The Cedars of Lebanon are How Our Ancestors Understood the Holiness of Creation

Psalm 104
adapted by Elliott batTzedek from a translation by Robert Alter

Letting loose the springs,
down the mountains they go
watering all the beasts of the field
even the untamable slaking their thirst.
Dwelling above, the birds of the heavens
sending forth their voice from among the greens.
Rolling waters from mountains’ heights
sating all-life from earth-fruits —
hay sprouting for cattle, grains for the laborer,
wine gladdening hearts, making faces shine,
bread brought forth to sustain the hearts of humankind —
trees drinking their fill, Lebanon’s cedars, sprouting from creation-time,
where birds do build, cypress for storks’ nest,
the heights a home for gazelles, the crags for rock badgers.
Moon shining, fixing seasons, sun circling in its setting,
all the earth welling with riches

Let me sing all the whiles I live,
let me hymn while still I breathe
Let my speech be sweet rejoicing
Let blessing be all I do
Hallowing you, Creation, Hallowing you.

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