The ropes of Sheol tightened around me, the snares of death trapped me.

If I were to ascend to heaven, you would be there. If I were to sprawl out in Sheol, there you would be.

As when one plows and breaks up the soil, so our bones are scattered at the mouth of Sheol.

O Lord, you pulled me up from Sheol; you rescued me from among those descending into the grave.

But God will rescue my life from the power of Sheol; certainly he will pull me to safety. (Selah)

May death destroy them! May they go down alive into Sheol! For evil is in their dwelling place and in their midst.

No man can live on without experiencing death, or deliver his life from the power of Sheol. (Selah)

The ropes of death tightened around me, the snares of Sheol confronted me. I was confronted with trouble and sorrow.

They will travel to Sheol like sheep, with death as their shepherd. The godly will rule over them when the day of vindication dawns; Sheol will consume their bodies and they will no longer live in impressive houses.

For the music director; according to the al-tashcheth style; a prayer of David, written when Saul sent men to surround his house and murder him. Deliver me from my enemies, my God! Protect me from those who attack me!

For the music director; by the Lord’s servant David, who sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord rescued him from the power of all his enemies, including Saul. He said: “I love you, Lord, my source of strength!

For the music director; according to the al-tashcheth style; a prayer of David, written when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God! Have mercy on me! For in you I have taken shelter. In the shadow of your wings I take shelter until trouble passes.