Prayer for Help in the Face of Enemies

140 For the music director. A psalm of David.a

1 Rescue me, O Yahweh, from evil men.b

Preserve me from violent men,

2 who plan evil things in their heart.

They stir up wars continually.

3 They sharpen their tongue as sharp as a snake’s;

the venom of a viper is under their lips. Selah

4 Protect me, O Yahweh, from the hands of the wicked.

Preserve me from violent men,

who have planned to ⌊make me stumble⌋.c

5 The proud have hidden a trap for me, and cords.

They have spread out a net along the ⌊side⌋d of the path.

They have set snares for me. Selah

6 I say to Yahweh, “You are my God.”

Listen, O Yahweh, to the voice of my supplications.

7 O Yahweh, my Lord, the strength of my salvation,

you have covered my head in the day of battle.

8 Do not grant, O Yahweh, the desires of the wicked.

Do not allow them to attain theire plan, lest they be exalted. Selah

9 With respect to the head of those who surround me,

may the harm of their lips cover them.

10 Let burning coals fall on them;

let them be dropped into the fire,

into bottomless pits from which they cannot rise.

11 Do not let a ⌊slanderer⌋f be established in the land;

as for the man of violence, let evil hunt him quickly.

12 I knowg that Yahweh will maintain the cause of the afflicted,

and justice for the needy.

13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name;

the upright will dwell in your presence.