Study Desk

For the choir director: "Do Not Destroy."^[a] A Davidic Miktam.

Do you really speak righteously, you mighty ones?^[b] Do you judge people fairly?^(a)

No, you practice injustice in your hearts; with your hands you weigh out violence in the land.^(b)

The wicked go astray from the womb; liars err from birth.^(c)

They have venom like the venom of a snake, like the deaf cobra that stops up its ears,^(d)

that does not listen to the sound of the charmers who skillfully weave spells.^(e)

God, knock the teeth out of their mouths; Lord , tear out the young lions' fangs.^(f)

They will vanish like water that flows by; they will aim their useless arrows.^[c][d](g)

Like a slug that moves along in slime, like a woman's miscarried child, they will not see the sun.^(h)

Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns— whether green or burning— He will sweep them away.^[e](i)

The righteous one will rejoice when he sees the retribution;^(j) he will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.^(k)

Then people will say, "Yes, there is a reward for the righteous! There is a God who judges on earth!"^(l)

For the choir director: "Do Not Destroy."^[a] A Davidic Miktam. When Saul sent agents to watch the house and kill him.^(a)

Deliver me from my enemies, my God;^(b) protect me from those who rise up against me.^(c)

Deliver me from those who practice sin, and save me from men of bloodshed.^(d)

Lord , look! They set an ambush for me.^(e) Powerful men attack me, but not because of any sin or rebellion of mine.^(f)

For no fault of mine, they run and take up a position. Awake to help me, and take notice.^(g)

Lord God of Hosts, You are the God of Israel, rise up to punish all the nations; do not show grace to any wicked traitors.^(h) Selah

They return at evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.⁽ⁱ⁾

Look, they spew from their mouths— sharp words from^[b] their lips.^(j) "For who," they say, "will hear?"^(k)

But You laugh at them, Lord ; You ridicule all the nations.^(l)

I will keep watch for You, my^[c] strength, because God is my stronghold.^(m)

My faithful God^[d] will come to meet me; God will let me look down on my adversaries.⁽ⁿ⁾

Do not kill them; otherwise, my people will forget. By Your power, make them homeless wanderers^(o) and bring them down, Lord, our shield.^(p)

For the sin of their mouths and the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. They utter curses and lies.^(q)

Consume them in rage; consume them until they are gone.^(r) Then people will know throughout^[e] the earth that God rules over Jacob.^(s) Selah

And they return at evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.^(t)

They scavenge for food; they growl if they are not satisfied.^(u)

But I will sing of Your strength and will joyfully proclaim Your faithful love in the morning.^(v) For You have been a stronghold for me, a refuge in my day of trouble.^(w)

To You, my strength, I sing praises, because God is my stronghold— my faithful God.^(x)