Psalms 114

Dilexi.

The prayer of a just man in affliction, with a lively confidence in God.

1Alleluia.

I have loved: therefore, the Lord will heed the voice of my prayer.
114:1In this case, ‘quoniam’ does not mean ‘because,’ but more like ‘therefore.’ Here is a common translation problem. A Latin word is very often translated, and properly so, by one particular English word. Then along comes a context in which that Latin word actually means something else. It should be translated in this other context by another English word. But it is a common translation mistake not to do so. In this verse, the statement ‘I have loved,’ is followed, not by the reason that I loved, but by the result of that choice. I do not choose to love because I think that God will answer my prayers, but rather when I choose to love, the result is that God will answer my prayers.(Conte)

2For he has inclined his ear to me.
And in my days, I will call upon him.
3The sorrows of death have surrounded me,
and the perils of Hell have found me.
I have found tribulation and sorrow.
4And so, I called upon the name of the Lord. O Lord, free my soul.
5Merciful is the Lord, and just. And our God is compassionate.
6The Lord is the keeper of little ones.
I was humbled, and he freed me.
7Turn again, my soul, to your rest.
For the Lord has done good to you.
8For he has rescued my soul from death,
my eyes from tears, my feet from slipping.
9I will please the Lord in the land of the living.
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