Psalm 56

 

For the director of music.  To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.”  Of David.  A miktam.[a]  When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.

 

 

1                    Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me; all day long they press their attack.

 

2                    My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me in their pride.

 

3                    When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

 

4                    In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.  What can mortal man do to me?

 

5                    All day long they twist my words; they are always plotting to harm me.

 

6                    They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, eager to take my life.

 

7                    On no account let them escape; in your anger, O God, bring down the nations.

 

8                    Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll [b] -- are they not in your record?

 

9                    Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help.  By this I will know that God is for me.

 

10               In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise—

 

11               in God I trust; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?

 

12               I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you.

 

13               For you have delivered me [c] from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. [d]