Psalm 56–57
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
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
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
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.
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