¹⁶ Our Lord, you will always rule,
but every godless nation
    will vanish from the earth.
¹⁷ You listen to the longings
    of those who suffer.
You offer them hope,
and you pay attention
    to their cries for help.
¹⁸ You defend orphans
    and everyone else in need,
so that no one on earth
    can terrify others again.