For the music director; a psalm of David, written when Nathan the prophet confronted him after David's affair with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, because of your loyal love! Because of your great compassion, wipe away my rebellious acts!

May he come down like rain on the mown grass,
Like showers that water the earth.

God has spoken in His holiness:
“I will rejoice, I will portion out Shechem [as I divide Canaan among My people],
And measure out the Valley of Succoth.

For there [the] thrones sit for judgment, thrones of David's house.

O Lord, remember on David’s behalf
All his hardship and affliction;

For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.

{David's Psalm of praise.} I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.