1 (Tefillah of Dovid)

Hear the tzedek (righteous plea of a just cause), Hashem,

attend unto my cry,

give ear unto my tefillah, that goeth not out of lips of mirmah (deceit).

2 Let my mishpat (right) come forth from Thy presence;

let Thine eyes behold the things that are right.

3 Thou hast probed mine lev;

Thou hast visited me in the lailah;

Thou hast tested me and shalt find nothing;

I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

4 Concerning the works of men,

by the Devar of Thy lips

I have kept myself from the paths of the cruel.

5 Uphold my goings in Thy paths,

that my footsteps stumble not.

6 I have called upon Thee, for Thou wilt hear me, O El;

incline Thine ear unto me, and hear my prayer.

7 Show Thy marvellous chesed,

O Thou Moshi’a Who saves by Thy right hand

them which put their trust in Thee from those that rise up against them.

8 Be shomer over me as the apple of Thy eye;

hide me in the shadow of Thy wings,

9 From the resha’im that oppress me,

from my deadly enemies threatening my nefesh, who surround me.

10 They have closed up callously and mercilessly against me;

with their mouth they speak with ge’ut (pride).

11 At every step they have surrounded me;

their purpose is to strike down to ha’aretz;

12 Like aryeh eager to tear his prey,

and like a young lion lurking in ambush.

13 Arise, Hashem, confront him, cast him down;

deliver my nefesh from the resha with Thy cherev;

14 From men with Thy yad, Hashem,

from men of the world, whose portion is in this life,

and with Thy treasures Thou fillest their belly;

they are satisfied with children,

and leave their abundance to their babes.

15 As for me, in tzedek I will behold Thy face;

I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy temunah (form).*17:15 See Num 12:8