Then the two choirs that gave thanks took their stations ¹  in the temple of God. I did also, along with half the officials with me,

I brought the leaders of Judah up on top of the wall, and I appointed two large choirs to give thanks. One was to proceed ¹  on the top of the wall southward toward the Dung Gate.

The second choir was proceeding ¹  in the opposite direction. I followed them, along with half the people, on top of the wall, past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall,

For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors ¹  for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanks to God.

For the music director, to be accompanied by wind instruments; ²  a psalm of David. Listen to what I say, ³  Lord! Carefully consider my complaint! ⁴ 

and also Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malkijah, Elam, and Ezer. The choirs sang loudly ¹  under the direction of Jezrahiah.

Sing ¹  a song and play the tambourine, the pleasant sounding harp, and the ten-stringed instrument!

Sing to the Lord accompanied by a harp, accompanied by a harp and the sound of music!

David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint some of their relatives as musicians; they were to play various instruments, including stringed instruments and cymbals, and to sing loudly and joyfully. ¹ 

Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah which all the male and female singers use to mourn Josiah to this very day. It has become customary in Israel to sing these; they are recorded in the Book of Laments.

For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments, according to the sheminith style; ²  a psalm of David. Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger! Do not discipline me in your raging fury! ³ 

For the music director, according to the gittith style; ²  a psalm of David. O Lord, our Lord, ³  how magnificent ⁴  is your reputation ⁵  throughout the earth! You reveal your majesty in the heavens above! ⁶ 

For the music director; according to the alumoth-labben style; ²  a psalm of David. I will thank the Lord with all my heart! I will tell about all your amazing deeds! ³ 

For the music director; according to the sheminith style; ²  a psalm of David. Deliver, Lord! For the godly ³  have disappeared; ⁴  people of integrity ⁵  have vanished. ⁶ 

For the music director; written by the Lord’s servant, David; an oracle. ²  An evil man is rebellious to the core. ³  He does not fear God, ⁴ 

For the music director; by the Korahites; according to the alamoth style; ²  a song. God is our strong refuge; ³  he is truly our helper in times of trouble. ⁴ 

For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a well-written song ²  by David. Listen, O God, to my prayer! Do not ignore ³  my appeal for mercy!

For the music director; to be played on a stringed instrument; written by David. O God, hear my cry for help! Pay attention to my prayer!

For the music director, Jeduthun; a psalm of David. For God alone I patiently wait; ²  he is the one who delivers me. ³ 

For the music director; to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a psalm, a song. May God show us his favor ²  and bless us! ³  May he smile on us! ⁴  (Selah)