1 For the chief musician, of David. In the LORD {YHWH, Refuge and Protector} I have sought refuge; how can you say to my soul, “Flee {nudu: escape swiftly} to your mountain like a bird?”
2 For behold, the wicked draw the bow {qeshet: weapon of ambush}; they place their arrow on the string to fire from darkness at the upright of heart {leyishrei-lev: morally straight ones}.
3 When the foundations {hashetot: basic moral order} are destroyed, what can the righteous {tsaddiq: loyal to covenant} accomplish?
4 The LORD {YHWH, Exalted King} is within His holy temple; the LORD’s throne is set in the heavens. His eyes observe, and His eyelids test the children of man {adam: humankind}.
5 The LORD {YHWH, Righteous Evaluator} tests the righteous {tsaddiq: truly just}, but the wicked—and the one who loves violence—His soul hates.
6 He {YHWH, Righteous Judge} will rain upon the wicked snares, fire, and brimstone, and a scorching wind will be the portion of their cup {kos: fixed destiny}.
7 Because the LORD {YHWH, Sovereign Righteous Judge} is just in all His ways, He takes pleasure in acts of justice {tsedakot: just actions}; the blameless will behold His face.