Psalms 52:1--54:7

Psalm 52

For the music director; a well-written song by David. It was written when Doeg the Edomite went and informed Saul: “David has arrived at the home of Ahimelech.”

52:1 Why do you boast about your evil plans, O powerful man?

God’s loyal love protects me all day long!

52:2 Your tongue carries out your destructive plans;

it is as effective as a sharp razor, O deceiver.

52:3 You love evil more than good,

lies more than speaking the truth. (Selah)

52:4 You love to use all the words that destroy,

and the tongue that deceives.

52:5 Yet God will make you a permanent heap of ruins.

He will scoop you up and remove you from your home;

he will uproot you from the land of the living. (Selah)

52:6 When the godly see this, they will be filled with awe,

and will mock the evildoer, saying:

52:7 “Look, here is the man who would not make God his protector!

He trusted in his great wealth

and was confident about his plans to destroy others.”

52:8 But I am like a flourishing olive tree in the house of God;

I continually trust in God’s loyal love.

52:9 I will continually thank you when you execute judgment;

I will rely on you, for your loyal followers know you are good.

Psalm 53

For the music director; according to the machalath style; a well-written song by David.

53:1 Fools say to themselves, “There is no God.”

They sin and commit evil deeds;

none of them does what is right.

53:2 God looks down from heaven at the human race,

to see if there is anyone who is wise and seeks God.

53:3 Everyone rejects God;

they are all morally corrupt.

None of them does what is right,

not even one!

53:4 All those who behave wickedly do not understand –

those who devour my people as if they were eating bread,

and do not call out to God.

53:5 They are absolutely terrified,

even by things that do not normally cause fear.

For God annihilates those who attack you.

You are able to humiliate them because God has rejected them.

53:6 I wish the deliverance of Israel would come from Zion!

When God restores the well-being of his people,

may Jacob rejoice,

may Israel be happy!

Psalm 54

For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a well-written song by David. It was written when the Ziphites came and informed Saul: “David is hiding with us.”

54:1 O God, deliver me by your name!

Vindicate me by your power!

54:2 O God, listen to my prayer!

Pay attention to what I say!

54:3 For foreigners attack me;

ruthless men, who do not respect God, seek my life. (Selah)

54:4 Look, God is my deliverer!

The Lord is among those who support me.

54:5 May those who wait to ambush me be repaid for their evil!

As a demonstration of your faithfulness, destroy them!

54:6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you!

I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good!

54:7 Surely he rescues me from all trouble,

and I triumph over my enemies.