Psalm 7

Abraham Coles

3 If, my God, I ill have wrought;
If my hands are found to blame;
4 If I him have wronged in aught
Who my friend was to my shame;
If I rescued not the same,
Who is now my foe for naught;

5 Let him then pursue my soul;
Overtake it in its flight;
Trample it; my glory roll
In the dust in public sight;
I will not dispute his right.
But will justify the whole.

6 Lord, now in Thy anger rise;
Lift Thyself against the rage
Of my foes, who ill devise,
And unrighteous warfare wage;
Wake for me; for me engage —
Just Thy judgments are and wise.

7 Let all people round Thee gather,
While Thou speakest from the sky;
Let them stand and listen — rather
Let them on their faces lie —
After this return on high,
Thou who art th'Eternal Father.

8 Judge me by my righteousness.
Mine integrity within:
I would ask nor more nor less,
Sure I shall acquital win.
9 Make the sinner cease from sin,
And his wickedness confess;

But establish innocence:
For Thou, righteous God, dost try
Hearts and reins, and wilt me, hence,
Vindicate and justify:
10 I on Thee, my Shield, rely —
Th'upright's safety and defence.

11 God a just Judge is, and hath
Indignation every day:
12 If men turn not, in His wrath
He will whet His sword to slay;
13 Bend His bow, prepare straightway
Tools of death to sweep His path.

He His arrows fiery makes.
For the wretch who multiplies —
14 Travailing constantly — and wakes
To conceive iniquities,
And bring forth a brood of lies.
Hissing, venomous as snakes.

15 He with malice digged a pit.
And so, rightly in my stead,
Tumbled headlong into it;
16 All the mischief he has bred
Shall descend on his own head —
Retribution just and fit.

17 I, Jehovah the Most High
Will adore and magnify:
Will His righteousness proclaim,
Harping praises to His name.