4. As a youth he struck down the giantand wiped out the people’s disgrace;His hand let fly the slingstonethat shattered the pride of Goliath.
5. For he had called upon the Most High God,who gave strength to his right armTo defeat the skilled warriorand establish the might of his people.
6. Therefore the women sang his praisesand honored him for “the tens of thousands.”When he received the royal crown, he battled
7. and subdued the enemy on every side.He campaigned against the hostile Philistinesand shattered their power till our own day.
8. With his every deed he offered thanksto God Most High, in words of praise.With his whole heart he loved his Maker
9. and daily had his praises sung;
10. He added beauty to the feastsand solemnized the seasons of each year
9b. With string music before the altar,providing sweet melody for the psalms
10b. So that when the Holy Name was praised,before daybreak the sanctuary would resound.
11. The Lord forgave him his sinsand exalted his strength forever;He conferred on him the rights of royaltyand established his throne in Israel.
12. Because of his merits he had as successora wise son, who lived in security:
13. Solomon reigned during an era of peace,for God brought rest to all his borders.He built a house to the name of God,and established a lasting sanctuary.
14. How wise you were when you were young,overflowing with instruction, like the Nile in flood!
15. Your understanding covered the whole earth,and, like a sea, filled it with knowledge.
16. Your fame reached distant coasts,and you were beloved for your peaceful reign.
17. With song and proverb and riddle,and with your answers, you astounded the nations.
18. You were called by that glorious namewhich was conferred upon Israel.Gold you gathered like so much iron;you heaped up silver as though it were lead.