A Poetic Paraphrase from the Original Hebrew
This is a paraphrase that is a creative yet faithful rendering of Psalm 118 from the original Hebrew text, structured in iambic pentameter (ten syllables per line with unstressed-stressed rhythm) while retaining a smidgeon of the thundering sound of the King James. Grok was utilized in translation and research.
O give ye thanks unto the Lord on high,
For He is good, His mercy ne’er shall die.
Let Israel now proclaim with voices bold,
His steadfast love endures as ages old.
Let Aaron’s house declare in unity,
His mercy lasts through all eternity.
Let those who fear the Lord now boldly cry,
His lovingkindness spans the earth and sky.
In deep distress I called upon the Lord,
He answered me and broad expanse restored.
The Lord is on my side; what fear have I?
What harm can mortal man to me apply?
The Lord assists among my helpers true,
Thus shall I see my foes in ruin rue.
‘Tis better far to trust the Lord alone,
Than place thy faith in man upon his throne.
‘Tis wiser still to lean on God above,
Than princes frail, devoid of lasting love.
All nations compassed me on every side,
But in the Lord’s name I shall them divide.
They swarmed around, yea, circled me about,
Yet in His name their forces I shall rout.
Like bees they buzzed, then quenched as thorns in flame,
For in the Lord’s name I their might disclaim.
Thou thrust me hard that I might stumble low,
But God upheld me ‘gainst my bitter foe.
The Lord my strength and song hath e’er become,
He is my full salvation, overcome.
The voice of joy and rescue fills the tents,
Where righteous dwell in glad deliverance.
The Lord’s right hand performs with valiant might,
Exalted high, it crushes wrong from right.
The Lord’s right hand is lifted up in power,
It doeth valiantly in every hour.
I shall not die, but live to tell abroad,
The wondrous works performed by sovereign God.
The Lord hath chastened me with rod severe,
Yet spared my life from death’s encroaching fear.
O open wide the gates of righteousness,
That I may enter, praising without cess.
This gate belongs unto the Lord most high,
Through which the just shall soar and never die.
I will extol Thee, for Thou heard’st my plea,
And hast become salvation unto me.
The stone which builders scorned and cast aside,
Hath now become the cornerstone of pride.
This is the Lord’s own doing, wondrous bright,
It is most marvelous within our sight.
This is the day the Lord Himself hath made,
Let us rejoice, in gladness be arrayed.
Save now, we pray, O Lord, with fervent call,
O Lord, send prosperity to us all.
Blessed be he who cometh in His name,
We bless you from the Lord’s house, pure and tame.
God is the Lord, who granteth us His light,
Bind sacrifice with cords to altar bright.
Thou art my God, and I will praise Thy name,
Thou art my God, exalted without shame.
O give ye thanks unto the Lord once more,
For He is good, His mercy evermore.
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