The Skeptics Annotated Bible (434 page)

1
LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O
my God
: for
thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

(3.7) “My God … thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.”

8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

1
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.

3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

6 There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.

8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

1
Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

4 For
thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.

(5.4)
“Thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.”
294 Did God create evil?

5
The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

(5.5a)
“The foolish shall not stand in thy sight.”
295 Is it good to be foolish?

(5.5b-6)
“Thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Thou shalt destroy them.”
Christians often say that one should love the sinner but hate the sin. Perhaps, but God hates sinners. This verse, by the way, is used to justify the Rev. Fred Phelps’ slogan that “God hates fags.” His logic is impeccable if one accepts the Bible. God hates sinners (Ps 5.5). Homosexuality is a sin (Lev 18.22, 20.13). Therefore God hates homosexuals— or fags, as Rev. Phelps indelicately puts it.
131 Does God love everyone?

6
Thou shalt destroy them
that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.

7 But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.

9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

10 Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.

11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

1
O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?

4 Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake.

5
For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?

(6.5)
“For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?”
Dead people, contrary to many Bible verses, neither remember God nor give him thanks.
167 Is death final?