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(A psalm by David for the music leader.)

Celebrate because of the Lord

Listen to my concerns, God,
and protect me
    from my enemies' threats.
Keep me safe from secret plots
    of corrupt and evil gangs.
Their words cut like swords,
and their cruel remarks
    sting like sharp arrows.
They fearlessly ambush
    and shoot innocent people.

They are determined to do evil,
    and they tell themselves,
“Let's set traps!
    No one can see us.”[a]
They make evil plans and say,
“We'll commit a perfect crime.
    No one knows our thoughts.”[b]

But God will shoot his arrows
    and quickly wound them.
They will be destroyed
    by their own words,
and everyone who sees them
    will tremble with fear.[c]
They will be afraid and say,
“Look at what God has done
    and keep it all in mind.”

10 May the Lord bless his people
with peace and happiness
    and let them celebrate.

Footnotes

  1. 64.5 us: One ancient translation; Hebrew “them.”
  2. 64.6 thoughts: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 6.
  3. 64.8 tremble with fear: Or “turn and run.”

Psalm 64[a]

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint;(A)
    protect my life from the threat of the enemy.(B)

Hide me from the conspiracy(C) of the wicked,(D)
    from the plots of evildoers.
They sharpen their tongues like swords(E)
    and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.(F)
They shoot from ambush at the innocent;(G)
    they shoot suddenly, without fear.(H)

They encourage each other in evil plans,
    they talk about hiding their snares;(I)
    they say, “Who will see it[b]?”(J)
They plot injustice and say,
    “We have devised a perfect plan!”
    Surely the human mind and heart are cunning.

But God will shoot them with his arrows;
    they will suddenly be struck down.
He will turn their own tongues against them(K)
    and bring them to ruin;
    all who see them will shake their heads(L) in scorn.(M)
All people will fear;(N)
    they will proclaim the works of God
    and ponder what he has done.(O)

10 The righteous will rejoice in the Lord(P)
    and take refuge in him;(Q)
    all the upright in heart will glory in him!(R)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 64:1 In Hebrew texts 64:1-10 is numbered 64:2-11.
  2. Psalm 64:5 Or us