Psalms 7:13

7:13 He prepares to use deadly weapons against him; ¹ 

he gets ready to shoot flaming arrows. ² 

Psalms 26:2

26:2 Examine me, O Lord, and test me!

Evaluate my inner thoughts and motives! ³ 

Psalms 66:10

66:10 For ⁴  you, O God, tested us;

you purified us like refined silver.

Psalms 120:4

120:4 Here’s how! ⁵  With the sharp arrows of warriors,

with arrowheads forged over the hot coals. ⁶ 

[7:13]  ¹ tn Heb “and for him he prepares the weapons of death.”

[7:13]  ² tn Heb “his arrows into flaming [things] he makes.”

[26:2]  ³ tn Heb “evaluate my kidneys and my heart.” The kidneys and heart were viewed as the seat of one’s volition, conscience, and moral character.

[66:10]  ⁵ tn Or “indeed.”

[120:4]  ⁷ tn The words “here’s how” are supplied in the translation as a clarification. In v. 4 the psalmist answers the question he raises in v. 3.

[120:4]  ⁸ tn Heb “with coals of the wood of the broom plant.” The wood of the broom plant was used to make charcoal, which in turn was used to fuel the fire used to forge the arrowheads.