1 A prayer of David. Listen, O LORD {YHWH, Covenant Defender}, to a righteous plea {tzedek: legal rightness}; pay attention to my cry; give ear to my prayer; for my lips are not deceitful.
2 From before You, may my judgment {mishpati: legal decision} go forth; let Your eyes behold what is upright {meisharim: moral straightness}.
3 You have examined my heart; You have visited me at night {laylāh: nocturnal period}; You have tested me and You will find nothing; I am resolved that my mouth {pî: source of speech} will not transgress.
4 Concerning the deeds of man, by the word of Your{kha: Sovereign Authority} lips{safateikha: spoken command}, I have kept myself from the paths of the violent.
5 Uphold {tamok: firm support} my steps in Your paths, so that my footsteps {pe’amaim: steady progress} do not slip.
6 I have cried out to You, O God {El, Prayer Hearer}, for You will answer me; turn Your ear to me and hear my speech {imrati: spoken words}.
7 Show Your{YHWH, Faithful Preserver} marvelous steadfast love; O Savior of those who seek refuge, You who save by Your right hand{yamin: symbol of power} from those who rise up against them.
8 Preserve me as the pupil {ishon: innermost chamber} of the eye; conceal me beneath the shadow of Your {kha: Protective Intimacy} wings.
9 From the wicked who do me violence {shaduni: devastated}, from my enemies who seek my life {nefesh: inner being}, who surround me.
10 They have closed their hearts {chelbamo: innermost thoughts} to pity; with their mouths they have spoken arrogantly {begeut: proud exaltation}.
11 They have now surrounded us at every step of our path {ashurenu: path of life}; they have encircled {sevavunu: encompassed entirely} us and set their eyes to cast us down to the earth.
12 His likeness is like a lion that longs {yikhsof: intense craving} to tear, and like a young lion dwelling in hiding places {mistarim: concealed spots}.
13 Arise, LORD {YHWH, Divine Champion}; confront him and subdue him; deliver my soul {napshi: life essence} from the wicked by Your sword.
14 By Your hand, O LORD {YHWH, Sovereign Disposer}, deliver me from men of this world whose portion is in life; You fill their bellies with what You have stored up {tzafun: Hidden Treasure}. They are satisfied with children and leave their remainder to their infants.
15 But I, in righteousness, will gaze upon Your {YHWH, Revealer of Truth} face; when I awaken, I shall be satisfied with Your likeness {temunah: true form}.