1A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
2God, you are my God, I earnestly seek you; my soul (nephesh) thirsts for you, my flesh (basar) longs for you, in a dry and weary land without water.
3So in the sanctuary I have beheld you, to see your power and your glory.
4For your mercy is better than life (chai); my lips will praise you.
5So I will bless you in my life (chai); in your name I will lift up my palms.
6As with fat and fatness my soul (nephesh) is satisfied, and with joyful lips my mouth praises;
7when I remember you upon my bed, in the night watches I meditate on you.
8For you have been a help for me, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.
9My soul (nephesh) clings after you; your right hand upholds me.
10But those who seek my soul (nephesh) for destruction will go into the lowest parts of the earth.
11They will hand him over to the power of the sword; a portion for foxes they will be.
12But the king will rejoice in God; everyone who swears by him will glory, for the mouth of those who speak falsehood will be stopped.