By Emily Bateman
Psalm 119:9-16 © 2020 Psalter Project.
Translation by Derek Moore. Music arranged by Dave Yauk.
V1
9How will the young keep his way pure?
He must guard it by your word.
10I seek you with my whole heart;
From your commands may I not depart.
V2
11In my heart your word I hid,
So against you I won’t sin.
12Blessed are you, O LORD;
Teach to me your written word.
V3
13With my lips I will recount
All the judgments of your mouth;
14In the way you affirm I’m pleased
As in all prosperity.
V4
15On your laws I meditate;
Fix my eyes upon your ways.
In your statutes I am glad;
Your word I will not forget.
Psalm 119 is an intensely personal exploration of suffering and God’s Word. “Your Word” takes a section from the beginning of the psalm that lays the foundation, specifically for young people (v 9). The musical arrangement adopts a traditional lullaby tune to assist in the very thing the psalm recommends: memorizing and meditating on God’s Word. As the rest of Psalm 119 reveals, this instruction is life-giving among even in the most dire circumstances.
About the Musician
Emily Bateman is the co-founder and director of Psalter Project, a resource to encourage and enable contemporary psalm singing. Psalter Project combines fresh musical arrangements with lyrics that are faithful translations of God’s Word. Emily lives in Nampa, ID with her husband Jared and a growing number of children.