109:28 They curse, but you will bless. 1
When they attack, they will be humiliated, 2
but your servant will rejoice.
109:29 My accusers will be covered 3 with shame,
and draped in humiliation as if it were a robe.
1 tn Another option is to translate the imperfect as a prayer/request (“may you bless”).
2 tn The verbal sequence is perfect + prefixed form with vav (ו) consecutive. Since the psalmist seems to be anticipating the demise of his enemies, he may be using these forms rhetorically to describe the enemies’ defeat as if it were already accomplished. Some emend the text to קָמוּ יֵבֹשׁוּ (qamu yevoshu, “may those who attack me be humiliated”). See L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 75.
3 tn Heb “clothed.” Another option is to translate the prefixed verbal forms in this line and the next as jussives (“may my accusers be covered with shame”).