¹For the music director, according to the alumoth-labben style; a psalm of David. I will thank the Lord with all my heart! I will tell about all your amazing deeds.²I will be happy and rejoice in you. I will sing praises to you, O Most High.³When my enemies turn back, they trip and are defeated before you.⁴For you defended my just cause; from your throne you pronounced a just decision. ⁵You terrified the nations with your battle cry. You destroyed the wicked; you permanently wiped out all memory of them. ⁶The enemy’s cities have been reduced to permanent ruins. You destroyed their cities; all memory of the enemies has perished. ⁷But the Lord rules forever; he reigns in a just manner. ⁸He judges the world fairly; he makes just legal decisions for the nations. ⁹Consequently the Lord provides safety for the oppressed; he provides safety in times of trouble. ¹⁰Your loyal followers trust in you, for you, Lord, do not abandon those who seek your help.¹¹Sing praises to the Lord, who rules in Zion. Tell the nations what he has done. ¹²For the one who takes revenge against murderers took notice of the oppressed; he did not overlook their cry for help¹³when they prayed: “Have mercy on me, Lord! See how I am oppressed by those who hate me, O one who can snatch me away from the gates of death! ¹⁴Then I will tell about all your praiseworthy acts; in the gates of Daughter Zion I will rejoice because of your deliverance.” ¹⁵The nations fell into the pit they had made; their feet were caught in the net they had hidden. ¹⁶The Lord revealed himself; he accomplished justice. The wicked were ensnared by their own actions. (Higgaion. Selah) ¹⁷The wicked are turned back and sent to Sheol; this is the destiny of all the nations that ignore God, ¹⁸for the needy are not permanently ignored, the hopes of the oppressed are not forever dashed. ¹⁹Rise up, Lord! Don’t let men be defiant. May the nations be judged in your presence. ²⁰Terrify them, Lord. Let the nations know they are mere mortals. (Selah)