1I waited patiently for the LORD ; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry . 2He brought me up also out of an horrible pit , out of the miry clay , and set my feet upon a rock , and established my goings . 3And he hath put a new song in my mouth , even praise unto our God : many shall see it , and fear , and shall trust in the LORD .
A New Song of Praise
4Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust , and respecteth not the proud , nor such as turn aside to lies . 5Many , O LORD my God , are thy wonderful works which thou hast done , and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them , they are more than can be numbered .
The Sacrifice of Obedience
6Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire ; mine ears hast thou opened : burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required . 7Then said I, Lo, I come : in the volume of the book it is written of me, 8I delight to do thy will , O my God : yea, thy law is within my heart .
Proclaiming God's Faithfulness
9I have preached righteousness in the great congregation : lo, I have not refrained my lips , O LORD , thou knowest . 10I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart ; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation : I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation .
A Plea for Help
11Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD : let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. 12For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up ; they are more than the hairs of mine head : therefore my heart faileth me. 13Be pleased , O LORD , to deliver me: O LORD , make haste to help me. 14Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil . 15Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha , aha . 16Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually , The LORD be magnified . 17But I am poor and needy ; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer ; make no tarrying , O my God .