Psalm 21a

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 The king rejoices in your strength, Lord.x

How great is his joy in the victories you give!y

2 You have granted him his heart’s desirez

and have not withheld the request of his lips.b

3 You came to greet him with rich blessings

and placed a crown of pure golda on his head.b

4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—

length of days, for ever and ever.c

5 Through the victoriesd you gave, his glory is great;

you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.e

6 Surely you have granted him unending blessings

and made him glad with the joyf of your presence.g

7 For the king trusts in the Lord;h

through the unfailing lovei of the Most Highj

he will not be shaken.k

8 Your hand will lay holdl on all your enemies;

your right hand will seize your foes.

9 When you appear for battle,

you will burn them up as in a blazing furnace.

The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath,

and his fire will consume them.m

10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth,

their posterity from mankind.n

11 Though they plot evilo against you

and devise wicked schemes,p they cannot succeed.

12 You will make them turn their backsq

when you aim at them with drawn bow.

13 Be exaltedr in your strength, Lord;s

we will sing and praise your might.