Mazmur 9:3

9:3 When my enemies turn back,

they trip and are defeated ¹  before you.

Mazmur 9:13

9:13 when they prayed: ² 

“Have mercy on me, ³  Lord!

See how I am oppressed by those who hate me, ⁴ 

O one who can snatch me away ⁵  from the gates of death!

[9:3]  ¹ tn Or “perish”; or “die.” The imperfect verbal forms in this line either emphasize what typically happens or describe vividly the aftermath of a recent battle in which the Lord defeated the psalmist’s enemies.

[9:13]  ² tn The words “when they prayed,” though not represented in the Hebrew text, are supplied in the translation for clarification. The petition in vv. 13-14 is best understood as the cry for help which the oppressed offered to God when the nations threatened. The Lord answered this request, prompting the present song of thanksgiving.

[9:13]  ³ tn Or “show me favor.”

[9:13]  ⁴ tn Heb “see my misery from the ones who hate me.”

[9:13]  ⁵ tn Heb “one who lifts me up.”