O Lord, contend with those who fight, Rise up, my shield, my sword of might! Take spear and shield, oppose my foes, Speak to my soul: “I bring you close.” Confuse the ones who seek my life, Let shame and ruin mark their strife. Like chaff before the wind, they’ll flee, The angel of the Lord in pursuit—flee! For without cause they spread their net, Dug pits for me, their trap was set. Let ruin strike them unaware, Their own dark snares now trap them there. Then will my soul rejoice in You, Delighted in Your rescue true. My bones will whisper, “Who’s like God?” Who saves the weak from tyrants’ rod? False witnesses rise up to lie, They mock my pain with cruel reply. They gnash their teeth with hateful stare, Yet You, O Lord, how long—how long forbear? Awake! Rise up, defend my cause, My God, my King, uphold Your laws! Let those who love Your justice sing, “The Lord is great! He saves His king!” My tongue will praise You all day long, Your righteousness will be my song. Let those who wronged me shrink in shame, While I proclaim Your holy name!
