to the accompaniment of a ten-stringed instrument and a lyre, to the accompaniment of the meditative tone of the harp.

All who hate me whisper insults about me to one another; they plan ways to harm me.

Indeed I am composed and quiet, like a young child carried by its mother; I am content like the young child I carry.

I will sing praises to the Lord when he vindicates me.

When I tripped, they taunted me relentlessly, and tried to bite me.

Your anger overwhelms me; your terrors destroy me.

How can I repay the Lord for all his acts of kindness to me?

You squeeze me in from behind and in front; you place your hand on me.

My strength leaves me; I am absolutely shocked.

Even when an army is deployed against me, I do not fear. Even when war is imminent, I remain confident.

It is as if I have been given fertile fields or received a beautiful tract of land.

Protect me from the wicked men who attack me, my enemies who crowd around me for the kill.

They open their mouths to devour me like a roaring lion that rips its prey.

They are ready to devour me; they say, “Aha! Aha! We’ve got you!”

For your arrows pierce me, and your hand presses me down.

He says: “Assemble my covenant people before me, those who ratified a covenant with me by sacrifice!”

My heart beats violently within me; the horrors of death overcome me.

I am obligated to fulfill the vows I made to you, O God; I will give you the thank-offerings you deserve,

I cry out for help to the sovereign God, to the God who vindicates me.

For you will extend your great loyal love to me, and will deliver my life from the depths of Sheol.