for there our captors ask us to compose songs; those who mock us demand that we be happy, saying: “Sing for us a song about Zion!”

Let all the kings of the earth give thanks to you, O Lord, when they hear the words you speak.

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

I know that the Lord defends the cause of the oppressed and vindicates the poor.

Surely I am looking to you, O sovereign Lord. In you I take shelter. Do not expose me to danger!

Do not sit in judgment on your servant, for no one alive is innocent before you.

Certainly my enemies chase me. They smash me into the ground. They force me to live in dark regions, like those who have been dead for ages.

Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God. May your kind presence lead me into a level land.

As a demonstration of your loyal love, destroy my enemies! Annihilate all who threaten my life, for I am your servant.

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

Give sincere homage! Otherwise he will be angry, and you will die because of your behavior, when his anger quickly ignites. How blessed are all who take shelter in him!

Rise up, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Yes, you will strike all my enemies on the jaw; you will break the teeth of the wicked.

You have taken notice, for you always see one who inflicts pain and suffering. The unfortunate victim entrusts his cause to you; you deliver the fatherless.

For look, the wicked prepare their bows, they put their arrows on the strings, to shoot in the darkness at the morally upright.

Now I am sure that the Lord will deliver his chosen king; he will intervene for him from his holy heavenly temple, and display his mighty ability to deliver.

For he did not despise or detest the suffering of the oppressed; he did not ignore him; when he cried out to him, he responded.

A psalm – a song used at the dedication of the temple; by David. I will praise you, O Lord, for you lifted me up, and did not allow my enemies to gloat over me.

For I hear what so many are saying, the terrifying news that comes from every direction. When they plot together against me, they figure out how they can take my life.

For the Lord promotes justice, and never abandons his faithful followers. They are permanently secure, but the children of evil men are wiped out.

Hear my prayer, O Lord! Listen to my cry for help! Do not ignore my sobbing! For I am dependent on you, like one residing outside his native land; I am at your mercy, just as all my ancestors were.