But the Lord continually shows loyal love to his faithful followers, and is faithful to their descendants,

and lays the beams of the upper rooms of his palace on the rain clouds. He makes the clouds his chariot, and travels along on the wings of the wind.

For your loyal love extends beyond the sky, and your faithfulness reaches the clouds.

For they say cruel and deceptive things to me; they lie to me.

May the Lord repay my accusers in this way, those who say evil things about me!

The Lord makes this promise on oath and will not revoke it: “You are an eternal priest after the pattern of Melchizedek.”

He executes judgment against the nations; he fills the valleys with corpses; he shatters their heads over the vast battlefield.

For his loyal love towers over us, and the Lord’s faithfulness endures. Praise the Lord!

Arrogant people smear my reputation with lies, but I observe your precepts with all my heart.

For this reason I carefully follow all your precepts. I hate all deceitful actions.

As for those who are bent on traveling a sinful path, may the Lord remove them, along with those who behave wickedly! May Israel experience peace!

He said, “I will not enter my own home, or get into my bed.

By the rivers of Babylon we sit down and weep when we remember Zion.

Even when I must walk in the midst of danger, you revive me. You oppose my angry enemies, and your right hand delivers me.

I will give you thanks because your deeds are awesome and amazing. You knew me thoroughly;

Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb. All the days ordained for me were recorded in your scroll before one of them came into existence.

May he rain down fiery coals upon them! May he throw them into the fire! From bottomless pits they will not escape.

Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty extends over the earth and sky.

He is like a tree planted by flowing streams; it yields its fruit at the proper time, and its leaves never fall off. He succeeds in everything he attempts.

A psalm of David, written when he fled from his son Absalom. Lord, how numerous are my enemies! Many attack me.