Prayer for Protection against Oppressors.

A Prayer of David.

1Hear the just (righteous) cause, O LORD; listen to my loud [piercing] cry;

Listen to my prayer, that comes from guileless lips.

2Let my verdict of vindication come from Your presence;

May Your eyes look with equity and behold things that are just.

3You have tried my heart;

You have visited me in the night;

You have tested me and You find nothing [evil in me];

I intend that my mouth will not transgress.

4Concerning the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips

I have kept away from the paths of the violent.

5My steps have held closely to Your paths;

My feet have not staggered.

6I have called upon You, for You, O God, will answer me;

Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech.

7Wondrously show Your [marvelous and amazing] lovingkindness,

O Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand

From those who rise up against them.

8Keep me [in Your affectionate care, protect me] as the [a]apple of Your eye;

Hide me in the [protective] shadow of Your wings

9From the wicked who despoil and deal violently with me,

My deadly enemies who surround me.

10They have closed their [b]unfeeling heart [to kindness and compassion];

With their mouths they speak proudly and make presumptuous claims.

11They track us down and have now surrounded us in our steps;

They set their eyes to force us to the ground,

12He is like a lion eager to tear [his prey],

And like a young lion lurking in hiding places.

13Arise, O LORD, confront him, cast him down;

Save my soul from the wicked with Your sword,

14From men with Your hand, O LORD,

From men of the world [these moths of the night] whose portion [of enjoyment] is in this life--idle and vain,

And whose belly You fill with Your treasure;

They are satisfied with children,

And they leave what they have left [of wealth] to their children.

15As for me, I shall see Your face in righteousness;

I will be [fully] satisfied when I awake [to find myself] seeing Your likeness.