1 Lord, my rock, I'm calling out to you. Please listen to me! For if you don't respond, I'll be like those who go down into the grave.* “Grave”: literally, “pit.”

2 Listen as I appeal for mercy, as I call for help, as I hold up my hands in prayer towards your holy Temple.

3 Don't drag me off with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak nicely to their neighbors while in their minds they're plotting evil.

4 Give them what they deserve for their evil actions. Pay them back for what they've done. Give them the reward they've earned!

5 For they don't pay any attention to what the Lord does, or to what he created. So he will destroy them—they will never be restored.

6 Praise the Lord! For he has heard my appeal for mercy!

7 The Lord is my strength and my shield. I trust in him and he helps me. I'm so happy, and I sing my thanks to him.

8 The Lord gives strength to his people; he is a safe refuge for the one he has anointed.† In context this probably referred to Israel's king.

9 Save your people! Bless your “special possession”!‡ The Lord's “special possession” is his people Israel. Be their shepherd and carry them in your arms forever!