Psalm 56a

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

1 Be merciful to me,k my God,

for my enemies are in hot pursuit;l

all day long they press their attack.m

2 My adversaries pursue me all day long;n

in their pride many are attacking me.o

3 When I am afraid,p I put my trust in you.q

4 In God, whose word I praise—r

in God I trust and am not afraid.s

What can mere mortals do to me?t

5 All day long they twist my words;u

all their schemes are for my ruin.

6 They conspire,v they lurk,

they watch my steps,w

hoping to take my life.x

7 Because of their wickedness do notc let them escape;y

in your anger, God, bring the nations down.z

8 Record my misery;

list my tears on your scrolld a—

are they not in your record?b

9 Then my enemies will turn backc

when I call for help.d

By this I will know that God is for me.e

10 In God, whose word I praise,

in the Lord, whose word I praise—

11 in God I trust and am not afraid.

What can man do to me?

12 I am under vowsf to you, my God;

I will present my thank offerings to you.

13 For you have delivered me from deathg

and my feet from stumbling,

that I may walk before God

in the light of life.h

Psalm 57a

57:7–11pp—Ps 108:1–5

For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam.b When he had fled from Saul into the cave.i

1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,

for in you I take refuge.j

I will take refuge in the shadow of your wingsk

until the disaster has passed.l

2 I cry out to God Most High,

to God, who vindicates me.m

3 He sends from heaven and saves me,n

rebuking those who hotly pursue me—c o

God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.p

4 I am in the midst of lions;q

I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—

men whose teeth are spears and arrows,

whose tongues are sharp swords.r

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

let your glory be over all the earth.s

6 They spread a net for my feett—

I was bowed downu in distress.

They dug a pitv in my path—

but they have fallen into it themselves.w

7 My heart, O God, is steadfast,

my heart is steadfast;x

I will sing and make music.

8 Awake, my soul!

Awake, harp and lyre!y

I will awaken the dawn.

9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;

I will sing of you among the peoples.

10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;

your faithfulness reaches to the skies.z

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;a

let your glory be over all the earth.b