The Holy Bible – Knox Translation
The Book of Psalms
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Psalm 71
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1
(Of Solomon.)
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Grant to the king, O God, thy own skill in judgement; the inheritor of a throne, may he be just, as thou art just; may he give thy people right awards, and to thy poor, redress.
3
Such be the harvest his subjects shall reap, peace on every mountain, justice on every hill-side.
4
Watch and ward he will keep over the friendless, protect the children of the poor, and crush the oppressor.
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Ageless as sun or moon he shall endure;
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kindly as the rain that drops on the meadow grass, as the showers that water the earth.
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Justice in his days shall thrive, and the blessings of peace; and may those days last till the moon shines no more.
8
From sea to sea, from the great river to the ends of earth, his sway shall reach.
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In his presence rebels shall bend the knee, all his enemies will be humbled in the dust;
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gifts shall flow in from the lords of Tharsis and the islanders, tribute from the kings of Arabia and of Saba;
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all kings must needs bring their homage, all nations serve him.
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He will give the poor redress when they cry to him, destitute folk, with none to befriend them;
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in their need and helplessness, they shall have his compassion. Their lives he will take into his keeping,
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set them free from the power of wrong and oppression, dearly avenge their blood.
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Long life shall be his, and gold from Arabia shall be given him; men will pray for him continually, bless his name evermore.
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The land shall have good store of corn, high up the hill-sides, rustling like the woods of Lebanon; shall multiply its citizens like grass on the ground.
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For ever let his name be used in blessing, a name to endure while the sun gives light; in him all the tribes of the earth shall be enriched, all the nations shall extol him.
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Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who does wonderful deeds as none else,
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and blessed for ever be his glorious name; all the earth shall be filled with his glory, Amen, Amen.