לַמְנַצֵּחַ לְדָוִד לְהַזְכִּיר

For the chief musician, by David, for remembrance. This psalm was apparently written to remind God, as it were, of David’s existence.

אֱלֹהִים לְהַצִּילֵנִי; ה' לְעֶזְרָתִי חוּשָׁה

God, hasten to deliver me. The verb “hasten” is missing in the original Hebrew text, and is understood from the second half of the verse. Lord, make haste to come to my aid.

יֵבֹשׁוּ וְיַחְפְּרוּ מְבַקְשֵׁי נַפְשִׁי יִסֹּגוּ אָחוֹר וְיִכָּלְמוּ חֲפֵצֵי רָעָתִי

Let those who seek my life be ashamed and humiliated. Let those who delight in my misfortune retreat in disgrace.

יָשׁוּבוּ עַל עֵקֶב בָּשְׁתָּם הָאֹמְרִים הֶאָח הֶאָח

May those who say, upon witnessing my misfortune: Hurrah, hurrah! retreat on their heels in shame.

יָשִׂישׂוּ וְיִשְׂמְחוּ בְּךָ כָּל מְבַקְשֶׁיךָ; וְיֹאמְרוּ תָמִיד יִגְדַּל אֱלֹהִים אֹהֲבֵי יְשׁוּעָתֶךָ

Let all who seek You be happy and rejoice in You; let those who love Your salvation always say: May God be magnified.

וַאֲנִי עָנִי וְאֶבְיוֹן אֱלֹהִים חוּשָׁה לִּי עֶזְרִי וּמְפַלְטִי אַתָּה ה' אַל תְּאַחַר

In conclusion, the psalmist returns to his own personal situation: As for me, poor and destitute, God, make haste, for I am in urgent need of Your aid. You are my help and my Savior; Lord, do not tarry; save me from my misfortune.