Psalms 56

1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack.

Unto the end, for a people that is removed at a distance from the sanctuary for David, for an inscription of a title (or pillar) when the Philistines held him in Geth. Have mercy on me, O God, for man hath trodden me under foot; all the day long he hath afflicted me fighting against me.

2 My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me.

My enemies have trodden on me all the day long; for they are many that make war against me.

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.

From the height of the day I shall fear: but I will trust in thee.

4 In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

In God I will praise my words, in God I have put my trust: I will not fear what flesh can do against me.

5 All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise.

All the day long they detested my words: all their thoughts were against me unto evil.

6 They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life.

They will dwell and hide themselves: they will watch my heel. As they have waited for my soul,

7 In spite of such sin, will they escape? In Your anger, O God, cast down the nations.

For nothing shalt thou save them: in thy anger thou shalt break the people in pieces, O God,

8 You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle— are they not in Your book?

I have declared to thee my life: thou hast set my tears in thy sight, As also in thy promise.

9 Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side.

Then shall my enemies be turned back. In what day soever I shall call upon thee, behold I know thou art my God.

10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise,

In God will I praise the word, in the Lord will I praise his speech.

11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

In God have I hoped, I will not fear what man can do to me.

12 Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You.

In me, O God, are vows to thee, which I will pay, praises to thee:

13 For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Because thou hast delivered my soul from death, my feet from falling: that I may please in the sight of God, in the light of the living.