Add parallel Print Page Options

A Prayer for Protection

43 God, defend me.
    ·Argue my case [L Vindicate me, O God, and contend for/defend me] against ·those who don’t follow you [L a godless nation].
    ·Save [Rescue; T Deliver] me from ·liars [deceivers] and those who ·do evil [are unjust].
God, you are my ·strength [L refuge].
    Why have you rejected me?
Why am I ·sad [L going around in mourning]
    and ·troubled [oppressed] by my enemies?
Send me your light and ·truth [faithfulness]
    to ·guide [lead] me.
Let them ·lead [bring] me to your holy mountain [C Zion, the location of the Temple],
    to ·where you live [your dwelling].
Then I will go to the altar of God,
    to God who is my joy and happiness.
I will praise you with a ·harp [lyre],
    God, my God.

Why ·am I so sad [L are you downcast, my soul]?
    Why ·am I so upset [are you groaning/in an uproar]?
I ·should [or will] ·put my hope in [wait for] God
    and ·keep praising [or will again praise] him,
my ·Savior [Victor] and my God.

Psalm 43[a]

Vindicate me, my God,
    and plead my cause(A)
    against an unfaithful nation.
Rescue me(B) from those who are
    deceitful and wicked.(C)
You are God my stronghold.
    Why have you rejected(D) me?
Why must I go about mourning,(E)
    oppressed by the enemy?(F)
Send me your light(G) and your faithful care,(H)
    let them lead me;(I)
let them bring me to your holy mountain,(J)
    to the place where you dwell.(K)
Then I will go(L) to the altar(M) of God,
    to God, my joy(N) and my delight.(O)
I will praise you with the lyre,(P)
    O God, my God.

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.(Q)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 43:1 In many Hebrew manuscripts Psalms 42 and 43 constitute one psalm.