Psalm 56–57

Psalm 56

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

^*Be merciful to me,^a my God,

for my enemies are in hot pursuit;^b

all day long they press their attack.^c

My adversaries pursue me all day long;^d

in their pride many are attacking me.^e

When I am afraid,^f I put my trust in you.^g

In God, whose word I praise—^h

in God I trust and am not afraid.ⁱ

What can mere mortals do to me?^j

All day long they twist my words;^k

all their schemes are for my ruin.

They conspire,^l they lurk,

they watch my steps,^m

hoping to take my life.ⁿ

Because of their wickedness do not let them escape;^o

in your anger, God, bring the nations down.^p

Record my misery;

list my tears on your scroll^q—

are they not in your record?^r

Then my enemies will turn back^s

when I call for help.^t

By this I will know that God is for me.^u

In God, whose word I praise,

in the Lord, whose word I praise—

in God I trust and am not afraid.

What can mere human beings do to me?

I am under vows^v to you, my God;

I will present my thank offerings to you.

For you have delivered me from death^w

and my feet from stumbling,

that I may walk before God

in the light of life.^x

Psalm 57

57:7-11^pp — Ps 108:1–5

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

^*Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,

for in you I take refuge.^b

I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings^c

until the disaster has passed.^d

I cry out to God Most High,

to God, who vindicates me.^e

He sends from heaven and saves me,^f

rebuking those who hotly pursue me—^g

God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.^h

I am in the midst of lions;ⁱ

I am forced to dwell among man-eating beasts,

whose teeth are spears and arrows,

whose tongues are sharp swords.^j

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

let your glory be over all the earth.^k

They spread a net for my feet^l—

I was bowed down^m in distress.

They dug a pitⁿ in my path—

but they have fallen into it themselves.^o

My heart, O God, is steadfast,

my heart is steadfast;^p

I will sing and make music.

Awake, my soul!

Awake, harp and lyre!^q

I will awaken the dawn.

I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;

I will sing of you among the peoples.

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;

your faithfulness reaches to the skies.^r

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;^s

let your glory be over all the earth.^t