78:8 Then they will not be like their ancestors,
who were a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation that was not committed
and faithful to God. 1
142:3 Even when my strength leaves me, 2
you watch my footsteps. 3
In the path where I walk
they have hidden a trap for me.
143:7 Answer me quickly, Lord!
My strength is fading. 4
Do not reject me, 5
or I will join 6 those descending into the grave. 7
1 tn Heb “a generation that did not make firm its heart and whose spirit was not faithful with God.” The expression “make firm the heart” means “to be committed, devoted” (see 1 Sam 7:3).
2 tn Heb “my spirit grows faint.”
3 tn Heb “you know my path.”
3 tn Heb “my spirit is failing.”
4 tn Heb “do not hide your face from me.” The idiom “hide the face” (1) can mean “ignore” (see Pss 10:11; 13:1; 51:9) or (2) can carry the stronger idea of “reject” (see Pss 30:7; 88:14).
5 tn Heb “I will be equal with.”
6 tn Heb “the pit.” The Hebrew noun בּוֹר (bor, “pit; cistern”) is sometimes used of the grave and/or the realm of the dead. See Ps 28:1.