9 For the musical director: David’s song about the death of the son

9 I will thank Yahweh with all of my being.

≈I will tell others all about your miracles.

2 I will be happy and celebrate you,

I will sing praise to your name, the highest one.

3 When my enemies are forced to retreat,

they stumble and die as they run away from you

4 because you have accepted my claim and decided the case in my favour.

You have sat on your throne—a judge who always decides fairly.

5 You scolded countries and destroyed the wicked ones—

making their names disappear, never to return.

6 The enemy are finished—just ruins remaining from now on.

You also uprooted cities—they too will be forgotten.

7 However, Yahweh will reign forever.

He’s established his throne as a platform for justice,

8 so he’ll judge the world without bias,

and he will solve cases for the peoples with fairness.

9 Anyone who’s oppressed can go to Yahweh for safety—

he’s a safe refuge in times of trouble.

10 Those who know your reputation put their trust in you,

because you don’t abandon those who make the effort to find you, Yahweh.

11 Sing praises to Yahweh who lives in Tsiyyon (Zion).

Tell all the peoples about the good things he’s done,

12 because the God who avenges those who’ve been murdered,

doesn’t forget the cries of those who suffered.

13 Have mercy on me, Yahweh.

See my suffering because of those who hate me.

You’re the one who pulls me away from the gates of death

14 so that I can keep praising you at the gates of Tsiyyon’s daughter.

I’ll celebrate the salvation that comes from you.

15 The nations have sunk down into the pit they themselves made.

≈Their foot is caught in the hidden net that they themselves had put there.

16 Yahweh has revealed himself—he’s served justice—

the wicked people were trapped by their own actions. (Meditation break.) (Instrumental break.)

17 Wicked people will turn back to Sheol,

all nations are forgetful of God.

18 But the needy won’t always be forgotten,

and those who’re suffering won’t always find their hopes dashed.

19 Take action, Yahweh. Don’t let evil people prevail.

Let the nations face you for judgement.

20 Put some fear in them, Yahweh.

Remind the nations that they’re human. (Instrumental break.)