A Declaration of Trust

¹ Of David.¹ Yahweh is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the refuge of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

1. The Hebrew Bible counts the superscription as the first verse of the psalm

² When evildoers drew near against me to eat my flesh— my adversaries and my enemies who drew near to me— they themselves stumbled and fell.

³ Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear. Though war arise against me, even in this I will remain confident.

⁴ One thing I have asked from Yahweh; it I will seek: that I may dwell in the house¹ of Yahweh all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of Yahweh, and to consider² his temple.

1. Or “temple”
2. Or “inquire in”

⁵ Because he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble. He will conceal me in the hiding place of his tent. He will set me high upon a rock.

⁶ And now my head will be high over my enemies round about me. And I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to Yahweh.

⁷ Hear, O Yahweh, my voice when I call, and be gracious to me and answer me.

⁸ On your behalf my heart says, “Seek my face.” Your face, O Yahweh, I do seek.

⁹ Do not hide your face from me; do not turn your servant away in anger. You have been my help; do not abandon nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.

¹⁰ If my father or my mother forsake me, then Yahweh will receive me.

¹¹ Teach me, O Yahweh, your way, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.

¹² Do not give me over to the desire of my enemies, because false witnesses have arisen against me, and each breathing out violence.¹

1. Or “and each a witness of violence”

¹³ Surely¹ I believe that I will see the goodness of Yahweh in the land of the living.

1. Hebrew text is uncertain

¹⁴ Wait for Yahweh. Be strong and let your heart show strength, and wait for Yahweh.