1 Blessed be the LORD, my rock,
who trains my hands for war,
and my fingers for battle
[to wage with violence the war against the violence of the passions]
2 he is my steadfast love and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield and he in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples under me.
[whose cross I cling to,
my every hope and succor for the destitute]
3 O LORD, what is man that you regard him,
or the son of man that you think of him?
[What love is this? That you would bequeath divinity unto him,
To, through death, not only conquer death,
Not only restore him to his to former glory,
But invite him further up and further in.]
4 Man is like a breath;
his days are like a passing shadow.
[what is his measure of being compared to yours?]
5 Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down!
Touch the mountains so that they smoke!
6 Flash forth the lightning and scatter them;
send out your arrows and rout them!
7 Stretch out your hand from on high;
rescue me and deliver me from the many waters,
from the hand of foreigners,
8 whose mouths speak lies
[Guard us from every strike of the enemy,
and through the power of your cross,
Lay low those who evil and good hating demons
who formerly had the victory over us.]
