Psalm 5652
For the music director; according to the yonath-elem-rechovim style;53
a prayer54
of David, written when the Philistines captured him in Gath.55
56:1 Have mercy on me, O God,
for men are attacking me!1
All day long hostile enemies2
are tormenting me.3
56:2 Those who anticipate my defeat4
attack me all day long.
Indeed,5
many are fighting against me, O Exalted One.6
56:3 When7
I am afraid,
I trust in you.
56:4 In God—I boast in his promise—8
in God I trust, I am not afraid.
What can mere men9
do to me?10
56:5 All day long they cause me trouble,11
they make a habit of plotting my demise.12
56:6 They stalk13
and lurk,14
they watch my every step,15
as16
they prepare to take my life.17
56:7 Because they are bent on violence, do not
let them escape!18
In your anger19
bring down the nations,20
O God!
56:8 You keep track of my misery.21
Put my tears in your leather container!22
Are they not recorded in your scroll?23
56:9 My enemies will turn back when I cry out
to you for help;24
I know that God is on my side.25
56:10 In God—I boast in his promise—26
in the LORD—I boast in his promise—27
56:11 in God I trust, I am not afraid.
What can men28
do to me?29
56:12 I am obligated to fulfill the vows I made
to you, O God,30
I will give you the thank-offerings you deserve,31
56:13 when you deliver32
my life from death.
You keep my feet from stumbling,33
so that I might serve34
God as I enjoy life.35