71:1
In you, Yahweh, I take refuge, I shall never be put to shame.
71:2
In your saving justice rescue me, deliver me, listen to me and save me.
71:3
Be a sheltering rock for me, always accessible; you have determined to save me, for you are my rock, my fortress.
71:4
My God, rescue me from the clutches of the wicked, from the grasp of the rogue and the ruthless.
71:5
For you are my hope, Lord, my trust, Yahweh, since boyhood.
71:6
On you I have relied since my birth, since my mother's womb you have been my portion, the constant theme of my praise.
71:7
Many were bewildered at me, but you are my sure refuge.
71:8
My mouth is full of your praises, filled with your splendour all day long.
71:9
Do not reject me in my old age, nor desert me when my strength is failing,
71:10
for my enemies are discussing me, those with designs on my life are plotting together.
71:11
'Hound him down, for God has deserted him! Seize him, there is no one to rescue him.'
71:12
God, do not stand aloof, my God, come quickly to help me.
71:13
Shame and ruin on those who slander me, may those intent on harming me be covered with insult and infamy.
71:14
As for me, my hope will never fade, I will praise you more and more.
71:15
My lips shall proclaim your saving justice, your saving power all day long.
71:16
I will come in the power of Yahweh to tell of your justice, yours alone.
71:17
God, you have taught me from boyhood, and I am still proclaiming your marvels.
71:18
Now that I am old and grey-haired, God, do not desert me, till I have proclaimed your strength to generations still to come, your power
71:19
and justice to the skies. You have done great things, God, who is like you?
71:20
You have shown me much misery and hardship, but you will give me life again, You will raise me up again from the depths of the earth,
71:21
prolong my old age, and comfort me again.
71:22
For my part, I will thank you on the lyre for your constancy, my God. I will play the harp in your honour, Holy One of Israel.
71:23
My lips sing for joy as I play to you, because you have redeemed me,
71:24
and all day long my tongue muses on your saving justice. Shame and disgrace on those intent to harm me!
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