihr Mund und falſche Zungen.

5  Noch ſagen ſie gantz trotziglich:
Wer ſolt diß ſehn und hören?
HErr Gott, ſie ſpotten dein Gericht,
Es wird ſich bald umbkehren,
Sie werden's findn, es ſey ein Gott,
Der aller Heyden Boßheit ſpott,
Du HErr wirſt ihrer lachen.

6  Sicher bin ich für ihrer Macht,
Wenn ich zu dir mich halte,
Du biſt mein Schutz, haſt mich in acht,
Ich laß dein Güte walten,
Reichlich erzeigeſtu mir Gnad,
Daß ich kan ſehn nach deinem Rath,
Mein Luſt an meinen Feinden.
    
7  Doch wolſtu ſie nicht allzugleich
Erwürgen und auffreiben,
Zerſtrewe ſie in alle Reich,
Damit ein Beyſpiel bleibe,
Verächtern nie gelungen hat,
Stos ſie hinunder ohne Gnad,
Du biſt ein Schild der Frommen.

8  Ihr Lehr iſt eitel Sünd fürwar,
Ihrn Stoltz wolln ſie nicht brechen,
Ihr Predigen iſt troſtlos gar,
Deim Wort ſie wiederſprechen,
Sie fluchen dem Geſalbten dein
Und läetern in den Tag hinein,
In Blindheit gantz verſtocket.

9  Vertilge ſie ohn alle Gnad,
Vertilg ſie von der Erden,
Damit ſies doch nur in der That
Dermals eins innewerden,
Daß ſie nichts ſeynd. du biſts allein,
Du Herrſcher aller Welt gemein,
Gott Jakob unſer HErre.

10  Des Abends laß ſie wiederumb
Auch heulen wie die Hunde,
Und lauffen in der Stadt herum
Unruhig alle Stunden,
Laß ſie lauffen nach Speis umbher,
Laß ſie murren und gruntzen ſehr
Und doch nimmer ſatt werden.

11  Ich aber wil von deiner Macht
Aus Grund meins Hertzens ſingen,
Des Morgens rühmen mit Andacht
Dein Güt für allen Dingen,
Du biſt mein Schutz und ſtarcker Gott,
Zu dir flieh ich in meiner Noth
Und tröſt mich deiner Gnade.

12  Dir mein Herr wil lobſingen ich,
Du biſt mein Schutz in Nöthen,
Du haſt mich ſo gewaltiglich
Aus aller Gfahr errettet.
Du mein Gott biſt allein mein Schutz,
Mein Friedſchilt, Zuverſicht und Trutz,
Allzeit mein gnedigr HErre.

Wie nun ihr Herren, seid ihr stumm

Here is my translation of the psalm paraphrase, “Wie nun ihr Herren, seid ihr stumm” (Cornelius Becker, d. 1604), based on Psalm LVIII, Si vere utique, with title “Unfaithfulness rules . . . A golden jewel of David to sing before, that he may not perish” and melody assignment “Wo Gott der Herr nicht bei uns hält.” Vierling writes on the psalm (Biblia, 751),

It is a psalm of consolation against the stiff-necked teachers who press their errors headwise, stopping ears and refusing instruction, and instead issuing threats and wishing to devour the godly (v. 5). But it consoles with five similitudes that they shall not bring it to pass, indeed, not the half of it (v. 8), namely, a great water comes and roars exceedingly as if it would tear down all things, but it passes by and does nothing. A crossbow is a mighty threat, but when bolt, string, and bow are broken, it does nothing. A snail extends its horns, but before it strikes it wastes away or shrivels up. An untimely child makes the mother’s womb to swell as if something will come of it, but dies before he comes to light. A thorn-bush puts forth many prickles and promises stings and scratches, but before they harden and mature, an angry axe comes upon them and bids them into the furnace be turned to ashes. Likewise, they have great things in mind, and assume that their endeavors shall prosper, and yet nothing comes of it.

 

WHERE be your tongues, ye princes bold,
That ye speak not uprightly?
Ye bend the straight, the strong uphold,
And treat men’s justice lightly;
Ye ply your powers in the earth
And bring but violence to birth.
Oh, what shall be the ending?

2 The wicked from the very womb
To godless ways go flying;
They work their mischief and assume
A livelihood of lying;
They stray from every straight and right,
And like a serpent pierce and bite
With poison and great fury.

3 Like as the adder stops her ear
Nor hearkens to the charmer,
Lest she his voice of wisdom hear,
Supposing he will harm her,
So doth this poisoned, wicked snake
When God bids him to undertake
The justice of the needy.

4 Then smite, and break their teeth, O God,
Break out their teeth devouring;
Dissolve the mighty tyrant’s rod,
Their forces overpow’ring;
Yes, Lord, when he doth bend his bow
To shoot his arrows for my woe,
Let them be cut in pieces!

5 Their soul let melt away in dread
As doth a snail o’erheated,
Like stillborn babes, untimely dead,
That ne’er the sunlight greeted.
Their thorns shall never see their hour,
They shall be taken in their flow’r
When comes Thy wrath and judgment!

6 The righteous shall rejoice when God
To sight His vengeance bringeth,
And wash his feet within the blood
That from the wicked springeth.
And men shall say with one accord:
Who trusts in God, He shall reward.
God in the earth yet judgeth!

Translation © 2024 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Wie nun ihr Herren ſeyd ihr ſtum,
Daß ihr kein Recht künnt ſprechen?
Was gleich und grad, das macht ihr krum,
Helfft niemand zu ſeim Rechten,
Mutwillig übt ihr Gwalt im Land,
Nur Frevel geht durch eure Hand,
Was will zuletzt drauß werden?

2  Von Mutterleib die böſe Art
Gottlos und ganz verkehret
Treibt Büberey zu jeder Fart,
Mit Lügen ſie ſich nehret,
Unrichtig gehn ſie ihren Gang
Und ſtechen umb ſich wie ein Schlang,
Gifftig mit großem Wüten.

3  Gleichwie die Otter ſtopffet zu
Das Ohr für dem Beſchwerer,
Damit er ihr kein Schaden thu,
Wenn ſie ſein Stimm ſolt hören,
So thun die giftign böſen Würm,
Wenn GOTT ſagt, nembt das Recht in Schirm,
So habn ſie keine Ohren.

4  Schlag ſie auffs Maul, zerbrich ihr Zeen,
Ihr Backenzeen zerſtoſſe,
Laß ihre Macht ſchmählich zergehn
Wie Waſſer ausgegoſſen,
Greiff drein HErr, ihre Pfeil zerbrich,
Die ſie gerichtet habn auf mich,
Mein Seele zu verderben.

5  Für Angſt ihr Seel verſchmachtet furt,
Gleichwie die Schneck im Sommer,
Gleichwie ein unzeitig Geburt
Die ans Taglicht nicht kommet,
Ihr Dornen werden reiffen nicht,
Weil in der Blüt dein Zorn und Gricht,
Sie friſch hinweg wird reißen.

6  Der Grechte ſolchs wird ſchawen an,
Mit fröhlichem Gemüthe,
Wenn durch Gotts Rache baden kan,
Sein Fuß in ihrem Blute,
Denn wird es rühmen jedermann,
Wer Gott vertrawt hat wohlgethan,
Gott iſt noch Richter auff Erden.

Sei mir gnädig, o Gott mein Herr

Here is my translation of the psalm paraphrase, “Sei mir gnädig, o Gott mein Herr” (Cornelius Becker, d. 1604), based on Pslam LVII, Miserere Mei Deus miserere, with title “The greater the distress, the nearer is God . . . A golden jewel of David to sing before (that he may not perish) when he fled from Saul into a cave” and melody assignment “Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam.” Vierling writes (Biblia, 750f.),

It is a psalm of supplication in which David again laments Sual and his courtiers, from whom he is made to hide in a cave, and it is of almost the same intent as the foregoing psalm. Therefore it may also be used by us against the tyrants and their venomous counselors and ear-whisperers, who twist the Word of God against us. And for this work they have teeth and tongues which are (says v. 5) spears, arrows, and sharp swords. But God be thanked, who does not forsake us, but casts them into the pit which they prepare for us. And their counsels at last are fulfilled upon their own head.

 

O GOD, be merciful to me,
Thy mercy kindly show me,
My soul sincerely longs for Thee,
My heart inclines to know Thee;
Yea, in the shadow of Thy wings
I’ll make my refuge meetly,
Until the troubles and the stings
Be overpast completely,
And God relieves me sweetly.

2 I cry unto my God most high,
My hands to Him extending;
In need He doth His help supply,
My troubles quickly ending.
He sends from heaven and doth save
When some reproach befalls me
From those who my destruction crave;
God turns to good what galls me,
Since His own child He calls me.

3 My soul among the lions lies
In grief and fear unbounded;
They swear to make my life their prize,
And now have me surrounded;
Their teeth have cut like weapons keen,
Their tongues like swords have riven;
Arise, O God, bring help in haste,
Let praise to Thee be given
To shake the earth and heaven.
    
4 They readied many a net and snare
And thought thereby to catch me;
They digged a pit and in their lair
They lay in wait to watch me;
They hoped I thus would be no more,
My deathblow thusly giving,
But it will make them troubled sore,
And they shall cease from living
For all their wicked striving.

5 My heart is fixed and filled with joy
And ready for God’s praises;
My heart is fixed and soars on high
With hymns of pious phrases!
Awake, my glory! Psalter, ring!
And let my heart be sounding,
I will myself awake and sing
God’s fitting adoration
Within the congregation.

6 Great is Thy mercy, grace, and love
Unto the heav’ns extending,
Thy truth is like the clouds above
And yet without all ending;
O God, exalted be, and show
In heaven high Thy glory,
Let every land Thy honor know,
Let all sing praise before Thee
And all the world adore Thee!

Translation © 2024 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

Sey mir gnädig O Gott mein Herr,
Dein Gnad wolſt mir erzeigen,
Mein Seel nach dir verlanget ſehr,
Zu dir mein Herz ſich neiget,
Zum Schatten Herr der Flügel dein,
Wil ich mein Zuflucht haben,
Biß daß diß ſchwere Unglück mein,
Einsmals fürüber trabe,
Und ich meins Leids komm abe.

2  Ich ruff zum allerhöchſten Gott,
Heb auff zu ihm mein Hände,
Er hilfft mir frey aus aller Noth,
Macht meins Jammers ein Ende,
Er ſendet Hülff vons Himmels Thron,
Wenn mir Schmach widerfehret,
Wil mein Feind mich verſencken ſchon,
Gott alls zum beſten keret,
Sein Trew er mir gewehret.

3  Mein arme Seel leidt große Noth,
Unter dem Grimm der Lewen,
Die mir geſchworen habn den Tod,
Habn mich jetzt rings umbgeben,
Ihr Zeen ſind ſcharffe Spies und Pfeil,
Wie Schwerter ihre Zungen,
Erheb dich Gott, ſchaff Hülff in Eil,
Dein Lob ſol werden gſungen,
Daß alle Welt durchdrungen.
    
4  Sie ſtellen mir viel Netz und Strick,
Drin ſol ich bleiben hangen.
Ein Grub ſie graben durch ihr Tück,
Mein Seel darin zu fangen,
Ich ſol auffkommen nimer mehr,
Mein Geiſt ſol ich auff geben,
Ich hoff es werd ihnn noch zu ſchwer,
Sol koſten ſie ihr Leben,
Weil ſie nach Unglück ſtreben.

5 Mein Herz iſt fröhlich und bereit
Den frommen Gott zu loben,
Bereit iſt mein Hertz allezeit,
Mein Seel in Gott erhoben.
Wach auff mein Ehr und Pſalter gut,
Mein Harff lieblich erklinge
Ich wach frü auff mit fröhlichm Muth
In der Gemein zu ſingen
Gotts Lob für allen Dingen.

6  Dein Güt und Trew, Herr geht ſo weit,
Als weit der Himmel reichet,
Dein Warheit und Gerechtigkeit
Den Wolcken ſich vergleichet,
Erheb dich Gott, und mach bekannd,
Im Himmel hoch dein Ehre,
Dein Ruhm werd kund in allem Land,
Daß man dein Lob vermehre.
All Welt dich preiſet ſehre.

Herr Gott, erzeig mir Hilf und Gnad

Here is my translation of the psalm paraphrase, “Herr Gott, erzeig mir Hilf und Gnad” (Cornelius Becker, d. 1604), based on Psalm LVI, Miserere mei, with title “the silent dove . . . A golden jewel of David of the silent dove among strangers, when the Philistines held him at Gad” and melody assignment: “Wer Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit.” Vierling (Biblia, 750) writes of the psalm,

It is a psalm of supplication in which David laments Saul and those who had to flee the land before them to the Philistines, so vehemently they sought for him that he could nowhere be safe. But he was consoled that he had God’s Word and promise, and right of the kingdom, although they daily attacked and distorted, or even denied that he should be king, saying rather that it should be Saul and his heirs (v. 11). We may pray it against our tyrants who without ceasing persecute us and God’s Word and permit no peace in any place. But we also are consoled that we too have God’s Word before us, although they daily twist it and attack it in our hearing, declaring us heretics and themselves alone the true church.

 

HAVE mercy, God, Thy help bestow
When man would me devour!
From morn to eve I fear the foe
And their o’erwhelming power;
They fight against me every day,
But I will trust in Thee alway
Whenever fear assails me.

2 I have Thy Word, which is my praise,
On Thee my trust is founded;
I hope in Thee in dreadful days,
And shall not be astounded,
Nor fear what men can do to me,
Who are but flesh, not God like Thee,—
Yea, they are but poor creatures!

3 They wrest my words most wickedly
And all that I endeavor;
They plan for my calamity,
Their thoughts are evil ever.
They join together in their hate,
They mark my steps and lie in wait,
Intending thus to seize me.

4 They seek my soul with villainy
And gladly would destroy me;
Since thus they sin so brazenly
And vex me and annoy me,
They do not fear God’s vengeful rod;
In anger cast them down, O God,
And show them no more mercy!

5 Tell Thou my wanderings, O Lord,
My exile where I languish,
Remember Thou my tears outpoured,
My heart’s distress and anguish,
Keep them as sacred things to Thee,—
And Thou wilt do it doubtlessly,—
Thou canst not leave me hopeless.

6 Then back mine enemies shall turn
In shame and be derided,
When they God’s help to me discern
In whom my heart confided.
I have experienced in distress
That I a gracious God possess,
Wh hears my supplications!

7 In God the Lord I’ll praise His Word,
Yea, praise His Word forever;
I trust in Him, my Rock assured,
And fear will shake me never.
For what can man do unto me?
I’ve vowed to God exultantly:
To Him I’ll render praises!

8 Thou hast, O Lord, redeemed my soul
From death and condemnation,
Preserved my feet and kept me whole
Despite the foe’s aggression;
Thy grace and light of life, O Lord,
Are now and ever my reward,
In which I walk before Thee.

Translation © 2024 Matthew Carver.

GERMAN

HErr Gott, erzeig mir Hülff und Gnad,
Wenn Menſchen mich verſencken,
Ich ſtreit und ängſt mich früh und ſpat,
Die Feind mich ſchmertzlich kräncken,
Sie ſtreiten täglich wieder mich,
Ich ſetz mein Hoffnung ſtets auff dich,
Wenn ich in Furchten ſchwebe.

2  Ich hab dein Wort, des rühm ich mich,
Setz auff dich mein Vertrawen,
Ich hoff in aller Noth auf dich,
Und laß mir gar nicht grawen,
Was ſollten mir thun Menſchenkind,
Die nicht Gott, ſondern Fleiſch nur ſind,
Die armen Creaturen?

3  Sie legen mirs zum ärgſten aus
Was ich red und beginne,
Auff mein Unglück ſol gehn hinaus,
Was ſie dencken und ſinnen,
Für einen Mann ſie alle ſtehn,
Wie Laurer ſie umb mich hergehn,
Und wollen mich erſchleichen.

4  Sie ſtellen nach der Seelen mein,
Daß ſie die möchten fangen.
Wenn ſie denn frech in Tag hinein
Ihr Büberey begangen,
So fürchten ſie Gotts Rache nicht,
HErr Gott ſtoß ſolche Böſewicht
Ohn alle Gnad hinunter.
    
5  Zähl meine Flucht und ſaure Tritt,
O GOtt mein treuer HErre,
Vergiß der heiſſen Thränen nicht,
Meins Hertzleids alſo ſchwere,
Heb ſie auff HErr heilig und ſchon,
Du wirſts ohn allen Zweifel thun,
Ich weiß, daß dus nicht leſſeſt.

6  Diß wird mein Feind zurückekehrn
Mit Spott und großen Schmertzen,
Wenn ſie ſehn, daß mich Gott thut ehrn,
Dem ich vertrau von Hertzen,
Ich habs erfahren in der Noth,
Daß ich hab einen gnädign Gott,
Der mein Gebet erhöret.

7  Ich will rühmen des HErren Wort,
Ja ſein Wort wil ich rühmen,
Ich hoff auff ihn, er iſt mein Hort,
Kein Furcht wil mir geziemen,
Was können mir denn Menſchen thun?
Gott hab ichs globt, der iſt mein Ruhm,
Ich will ihm allzeit dancken.

8  Du treuer HErr haſt mein Seel
Errett von Todt und Hellen,
Mein Füß bewahrt für Ungefell,
Da mir der Feind nachſtellet,
Dein Gnad HErr und des Lebens Liecht
Wird mir hie und dort mangeln nicht,
Ewig darin zu wallen.