35. Contend, O Lord, with those

Author: Christopher Idle

Contend, O Lord, with those
who will contend with me;
be foe to all my foes,
my strong salvation be.
Sly and unjust, they hunt me down;
let them be blown away like dust!

2. The angel of the Lord
shall drive them far away
with his pursuing sword,
in total disarray;
to be surprised by their own nets
and fall in pits that they devised.

3. Then shall my heart with joy
delight in God anew,
and all my being cry,
‘O Lord, who is like you?’
From that strong mob the poor are saved,
no more enslaved by those who rob.

4. My kindness they condemn;
with spite I am repaid,
although I cared for them
and for their health I prayed.
But when I fall, they join in glee
to slander me; Lord, judge them all!

5. Lord, come to my defence!
How long will you look on?
Break down their violence
or I shall soon be gone.
For no just cause, with cunning eyes,
they spread their lies and wage their wars.

6. Lord, all this you have seen;
do not be far away!
With justice intervene;
contend for me, I pray,
and vindicate me, lest they think
to make me sink ingloriously.

7. Lord, put to lasting shame
such inhumanity;
let them exalt your name
who share my victory!
Your righteousness shall fill my song,
and on my tongue be all your praise.