Study Desk

Of David.

Contend,^(a) Lord , with those who contend with me; fight^(b) against those who fight against me.

Take up shield^(c) and armor; arise^(d) and come to my aid.^(e)

Brandish spear^(f) and javelin^[a](g) against those who pursue me. Say to me, "I am your salvation.^(h)"

May those who seek my life⁽ⁱ⁾ be disgraced^(j) and put to shame;^(k) may those who plot my ruin be turned back^(l) in dismay.

May they be like chaff^(m) before the wind, with the angel of the Lord ⁽ⁿ⁾ driving them away;

may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.

Since they hid their net^(o) for me without cause^(p) and without cause dug a pit^(q) for me,

may ruin overtake them by surprise—^(r) may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit,^(s) to their ruin.

Then my soul will rejoice^(t) in the Lord and delight in his salvation.^(u)

My whole being will exclaim, "Who is like you,^(v) Lord ? You rescue the poor from those too strong^(w) for them, the poor and needy^(x) from those who rob them."

Ruthless witnesses^(y) come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about.

They repay me evil for good^(z) and leave me like one bereaved.

Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth^(aa) and humbled myself with fasting.^(ab) When my prayers returned to me unanswered,

I went about mourning^(ac) as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.

But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee;^(ad) assailants gathered against me without my knowledge. They slandered^(ae) me without ceasing.

Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked;^[b](af) they gnashed their teeth^(ag) at me.

How long,^(ah) Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my precious life^(ai) from these lions.^(aj)

I will give you thanks in the great assembly;^(ak) among the throngs^(al) I will praise you.^(am)

Do not let those gloat over me who are my enemies^(an) without cause; do not let those who hate me without reason^(ao) maliciously wink the eye.^(ap)

They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations^(aq) against those who live quietly in the land.

They sneer^(ar) at me and say, "Aha! Aha!^(as) With our own eyes we have seen it."

Lord , you have seen^(at) this; do not be silent. Do not be far^(au) from me, Lord.

Awake,^(av) and rise^(aw) to my defense! Contend^(ax) for me, my God and Lord.

Vindicate me in your righteousness, Lord my God; do not let them gloat^(ay) over me.

Do not let them think, "Aha,^(az) just what we wanted!" or say, "We have swallowed him up."^(ba)

May all who gloat^(bb) over my distress^(bc) be put to shame^(bd) and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me^(be) be clothed with shame and disgrace.

May those who delight in my vindication^(bf) shout for joy^(bg) and gladness; may they always say, "The Lord be exalted, who delights^(bh) in the well-being of his servant."^(bi)

My tongue will proclaim your righteousness,^(bj) your praises all day long.^(bk)