The Lord also will be a refuge and a stronghold for the oppressed,
A refuge in times of trouble;

Let them be [blown away] like chaff before the wind [worthless, without substance],
With the angel of the Lord driving them on.

But the wicked (ungodly) will perish,
And the enemies of the Lord will be like the glory of the pastures and like the fat of lambs [that is consumed in smoke],
They vanish—like smoke they vanish away.

And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest.

Let them flow away like water that runs off;
When he aims his arrows, let them be as headless shafts.

Let them be as a snail which melts away (secretes slime) as it goes along,
Like the miscarriage of a woman which never sees the sun.

You have set up a banner for those who fear You [with awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder—a banner to shield them from attack],
A banner that may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.

They will be given over to the power of the sword;
They will be a prey for foxes.

May their encampment be desolate;
May no one dwell in their tents.

And not be like their fathers—
A stubborn and rebellious generation,
A generation that did not prepare its heart to know and follow God,
And whose spirit was not faithful to God.

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand [anywhere else];
I would rather stand [as a doorkeeper] at the threshold of the house of my God
Than to live [at ease] in the tents of wickedness.

Once You spoke in a vision to Your godly ones,
And said, “I have given help to one who is mighty [giving him the power to be a champion for Israel];
I have exalted one chosen from the people.

He makes the barren woman live in the house
As a joyful mother of children.
Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)

Let them be like the grass on the housetops,
Which withers before it grows up,

Let our sons in their youth be like plants full grown,
And our daughters like corner pillars fashioned for a palace;