Psalm 56

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