By David.
28:1 To you, O Lord, I cry out!
My protector, 2 do not ignore me! 3
If you do not respond to me, 4
I will join 5 those who are descending into the grave. 6
28:2 Hear my plea for mercy when I cry out to you for help,
when I lift my hands 7 toward your holy temple! 8
28:3 Do not drag me away with evil men,
with those who behave wickedly, 9
who talk so friendly to their neighbors, 10
while they plan to harm them! 11
28:4 Pay them back for their evil deeds!
Pay them back for what they do!
Punish them! 12
28:5 For they do not understand the Lord’s actions,
or the way he carries out justice. 13
The Lord 14 will permanently demolish them. 15
28:6 The Lord deserves praise, 16
for he has heard my plea for mercy! 17
28:7 The Lord strengthens and protects me; 18
I trust in him with all my heart. 19
I am rescued 20 and my heart is full of joy; 21
I will sing to him in gratitude. 22
28:8 The Lord strengthens his people; 23
he protects and delivers his chosen king. 24
28:9 Deliver your people!
Empower 25 the nation that belongs to you! 26
Care for them like a shepherd and carry them in your arms 27 at all times! 28