1 A Psalm. Of David. Praise be to the God of my strength, teaching my hands the use of the sword, and my fingers the art of fighting:
2 He is my strength, and my Rock; my high tower, and my saviour; my keeper and my hope: he gives me authority over my people.
3 Lord, what is man, that you keep him in mind? or the son of man that you take him into account?
4 Man is like a breath: his life is like a shade which is quickly gone.
5 Come down, O Lord, from your heavens: at your touch let the mountains give out smoke.
6 With your storm-flames send them in flight: send out your arrows for their destruction.
7 Put out your hand from on high; make me free, take me safely out of the great waters, and out of the hands of strange men;
