The nightmare in Israel continues to unfold. The full scale of the Hamas terrorists’ brutality is becoming increasingly evident, and they continue to attempt to infiltrate Israel and cause further devastation. The death toll continues to rise. The number of hostages taken is well over 100. Rockets are still raining down and the entire army reserve has been mobilized.
Israel desperately needs our help and prayers now more than ever!
Here are selected Psalms to recite on behalf of Israel at this difficult time.
Psalm 20
Psalm 20 is often recited in times of crisis. While human endeavors play a crucial role in addressing conflict, Psalm 20 reminds us that true salvation comes from God. We steadfastly call out to Him and pray that He will answer us “in time of trouble.” While our enemies rely on chariots and horses to bring them to victory, “we call on the name of the Lord, our God.”
God is our eternal protector, and we pray that He keep the soldiers, the injured, the hostages, and all of Israel safe at this very difficult time.
For the leader. A psalm of David.
May the LORD answer you in time of trouble, the name of Jacob’s God keep you safe.
May He send you help from the sanctuary, and sustain you from Zion.
May He receive the tokens of all your meal offerings, and approve your burnt offerings. Selah.
May He grant you your desire, and fulfill your every plan.
May we shout for joy in your victory, arrayed by standards in the name of our God. May the LORD fulfill your every wish.
Now I know that the LORD will give victory to His anointed, will answer him from His heavenly sanctuary with the mighty victories of His right arm.
They [call] on chariots, they [call] on horses, but we call on the name of the LORD our God.
They collapse and lie fallen, but we rally and gather strength.
O LORD, grant victory! May the King answer us when we call.
Psalm 30
Psalm 30 was penned by David for the Temple’s dedication and is also recited daily in the morning prayers. A central theme of the psalm is how God supported David during tough times, lifting him above enemies and rescuing him from dire situations. David writes that God transformed his sorrow into joy and dancing.
This psalm echoes the feelings of someone narrowly escaping death and finding redemption. Indeed, David faced multiple threats throughout his life: from Saul, who tried to kill him several times; from external foes; and even from his own son who sought his throne.
Just as God consistently protected David, turning grim circumstances into moments of joy, we pray for His continued protection over Israel against those aiming to harm her, bringing peace and joy to Israel once more.
A psalm of David. A song for the dedication of the House.
I extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up, and not let my enemies rejoice over me.
O LORD, my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me.
O LORD, You brought me up from Sheol, preserved me from going down into the Pit.
O you faithful of the LORD, sing to Him, and praise His holy name.
For He is angry but a moment, and when He is pleased there is life. One may lie down weeping at nightfall, but at dawn there are shouts of joy.
When I was untroubled, I thought, “I shall never be shaken,”
for You, O LORD, when You were pleased, made [me] firm as a mighty mountain. When You hid Your face, I was terrified.
I called to You, O LORD; to my Lord I made appeal,
“What is to be gained from my death, from my descent into the Pit? Can dust praise You? Can it declare Your faithfulness?
Hear, O LORD, and have mercy on me; O LORD, be my help!”
You turned my lament into dancing, you undid my sackcloth and girded me with joy,
that [my] whole being might sing hymns to You endlessly; O LORD my God, I will praise You forever.
Psalm 130
In Psalm 130, we cry out to God from the depths. The term “depths,” written in plural, symbolizes the collective pain and hardships endured by the people of Israel throughout history. Regrettably, trying times continue to test us. Yet, as the verse emphasizes, we don’t merely dwell in our pain. In times of difficulty, we turn to the Lord, recognizing only He holds the power to forgive and rescue.
The psalm describes our anticipation for God as greater than a watchman’s wait for dawn. Just as we trust the sun to rise every day, we are confident in God’s promise of salvation and the eventual redemption of Israel.
May God bring a quick and safe end to the current crisis, and may the ultimate redemption come swiftly in our time!
A song of ascents. Out of the depths I call You, O LORD.
O Lord, listen to my cry; let Your ears be attentive to my plea for mercy.
If You keep account of sins, O LORD, Lord, who will survive?
Yours is the power to forgive so that You may be held in awe.
I look to the LORD; I look to Him; I await His word.
I am more eager for the Lord than watchmen for the morning, watchmen for the morning.
O Israel, wait for the LORD; for with the LORD is steadfast love and great power to redeem.
It is He who will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.
May God give strength to His people, and may He bless Israel with peace.
