The LORD Is My Strength and My Shield

Of David.

1To you, O LORD, I call;

my rock, be not deaf to me,

lest, if you be silent to me,

I become like those who go down to the pit.

2Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,

when I cry to you for help,

when I lift up my hands

towards your most holy sanctuary.28:2 Hebrew your innermost sanctuary

3Do not drag me off with the wicked,

with the workers of evil,

who speak peace with their neighbours

while evil is in their hearts.

4Give to them according to their work

and according to the evil of their deeds;

give to them according to the work of their hands;

render them their due reward.

5Because they do not regard the works of the LORD

or the work of his hands,

he will tear them down and build them up no more.

6Blessed be the LORD!

For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.

7The LORD is my strength and my shield;

in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;

my heart exults,

and with my song I give thanks to him.

8The LORD is the strength of his people;28:8 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts is their strength

he is the saving refuge of his anointed.

9Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!

Be their shepherd and carry them for ever.