Psalms 28

1 Yahweh, I call out to you; [you are like an overhanging] rock [under which I can hide]. Do not refuse to answer me, because if you are silent, I will soon be with those who are in their graves.

“A psalm of David.” To thee do I cry, O LORD! O my rock! be not silent to me, Lest, if thou answer me not, I become like those who go down to the pit!

2 Listen to me when I call out for you [to help me], when I pray, lifting up my hands as I face your sacred temple.

Hear the voice of my supplication, when I cry unto thee, When I lift up my hands to thy most holy sanctuary!

3 Do not drag me away with wicked people, with those who do wicked deeds, with those who pretend [to act] peacefully toward others while in their inner beings, they hate them.

Draw me not away with the impious, and with evil-doers, Who speak peace to their neighbors, while mischief is in their hearts!

4 Punish those people in the way that they deserve for what they have done; punish them for their evil deeds [DOU].

Give them according to their deeds, and the wickedness of their doings; Give them according to the work of their hands; Render to them their desert!

5 Yahweh, they do not pay attention to the [wonderful] things that you have done and that you have created; so get rid of them permanently and do not let them appear again!

For they regard not the doings of the LORD, nor the work of his hands; Therefore will he destroy them, and not again build them up.

6 Praise Yahweh because he has heard me when I called out for him to help me!

Praised be the LORD, for he hath heard the voice of my supplications!

7 Yahweh makes me strong and [protects] me [like a shield] [MET]; I trusted in him, and he helped me. I was glad, and from my inner being I praised him as I sang to him.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusteth in him, and he helpeth me; Therefore doth my heart exult, And in my song I will praise him.

8 Yahweh causes us to be strong and protects us; and he saves me, the one he appointed [MTY] to be king.

Jehovah is the strength of his people; He is the protecting shield of his anointed.

9 Yahweh, save/rescue your people; bless those who belong to you. [Take care of them like] a shepherd [takes care of his sheep] [MET]; take care of them forever.

Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance; Feed them also, and build them up for ever!