1 A musical composition by David, which he sang to the Lord concerning a Benjaminite named Cush. O Lord my God, in you I have taken shelter. Deliver me from all who chase me! Rescue me!
2 Otherwise they will rip me to shreds like a lion; they will tear me to bits and no one will be able to rescue me.
3 O Lord my God, if I have done what they say, or am guilty of unjust actions,
4 or have wronged my ally, or helped his lawless enemy,
5 may an enemy relentlessly chase me and catch me; may he trample me to death and leave me lying dishonored in the dust. (Selah)
6 Stand up angrily, Lord! Rise up with raging fury against my enemies! Wake up for my sake and execute the judgment you have decreed for them!
7 The countries are assembled all around you; take once more your rightful place over them!
8 The Lord judges the nations. Vindicate me, Lord, because I am innocent, because I am blameless, O Exalted One!
9 May the evil deeds of the wicked come to an end! But make the innocent secure, O righteous God, you who examine inner thoughts and motives!
10 The Exalted God is my shield, the one who delivers the morally upright.
11 God is a just judge; he is angry throughout the day.
12 If a person does not repent, God sharpens his sword and prepares to shoot his bow.
13 He prepares to use deadly weapons against him; he gets ready to shoot flaming arrows.