¹ Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me;
    fight against those who fight against me!^(A)

¹ Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause
    against an ungodly people;
from those who are deceitful and unjust,
    deliver me!^(A)

¹⁵⁴ Plead my cause and redeem me;
    give me life according to your promise.^(A)

³⁶ Therefore thus says the Lord:
I am going to defend your cause
    and take vengeance for you.
I will dry up her sea
    and make her fountain dry,^(A)

²⁵ But thus says the Lord:
Even the captives of the mighty will be taken,
    and the prey of the tyrant will be rescued,
for I will contend with those who contend with you,
    and I will save your children.^(A)

¹¹ for their vindicator^[a] is strong;
    he will plead their cause against you.^(A)

²³ for the Lord pleads their cause
    and despoils of life those who despoil them.^(A)