27:11 Teach me how you want me to live; 1
lead me along a level path 2 because of those who wait to ambush me! 3
143:10 Teach me to do what pleases you, 4
for you are my God.
May your kind presence 5
lead me 6 into a level land. 7
1 tn Heb “teach me your way.” The
2 sn The level path refers to God’s moral principles (see the parallel line), which, if followed, will keep the psalmist blameless before his accusers (see v. 12).
3 tn Heb “because of those who watch me [with evil intent].” See also Pss 5:8; 54:5; 56:2.
4 tn Or “your will.” See Ps 40:8.
5 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).
6 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.
7 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.