This psalm is ascribed to David as his own composition (though it is outside the number[a]), after he had fought in single combat with Goliath.
1 I was small among my brothers,
and youngest in my father’s house;
I tended my father’s sheep.
2 My hands made a harp,
my fingers fashioned a lyre.
3 And who will declare it to my Lord?
The Lord himself; it is he who hears.[b]
4 It was he who sent his messenger[c]
and took me from my father’s sheep,
and anointed me with his anointing oil.
5 My brothers were handsome and tall,
but the Lord was not pleased with them.
6 I went out to meet the Philistine,[d]
and he cursed me by his idols.
7 But I drew his own sword;
I beheaded him, and removed reproach from the people of Israel.
Footnotes
- Psalm 151 1:1 Other authorities add of the one hundred fifty (psalms)
- Psalm 151 1:3 Some witnesses add everything; others add me; others read who will hear me
- Psalm 151 1:4 Or angel
- Psalm 151 1:6 Or foreigner