The Perils of the Pilgrim

1Why, O YHWH, do You stand far off?

Do You hide in times of distress?

2In his arrogance, the wicked hotly pursue the afflicted;

may they be caught in the schemes that they have devised!

3For the wicked one boasts over the desire of his heart,

and he blesses a dishonest gainer; he has despised YHWH.

4The wicked one, in the height of his face, does not inquire;

there is no God in any of his thoughts.

5His paths are firm at every time;

Your judgments are on high before him,

and all his adversaries, he sneers at them.

6He has said in his heart, “I shall not be moved—

from generation to generation—to whom will be no adversity.”

7His mouth is full of cursing† and deceit† and oppression;

under his tongue are trouble and iniquity.

8He sits in an ambush of the villages;

in the hidden places he kills the innocent one;

his eyes look stealthily on the helpless.

9He lies in wait in the hidden place, like a lion in his lair;

he lies in wait to catch the afflicted one;

he catches the afflicted one by drawing him into his net.

10He is crushed; he bows down,†

and the hapless one falls by his strength.

11He has said in his heart, “God has forgotten;

He hides His face; He will not see it forever.”

12Arise, O YHWH! O God, lift up Your hand!

You must not forget the afflicted ones.

13Upon what does the wicked spurn God?

He has said in his heart, “You will not call me to account.”

14Indeed you You have seen;

You regard trouble and grief, to give it into Your hand.

The hapless one leaves himself to You;

for You are the One helping the fatherless.

15Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer!

Seek out his wickedness,

until none is found.

16YHWH is King forever and ever;

the nations have perished from His land.

17The desire of the afflicted ones You have heard, O YHWH;

You will make firm their hearts;

You will incline Your ear,

18to do justice for the fatherless and oppressed;

he shall not continue anymore to terrorize—

the man from the earth,