David asks the LORD to save him from his pursuers, protesting his innocence. He says that God is a righteous judge, whose justice returns on the wicked, and gives thanks.
1 Shiggaion of David , which he sang unto the LORD , concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite . O LORD my God , in thee do I put my trust : save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:
2 Lest he tear my soul like a lion , rending it in pieces , while there is none to deliver .
3 O LORD my God , if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands ;
4 If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me;(yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy :)
5 Let the enemy persecute my soul , and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth , and lay mine honour in the dust . Selah .
6 Arise , O LORD , in thine anger , lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies : and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded .
7 So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about : for their sakes therefore return thou on high .
8 The LORD shall judge the people : judge me, O LORD , according to my righteousness , and according to mine integrity that is in me.
9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end ; but establish the just : for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins .
10 My defence is of God , which saveth the upright in heart .
11 God judgeth the righteous , and God is angry with the wicked every day .
12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword ; he hath bent his bow , and made it ready .
13 He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death ; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors .
14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity , and hath conceived mischief , and brought forth falsehood .
15 He made a pit , and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made .
16 His mischief shall return upon his own head , and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate .
17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness : and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high .