Mazmur 64:5

64:5 They encourage one another to carry out their evil deed. ¹ 

They plan how to hide ²  snares,

and boast, ³  “Who will see them?” ⁴ 

Mazmur 143:10

143:10 Teach me to do what pleases you, ⁵ 

for you are my God.

May your kind presence ⁶ 

lead me ⁷  into a level land. ⁸ 

[64:5]  ¹ tn Heb “they give strength to themselves, an evil matter [or “word”].”

[64:5]  ² tn Heb “they report about hiding.”

[64:5]  ³ tn Heb “they say.”

[64:5]  ⁴ tn If this is a direct quotation (cf. NASB, NIV), the pronoun “them” refers to the snares mentioned in the previous line. If it is an indirect quotation, then the pronoun may refer to the enemies themselves (cf. NEB, which is ambiguous). Some translations retain the direct quotation but alter the pronoun to “us,” referring clearly to the enemies (cf. NRSV).

[143:10]  ⁵ tn Or “your will.” See Ps 40:8.

[143:10]  ⁶ tn Heb “your good spirit.” God’s “spirit” may refer here to his presence (see the note on the word “presence” in Ps 139:7) or to his personal Spirit (see Ps 51:10).

[143:10]  ⁷ tn The prefixed verbal form is taken as a jussive. Taking the statement as a prayer fits well with the petitionary tone of vv. 7-10a.

[143:10]  ⁸ sn A level land (where one can walk free of obstacles) here symbolizes divine blessing and protection. See Pss 26:12 and 27:11 for similar imagery.