Mazmur 35:22

35:22 But you take notice, ¹  Lord!

O Lord, do not remain far away from me!

Mazmur 144:3

144:3 O Lord, of what importance is the human race, ²  that you should notice them?

Of what importance is mankind, ³  that you should be concerned about them? ⁴ 

[35:22]  ¹ tn Heb “you see, O Lord.” There is a deliberate play on words. In v. 21 the enemies say, “our eye sees,” but the psalmist is confident that the Lord “sees” as well, so he appeals to him for help (see also v. 17).

[144:3]  ² tn Heb “What is mankind?” The singular noun אֱנוֹשׁ (’enosh) is used here in a collective sense and refers to the human race. See Ps 8:5.

[144:3]  ³ tn Heb “and the son of man.” The phrase “son of man” is used here in a collective sense and refers to human beings. For other uses of the phrase in a collective or representative manner, see Num 23:19; Ps 146:3; Isa 51:12.

[144:3]  ⁴ tn Heb “take account of him.” The two imperfect verbal forms in v. 4 describe God’s characteristic activity.