(0) Psalm 56 For the director of music. To [the tune of] "A Dove on Distant Oaks." Of David. A miktam.[1] When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.
(1) Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me; all day long they press their attack.
(2) My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me in their pride.
(3) When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
(4) In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
(5) All day long they twist my words; they are always plotting to harm me.
(6) They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, eager to take my life.
(7) On no account let them escape; in your anger, O God, bring down the nations.
(8) Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll[2] -- are they not in your record?
(9) Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.
(10) In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise--
(11) in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
(12) I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you.
(13) For you have delivered me[3] from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.[4]