Psalm 5927

For the music director; according to the al-tashcheth style;28 a prayer29 of David, written when Saul sent men to surround his house and murder him.30

59:1 Deliver me from my enemies, my God!

Protect me1 from those who attack me!2

59:2 Deliver me from evildoers!3

Rescue me from violent men!4

59:3 For look, they wait to ambush me;5

powerful men stalk6 me,

but not because I have rebelled or sinned, O Lord.7

59:4 Though I have done nothing wrong,8 they are anxious to attack.9

Spring into action and help me! Take notice of me!10

59:5 You, O Lord God, the invincible warrior,11 the God of Israel,

rouse yourself and punish12 all the nations!

Have no mercy on any treacherous evildoers!

(Selah)

59:6 They return in the evening;

they growl13 like a dog

and prowl around outside14 the city.

59:7 Look, they hurl insults at me

and openly threaten to kill me,15

for they say,16

“Who hears?”

59:8 But you, O Lord, laugh in disgust at them;17

you taunt18 all the nations.

59:9 You are my source of strength! I will wait for you!19

For God is my refuge.20

59:10 The God who loves me will help me;21

God will enable me to triumph over22 my enemies.23

59:11 Do not strike them dead suddenly,

because then my people might forget the lesson.24

Use your power to make them homeless vagabonds and then bring them down,

O Lord who shields us!25

59:12 They speak sinful words.26

So let them be trapped by their own pride

and by the curses and lies they speak!

59:13 Angrily wipe them out! Wipe them out so they vanish!

Let them know that God rules

in Jacob and to the ends of the earth!

(Selah)

59:14 They return in the evening;

they growl27 like a dog

and prowl around outside28 the city.

59:15 They wander around looking for something to eat;

they refuse to sleep until they are full.29

59:16 As for me, I will sing about your strength;

I will praise your loyal love in the morning.

For you are my refuge30

and my place of shelter when I face trouble.31

59:17 You are my source of strength! I will sing praises to you!32

For God is my refuge,33 the God who loves me.34