לַמְנַצֵּחַ בִּנְגִינוֹת מִזְמוֹר לְדָוִד

For the chief musician, on stringed instruments, a psalm by David. Like the preceding psalm, this is essentially a prayer, though it does not speak of a specific struggle or imminent danger but rather conveys a more generalized state of distress. It also includes expressions of encouragement for others.

בְּקָרְאִי עֲנֵנִי אֱלֹהֵי צִדְקִי בַּצָּר הִרְחַבְתָּ לִּי חָנֵּנִי וּשְׁמַע תְּפִלָּתִי

When I call, answer me, God of my righteousness. In my distress, I feel as though I am confined. The word batzar, translated here as “distress,” literally means “in a narrow place.” This implies a feeling of paralysis, as though to say: My very existence, whether physical or spiritual, is so pressured that I am unable even to move. You have relieved me. The word hirḥavta, “you have relieved,” or literally, “you have widened,” describes one’s feeling when redemption follows profound distress; it is as if all the sources of pressure have receded into the background and one can again breathe and move freely. Now, God, be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

בְּנֵי אִישׁ עַד מֶה כְבוֹדִי לִכְלִמָּה תֶּאֱהָבוּן רִיק תְּבַקְשׁוּ כָזָב סֶלָה

Sons of man. The psalmist now turns to benei ish, “sons of man,” namely, the leaders among his adversaries. Throughout the Bible, the word ish usually indicates a person of seniority and status. How long will you put my honor to shame? To what extent will you continue to denigrate and embarrass me? How long will you love emptiness? David’s humiliation and his enemies’ fight against him are not a consequence of his own deficiencies or mistakes. They constitute an unfounded war brought about by people who are propagating empty distortions and disseminating lies. How long will you seek deception? They go out of their way to seek out lies and deceptions concerning me. Selah.

וּדְעוּ כִּי הִפְלָה ה'חָסִיד לוֹ ה' יִשְׁמַע בְּקָרְאִי אֵלָיו

Rather than pursuing me for baseless, deceptive reasons, know, be aware, that the Lord has set apart the devoted for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him. God has a special relationship with those who are faithful to Him. David’s devotion to God and desire to be close to Him were acknowledged by all, even during his lifetime. He repeatedly refers to the special way in which God sets apart those who seek Him.

רִגְזוּ וְאַל תֶּחֱטָאוּ אִמְרוּ בִלְבַבְכֶם עַל מִשְׁכַּבְכֶם וְדֹמּוּ סֶלָה

Tremble and do not sin. In this psalm, the word rigzu, defined here as “tremble,” connotes agitation, though elsewhere the word refers to anger. The psalmist bids his antagonists to shake off their evil ways. Say in your heart, upon your bed. He calls on people to bestir themselves, to change their mind-set, and to transform their outlook on life so that they will not be drawn toward habitual sin. It is as if the psalmist is saying: Consider these matters in private, at a time before bed, rather than in the company of other people. Whereas public discussion can lead to distorted thought and convoluted expression, private contemplation facilitates a clearer understanding of the truth. And be still, Selah. The psalmist further enjoins individuals to be still and remain silent. One should not offer opinions or be drawn into discussion about matters unrelated to himself or outside the realm of his understanding. In the specific case at hand, rather than focusing on David and his deficiencies, people would be better off examining their own behavior and turning toward God.

זִבְחוּ זִבְחֵי צֶדֶק וּבִטְחוּ אֶל ה'

Offer sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the Lord.

רַבִּים אֹמְרִים מִי יַרְאֵנוּ טוֹב נְסָה עָלֵינוּ אוֹר פָּנֶיךָ ה'

Many are saying in their prayers: Who will show us any good? They seek out a source of blessing and goodness. Bring forth the light of Your countenance upon us, Lord. They ask God to bring forth His light and shine His countenance upon them. Alternatively, the word nesa, can mean “reveal Yourself.” The psalmist goes on to say: I myself do not sit and contemplate the wrongs of others. I truly attempt to cleave to God.

נָתַתָּה שִׂמְחָה בְלִבִּי מֵעֵת דְּגָנָם וְתִירוֹשָׁם רָבּוּ

You put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abounded. You, God, have brought joy to my heart, a joy greater than that felt by others in possession of abundant grain and wine. I am not jealous of them; my inner joy suffices, and even increases in the face of the great success of others.

בְּשָׁלוֹם יַחְדָּו אֶשְׁכְּבָה וְאִישָׁן כִּי אַתָּה ה' לְבָדָד לָבֶטַח תּוֹשִׁיבֵנִי

I lie down and sleep, at peace together. Apparently this means that when everything all together is peaceful, I will be able to sleep undisturbed. For even if You are alone, Lord, in seeking peace for me while all others are against me, this is sufficient for me, for You will allow me to dwell in safety.