My Defender

¹I’m pleading with you, Yahweh , help me![#28:1 This psalm was likely written when David was exiled because of the rebellion of his son Absalom. He was not longing and looking for his throne but for God’s throne (see v. 2).]

Don’t close your ears to my cry, for you’re my defender.

If you continue to remain aloof and refuse to answer me,

I might as well give up and die.

²Hear my cry for help as I turn toward your mercy seat,

as I lift my hands toward your sacred sanctuary.

³Don’t allow me to be punished along with the wicked—

these hypocrites who speak sweetly to their neighbors’ faces

while holding evil against them in their hearts.

My Vindication

⁴Go ahead and punish them as they deserve.

Let them be paid back for all their evil plans

in proportion to their wickedness.

⁵Since they don’t care anything about you,

or understand the great things you’ve done,

take them down like an old building being demolished ,

never again to be rebuilt.

⁶But Yahweh , may your name be blessed and built up !

For you have answered my passionate cry for mercy.

My Strength

⁷Yahweh is my strength and my wraparound shield.

When I fully trust in you, help is on the way.

I jump for joy and burst forth with ecstatic, passionate praise!

I will sing songs of what you mean to me!

⁸You will be the inner strength of all your people,

Yahweh , the mighty protector of all,

and the saving strength for all your anointed ones.

⁹Save your people whom you love, and bless your chosen ones.

Be our shepherd leading us forward,

forever carrying us in your arms!