18. because our shield is the Lord’s own;our king belongs to the holy one of Israel!
19. Once you spoke in a visionto your faithful servants:I placed a crown on a strong man.I raised up someone specially chosen from the people.
20. I discovered my servant David.I anointed him with my holy oil.
21. My hand will sustain him—yes, my arm will strengthen him!
22. No enemy will oppress him;no wicked person will make him suffer.
23. I will crush all his foes in front of him.I will strike down all those who hate him.
24. My faithfulness and my loyal love will be with him.He will be strengthened by my name.
25. I will set his hand on the sea.I will set his strong hand on the rivers.
26. He will cry out to me:"You are my father,my God, the rock of my salvation."
27. Yes, I’ll make him the one born first—I’ll make him the high king of all earth’s kings.
28. I will always guard my loyal love toward him.My covenant with him will last forever.
29. I will establish his dynasty for all time.His throne will last as long as heaven does.
30. But if his children ever abandon my Instruction,stop following my rules—
31. if they treat my statutes like dirt,stop keeping my commandments—