To the director.[41] Alamoth of Ben.[42] A song of David.[43]
<1> I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart.
I will tell about the wonderful things you have done.
<2> You make me happy, so I will rejoice in you.
God Most High, I praise your name.
<3> My enemies turned to run from you,
but they fell and were destroyed.
<4> You listened to me from your throne like a good judge,
and you decided that I was right.
<5> You told the nations how wrong they were.
You destroyed those evil people.
You erased their names
from our memory forever and ever.
<6> The enemy is finished!
You destroyed their cities.
There is nothing left to remind us of them.
<7> The Lord set up his throne to bring justice,
and he will rule forever.
<8> He judges everyone on earth fairly.
He judges all nations honestly.
<9> Many people are suffering-
crushed by the weight of their troubles.
But the Lord is a refuge for them,
a safe place they can run to.
<10> Lord, those who know your name
come to you for protection.
And when they come,
you do not leave them without help.
<11> Sing praises to the Lord
who sits as King in Zion.[44]
Tell the other nations
about the great things he has done.
<12> He punishes murderers
and remembers those who go to him for help
When those poor people cry for help,
he does not forget them.
<13> I said this prayer to God:
"Lord, be kind to me.
See how my enemies are hurting me?
Save me from the 'gates of death.'
<14> Then, at the gates of Jerusalem,[45]
I can sing praises to you.
I will be so happy because you saved me."
<15> Those other nations have fallen into the pit they dug to catch others.
They have been caught in their own trap.
<16> The Lord showed that he judges fairly.
The wicked were caught by what they did to hurt others.
<17> The wicked will go to the place of death,
as will all the nations that forget God.
<18> It may seem that those who are poor and needy have been forgotten,
but God will not forget them.
He will not leave them without hope.
<19> Lord, get up[48] and judge the nations.
Don't let anyone think they can win against you.
<20> Teach them a lesson.
Let them know they are only human.
Selah
© Copyright 2004 World Bible Translation Center.