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30 ‎[1] **A psalm, a song for the dedication of the house, by David. **“The house” here is generally understood to be the Temple in Jerusalem. However, the text offers thanks for a completely different matter, namely, David’s recovery from a grave illness or danger that suddenly befell him. It is possible, then, that he composed this hymn of praise to celebrate his recovery at the dedication of his private dwelling in Jerusalem.
‎[2] **I extol You, Lord, for You lifted me up** out of the depths of despair, infirmity, and weakness, **and did not let my enemies rejoice over me,** gloating at my downfall.
‎[3] **Lord my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me. **
‎[4] **Lord, You lifted up my soul from the grave, **so close was I to death.** You kept me alive, kept me from going down to the pit, **another reference to the grave.** **
‎[5] In his joy over his recovery, David calls upon others to join him in praising God: **Sing to the Lord, His devoted ones, and give thanks in remembrance of His holy name. **
‎[6] **For His anger is but a moment. **An instant of God’s anger can be devastating: Success, and life itself, can end in a heartbeat. But **in His desire, there is life. **If God wills it, a person can live a long, full life. **At night he goes to sleep weeping. **Night represents gloom and despair; it is also a time when sickness intensifies. **In the morning,** however,** there is **relief and optimism, and, in their wake, **joy. **
‎[7] **I had said in my tranquility, **when all was going well for me:** I will never stumble. **I was certain things would remain that way.
‎[8] **Lord, by Your will You put in place mighty mountains, **metaphorically, to obscure Your presence;** You hid Your face, and I was terrified. **When God “hides His face,” that is, He withdraws His providence and protection, man is left vulnerable to all the forces of destruction wreaking havoc in the world.
‎[9] In that dire hour, **to You, Lord, I called; I pleaded to my Lord **with the words of one who fears imminent death:
‎[10] **What gain is **there** in **the shedding of **my blood, in my descending into the pit **of** **the grave, turning there to dust?** Can the dust thank You? Can it declare Your truth? **
‎[11] The psalmist’s plea continues:* ***Hear me, Lord, and be gracious to me; Lord, be my savior. **
‎[12] When help from God does appear, David’s prayer turns joyous:* ***You transformed my mourning **over my dismal fate **into **joyous **dancing; You loosened my sackcloth and girded me with joy. **
‎[13] A person who has survived a near-fatal experience and has once again been given the gift of life knows well how to use this precious gift; it is* ***so that he may sing unceasing praises of glory to You. Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever. **
Version: The Steinsaltz Tanakh - English
Source: https://korenpub.com/collections/the-steinsaltz-tanakh/products/steinsaltz-tanakh
License: Copyright: Steinsaltz Center