The Book of the Use of Psalms

Judeo-Arabic

For grace and favor, recite: [Answer me] when I call, O God of my righteousness (Psalms 4:2) in the morning and in the evening, and you will have success. Or if you [need favor] from someone, recite [it] seven times.

Give ear to my [words], O Lord (Psalms 5:2) until For You will ble[s]s the right[eous] (Psalms 5:13)—for favor, say [this] over olive [oil] seven times at n[ight], and anoint your hands and feet with this ointment.

O Lord, rebuke me not in Your anger (Psalms 6:2)—the whole thing—say this seven times for eye trouble, and you will find relief.

O Lord my God, in You do I put my trust (Psalms 7:2)—take sand from the earth and recite the psalm over it, throw [it] behind you on the path, and go where you want.

Aramaic

Use of Psalms

[Chapter 1:] For a woman, so that she does not lose [her child], speak [it ov]er paper and write: Happy is the man (Psalms 1:1) until [and whatsoever he does] shall prosper (Psalms 1:3), and hang it on her. For a woman who suffers from flow. Also: Write [it] on a [pot]sherd that has not been burned and throw it in a dovecote, so it will be destroyed. Write to the end of the section.

Chapter 2: Why do the heathen rage? (Psalms 2:1). When a crowd rises up against you, speak it to the four directions of the earth, at n[i]‌ght before [the sun] rises. Also: Say [it] over a shard from the sea, and throw it in a pottery heap, and it will be destroyed. If someone’s head hurts, write up to: You shall break them with a rod of iron (Psalms 2:9).

Chapter 3: Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! (Psalms 3:2). And for someone [whose head and shoulder] hurt, speak it over olive oil, add salt, and anoint him. Also: When [he] has an enemy, whisper it over water and pour it over his head. [ . . . ]

Chapter 30: I will extol thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up (Psalms 30:2). In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust (Psalms 31:2). The transgression of the wicked (Psalms 36:2). My heart is indicting a good matter (Psalms 45:2). Say these four psalms for abdominal [pain].

Chapter 31: In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust (Psalms 31:2)—for the eyes. Whisper [it] over water, and one should wash. And when the body hurts a lot, whisper over olive oil and anoint with it.

Chapter 33: Rejoice in the Lord, O you ri[ght]eous (Psalms 33:1) For exorcism, and for a woman whose children die. Write it and whisper over olive oil, and anoint with it.

Chapter 33: Rejoice [in the Lord], O you righteous (Psalms 33:1).

And Chapter 34: When he changed his mind (Psalms 34:1).

[These] two psalms are for those who come before the ruler—say seven times. Also: If you want to free your friend from an oppressor, speak it, and go with him to the ruler.

Also: Chapter 34: When he changed his mind (Psalms 34:1)—against fever. Whisper over olive oil and anoint oneself.

Chapter 35: Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me (Psalms 35:1).

And Chapter 36: The transgression of the wicked (Psalms 36:2).

Write them down and bury [them] at the gate of the cattle.

Also: Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me (Psalms 35:1). If there is a man who oppresses you or hates you, recite this three times a day for three days.

Chapter 37: Do not fret yourself because of evildoers (Psalms 37:1). If someone has wine frequently, take a cup of water and salt, and say [the psalm] over it, and let him drink a little. Put [it] on his head and on his face.