Study Desk

A shiggaion^[b](a) of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjamite.

Lord my God, I take refuge^(b) in you; save and deliver me^(c) from all who pursue me,^(d)

or they will tear me apart like a lion^(e) and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue^(f) me.

Lord my God, if I have done this and there is guilt on my hands^(g)—

if I have repaid my ally with evil or without cause^(h) have robbed my foe—

then let my enemy pursue and overtake⁽ⁱ⁾ me; let him trample my life to the ground^(j) and make me sleep in the dust.^[c](k)

Arise,^(l) Lord , in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies.^(m) Awake,⁽ⁿ⁾ my God; decree justice.

Let the assembled peoples gather around you, while you sit enthroned over them on high.^(o)

Let the Lord judge^(p) the peoples. Vindicate me, Lord , according to my righteousness,^(q) according to my integrity,^(r) O Most High.^(s)

Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure—^(t) you, the righteous God^(u) who probes minds and hearts.^(v)

My shield^[d](w) is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.^(x)

God is a righteous judge,^(y) a God who displays his wrath^(z) every day.

If he does not relent,^(aa) he^[e] will sharpen his sword;^(ab) he will bend and string his bow.^(ac)

He has prepared his deadly weapons; he makes ready his flaming arrows.^(ad)

Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth^(ae) to disillusionment.

Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit^(af) they have made.^(ag)

The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads.

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness;^(ah) I will sing the praises^(ai) of the name of the Lord Most High.^(aj)