Psalms 56

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

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

All day long hostile enemies are tormenting me.

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

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

56:3 When I am afraid,

I trust in you.

56:4 In God – I boast in his promise –

in God I trust, I am not afraid.

What can mere men do to me?

56:5 All day long they cause me trouble;

they make a habit of plotting my demise.

56:6 They stalk and lurk;

they watch my every step,

as they prepare to take my life.

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

In your anger bring down the nations, O God!

56:8 You keep track of my misery.

Put my tears in your leather container!

Are they not recorded in your scroll?

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

I know that God is on my side.

56:10 In God – I boast in his promise –

in the Lord – I boast in his promise –

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

What can mere men do to me?

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

I will give you the thank-offerings you deserve,

56:13 when you deliver my life from death.

You keep my feet from stumbling,

so that I might serve God as I enjoy life.