Psalm 5652

For the music director; according to the yonath-elem-rechovim style;53 a prayer54 of David, written when the Philistines captured him in Gath.55

56:1 Have mercy on me, O God, for men are attacking me!1

All day long hostile enemies2 are tormenting me.3

56:2 Those who anticipate my defeat4 attack me all day long.

Indeed,5 many are fighting against me, O Exalted One.6

56:3 When7 I am afraid,

I trust in you.

56:4 In God—I boast in his promise8—

in God I trust, I am not afraid.

What can mere men9 do to me?10

56:5 All day long they cause me trouble;11

they make a habit of plotting my demise.12

56:6 They stalk13 and lurk;14

they watch my every step,15

as16 they prepare to take my life.17

56:7 Because they are bent on violence, do not let them escape!18

In your anger19 bring down the nations,20 O God!

56:8 You keep track of my misery.21

Put my tears in your leather container!22

Are they not recorded in your scroll?23

56:9 My enemies will turn back when I cry out to you for help;24

I know that God is on my side.25

56:10 In God—I boast in his promise26—

in the Lord—I boast in his promise27—

56:11 in God I trust, I am not afraid.

What can mere men28 do to me?29

56:12 I am obligated to fulfill the vows I made to you, O God;30

I will give you the thank-offerings you deserve,31

56:13 when you deliver32 my life from death.

You keep my feet from stumbling,33

so that I might serve34 God as I enjoy life.35