Study Desk

A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.^(a)

Lord , how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!

Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him.^(b)"^[b]

But you, Lord , are a shield^(c) around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.^(d)

I call out to the Lord ,^(e) and he answers me from his holy mountain.^(f)

I lie down and sleep;^(g) I wake again,^(h) because the Lord sustains me.

I will not fear⁽ⁱ⁾ though tens of thousands assail me on every side.^(j)

Arise,^(k) Lord ! Deliver me,^(l) my God! Strike^(m) all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth⁽ⁿ⁾ of the wicked.

From the Lord comes deliverance.^(o) May your blessing^(p) be on your people.

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

Answer me^(a) when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress;^(b) have mercy^(c) on me and hear my prayer.^(d)

How long will you people turn my glory^(e) into shame?^(f) How long will you love delusions and seek false gods^[b]?^[c](g)

Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant^(h) for himself; the Lord hears⁽ⁱ⁾ when I call to him.

Tremble and^[d] do not sin;^(j) when you are on your beds,^(k) search your hearts and be silent.

Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord .^(l)

Many, Lord , are asking, "Who will bring us prosperity?" Let the light of your face shine on us.^(m)

Fill my heart⁽ⁿ⁾ with joy^(o) when their grain and new wine^(p) abound.

In peace^(q) I will lie down and sleep,^(r) for you alone, Lord , make me dwell in safety.^(s)

For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.

Listen^(a) to my words, Lord , consider my lament.^(b)

Hear my cry for help,^(c) my King and my God,^(d) for to you I pray.

In the morning,^(e) Lord , you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.^(f)

For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people^(g) are not welcome.

The arrogant^(h) cannot stand⁽ⁱ⁾ in your presence. You hate^(j) all who do wrong;

you destroy those who tell lies.^(k) The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord , detest.

But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence^(l) I bow down^(m) toward your holy temple.⁽ⁿ⁾

Lead me, Lord , in your righteousness^(o) because of my enemies— make your way straight^(p) before me.

Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave;^(q) with their tongues they tell lies.^(r)

Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins,^(s) for they have rebelled^(t) against you.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.^(u) Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name^(v) may rejoice in you.^(w)

Surely, Lord , you bless the righteous;^(x) you surround them^(y) with your favor as with a shield.^(z)