For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a psalm of David.
4:1 When I call out, answer me,
O God who vindicates me! 2
Though I am hemmed in, you will lead me into a wide, open place. 3
Have mercy on me 4 and respond to 5 my prayer!
For the music director; according to the alumoth-labben style; 7 a psalm of David.
9:1 I will thank the Lord with all my heart!
I will tell about all your amazing deeds! 8
9:2 I will be happy and rejoice in you!
I will sing praises to you, O sovereign One! 9
9:3 When my enemies turn back,
they trip and are defeated 10 before you.
9:4 For you defended my just cause; 11
from your throne you pronounced a just decision. 12
9:5 You terrified the nations with your battle cry; 13
you destroyed the wicked; 14
you permanently wiped out all memory of them. 15
9:6 The enemy’s cities have been reduced to permanent ruins; 16
you destroyed their cities; 17
all memory of the enemies has perished. 18
9:7 But the Lord 19 rules 20 forever;
he reigns in a just manner. 21
9:8 He judges the world fairly;
he makes just legal decisions for the nations. 22
9:9 Consequently 23 the Lord provides safety for the oppressed; 24
he provides safety in times of trouble. 25
9:10 Your loyal followers trust in you, 26
for you, Lord, do not abandon those who seek your help. 27
9:11 Sing praises to the Lord, who rules 28 in Zion!
Tell the nations what he has done! 29
9:12 For the one who takes revenge against murderers took notice of the oppressed; 30
he did not overlook 31 their cry for help 32
9:13 when they prayed: 33
“Have mercy on me, 34 Lord!
See how I am oppressed by those who hate me, 35
O one who can snatch me away 36 from the gates of death!
9:14 Then I will 37 tell about all your praiseworthy acts; 38
in the gates of Daughter Zion 39 I will rejoice because of your deliverance.” 40
9:15 The nations fell 41 into the pit they had made;
their feet were caught in the net they had hidden. 42
9:16 The Lord revealed himself;
he accomplished justice;
the wicked were ensnared by their own actions. 43 (Higgaion. 44 Selah)
9:17 The wicked are turned back and sent to Sheol; 45
this is the destiny of 46 all the nations that ignore 47 God,
9:18 for the needy are not permanently ignored, 48
the hopes of the oppressed are not forever dashed. 49
9:19 Rise up, Lord! 50
Don’t let men be defiant! 51
May the nations be judged in your presence!
9:20 Terrify them, Lord! 52
Let the nations know they are mere mortals! 53 (Selah)