Psalm 151

Superscription¹

151:1² This psalm was written³ by⁴ David himself

(even though it lies outside the accepted number of psalms)⁵

after⁶ he fought single-handedly⁷ with Goliath.⁸

The Lord’s Selection of David

I was the smallest⁹ among my brothers,

and the youngest¹⁰ in my father’s household.

I used to take care of my father’s sheep.

151:2 My hands constructed¹¹ a musical instrument;¹²

my fingers tuned¹³ a harp.¹⁴

151:3 Who will announce this¹⁵ to my Lord?

The Lord himself—he is listening.¹⁶

151:4 He himself sent his messenger¹⁷

and took me from my father’s sheep,

and anointed me with his anointing oil.¹⁸

151:5 My brothers were handsome and big,¹⁹

but the Lord did not approve of²⁰ them.

David’s Victory over Goliath

151:6 I went out to meet the foreigner;²¹

he called down curses on me by his idols.

151:7 But I pulled out his own sword;

I beheaded²² him and thereby removed reproach from the Israelites.²³

Introduction²⁴