The Lord judges the nations. Vindicate me, Lord, because I am innocent, because I am blameless, O Exalted One!

You terrified the nations with your battle cry; you destroyed the wicked; you permanently wiped out all memory of them.

Yes, the wicked man boasts because he gets what he wants; the one who robs others curses and rejects the Lord.

His mouth is full of curses and deceptive, harmful words; his tongue injures and destroys.

He waits in ambush near the villages; in hidden places he kills the innocent. His eyes look for some unfortunate victim.

Break the arm of the wicked and evil man! Hold him accountable for his wicked deeds, which he thought you would not discover.

Whoever lives a blameless life, does what is right, and speaks honestly.

As for God’s chosen people who are in the land, and the leading officials I admired so much –

I call to you for you will answer me, O God. Listen to me! Hear what I say!

They attack me, now they surround me; they intend to throw me to the ground.

I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I was delivered from my enemies.

The earth heaved and shook; the roots of the mountains trembled; they heaved because he was angry.

You prove to be loyal to one who is faithful; you prove to be trustworthy to one who is innocent.

I grind them as fine windblown dust; I beat them underfoot like clay in the streets.

Like a bridegroom it emerges from its chamber; like a strong man it enjoys running its course.

He asked you to sustain his life, and you have granted him long life and an enduring dynasty.

For you grant him lasting blessings; you give him great joy by allowing him into your presence.

For the king trusts in the Lord, and because of the sovereign Lord’s faithfulness he is not upended.

For you make them retreat when you shoot your arrows at them.

But I am a worm, not a man; people insult me and despise me.