A prayer for deliverance from enemies who attack in brazen assurance that God will not lift a hand against them.
Scripture References:
st. 1 = vv. 1-3
st. 2 = vv. 4-6
st. 3 = vv. 7-8
Even while threatened by many powerful enemies, the LORD's servant confesses so much confidence in the LORD's protection (st. 1) that peaceful rest and freedom from fear are possible (st. 2). The psalmist petitions God for deliverance and closes with a testimony to God's readiness and power to save, coupled with a prayer for God's blessing on the faithful (st. 3).
Paul Shuart (b. Grand Rapids, MI, 1957) versified the text in 1982 for the Psalter Hymnal. Educated at both Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Dordt College, Sioux Center, Iowa, Shuart is a composer and writer of hymns, including the fiftieth anniversary hymn text of the Reformed Bible College in Grand Rapids.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook