1. Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!
2. Take hold of shield and bucklerand rise for my help!
3. Draw the spear and javelinagainst my pursuers!Say to my soul,“I am your salvation!”
4. Let them be put to shame and dishonorwho seek after my life!Let them be turned back and disappointedwho devise evil against me!
5. Let them be like chaff before the wind,with the angel of the Lord driving them away!
6. Let their way be dark and slippery,with the angel of the Lord pursuing them!
7. For without cause they hid their net for me;without cause they dug a pit for my life.
8. Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it!And let the net that he hid ensnare him;let him fall into it—to his destruction!
9. Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord, exulting in his salvation.