Psalms 78:8

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 

Psalms 142:3

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.

Psalms 143:7

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 

[78:8]  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).

[142:3]  ² tn Heb “my spirit grows faint.”

[142:3]  ³ tn Heb “you know my path.”

[143:7]  ³ tn Heb “my spirit is failing.”

[143:7]  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).

[143:7]  ⁵ tn Heb “I will be equal with.”

[143:7]  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.