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