Psalm 56a
For the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David. Amiktam.b When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.
1Be merciful to me, my God,
for my enemies are in hot pursuit;
all day long they press their attack.
2My adversaries pursue me all day long;
in their pride many are attacking me.
3When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?
5All day long they twist my words;
all their schemes are for my ruin.
6They conspire, they lurk,
they watch my steps,
hoping to take my life.
7Because of their wickedness do notc let them escape;
in your anger, God, bring the nations down.
8Record my misery;
list my tears on your scrolld—
are they not in your record?
9Then my enemies will turn back
when I call for help.
By this I will know that God is for me.
10In God, whose word I praise,
in theLord, whose word I praise—
11in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can man do to me?
12I am under vows to you, my God;
I will present my thank offerings to you.
13For you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.
Footnotes:
a1In Hebrew texts 56:1-13 is numbered 56:2-14.
b1Title: Probably a literary or musical term
c7Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text does not havedo not.
d8Ormisery;
put my tears in your wineskin
