The LORD Implored to Defend the Psalmist against the Wicked.

A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite.

1 O LORD my God, in You I have taken refuge;
          Save me from all those who pursue me, and deliver me,

2 Or he will tear my soul like a lion,
          Dragging me away, while there is none to deliver.

3 O LORD my God, if I have done this,
          If there is injustice in my hands,

4 If I have rewarded evil to my friend,
          Or have plundered him who without cause was my adversary,

5 Let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it;
          And let him trample my life down to the ground
          And lay my glory in the dust.


6 Arise, O LORD, in Your anger;
          Lift up Yourself against the rage of my adversaries,
          And arouse Yourself for me; You have appointed judgment.

7 Let the assembly of the peoples encompass You,
          And over them return on high.

8 The LORD judges the peoples;
          Vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and my integrity that is in me.

9 O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous;
          For the righteous God tries the hearts and minds.

10 My shield is with God,
          Who saves the upright in heart.

11 God is a righteous judge,
          And a God who has indignation every day.

12 If a man does not repent, He will sharpen His sword;
          He has bent His bow and made it ready.

13 He has also prepared for Himself deadly weapons;
          He makes His arrows fiery shafts.

14 Behold, he travails with wickedness,
          And he conceives mischief and brings forth falsehood.

15 He has dug a pit and hollowed it out,
          And has fallen into the hole which he made.

16 His mischief will return upon his own head,
          And his violence will descend upon his own pate.

17 I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness
          And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.