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A shiggayon ·meditative poem, musical instrument· by David [Beloved], which he sang to Adonai , concerning the words of Cush, the Benjamite.
Context: King David [Beloved] arrives at Bahurim. Shimei, “a man of the family of the house of Saul [Asked for],” and son of Gera curses David [Beloved]. David [Beloved] reflects on the words of Cush of Benjamin [Son of right hand, Son of south]. (2 Sam 16:5-14)
1 Adonai , my God, I take refuge in you.
Save me from all those who pursue me, and deliver me,
2 lest they tear apart my soul like a lion,
ripping it in pieces, while there is no one to deliver.
3 Adonai , my God, if I have done this,
if there is iniquity in my hands,
4 if I have rewarded evil to him who was at peace with me
(yes, if I have delivered him who without cause was my adversary),
5 let the enemy pursue my soul, and overtake it;
yes, let him tread my life down to the earth,
and lay my glory in the dust.
Selah ·contemplation with musical interlude·.
6 Arise, Adonai , in your anger.
Lift up yourself against the rage of my adversaries.
Awake for me. You have enjoined judgment.
7 Let the congregation of the peoples surround you.
Rule over them on high.
8 Adonai administers judgment to the peoples.
Judge me, Adonai , according to my righteousness,
and to my integrity that is in me.
9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end,
but establish the upright;
their minds and hearts are searched by the righteous God.
10 My shield is with God,
who saves the upright in heart.
11 God is a righteous judge,
yes, a God who has indignation every day.
12 If a man does not relent, he will sharpen his sword;
he has bent and strung his bow.
13 He has also prepared for himself the instruments of death.
He makes ready his flaming arrows.
14 Behold, he travails with iniquity.
Yes, he has conceived mischief,
and brought out falsehood.
15 He has dug a hole,
and has fallen into the pit which he made.
16 The trouble he causes shall teshuvah ·completely return· to his own head.
His violence shall come down on the crown of his own head.
17 I will yadah ·extend hands in thankful praise· to Adonai according to his righteousness,
and will make zahmar ·musical praise· to the name of Adonai Most High.