① 1* 2Deliver me from my enemies, O God, from those who rise up against me.
3Deliver me from evildoers; rescue me from the bloodthirsty.
4Look, they lie in wait for my life; the mighty conspiring against me, for no fault of mine, O Lord.
5I have done them no wrong, yet they prepare to attack me. Rise and help me, look on my plight, 6O Lord God of hosts, God of Israel! Arise and punish the nations; have no mercy on the wicked traitors.
7Each evening they return, howling like dogs, prowling about the city. 8To their mind, God does not hear or see their wicked deeds.
9But you, O Lord, laugh at them; you look down upon the wicked.
10O my Strength, I look up to you, for you, O God, are my fortress.
11My loving God will come to help me and let me see my enemies fall.
12But slay them not, lest my people forget; just shake them by your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield.
13Give us your help against the foe, for human help is worthless.
For the curses and lies they utter, 14destroy them in your vengeance, destroy them till they are no more. Then it will be known that God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth.
15Each evening let them return, howling like dogs, prowling about the city, 16roaming about for food, growling and never filled.
17But I will sing of your might; in the morning I will sing of your love. For you have been a fortress to me, a refuge in time of distress. 18O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my stronghold; you are a loving God.
- Is God far from evil places? Does he do nothing there? Is there no prayer, no witness which can move them?
