Psalms 59
1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me.
For the leader. Al tashheth. Of David. A michtam, when Saul sent men to watch his house in order to kill him. Save me, O God, from my enemies; secure me from my assailants.
2 Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed.
Save me from those who do wrong, save me from the bloodthirsty.
3 See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD.
For see! They lay ambush for me, strong men are banded against me not for sin or transgression of mine, for no guilt of mine, O Lord,
4 For no fault of my own, they move swiftly to attack me. Arise to help me, and take notice.
they run and make ready. Awake! Come forth to meet me, and see!
5 O LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, rouse Yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to the wicked traitors.
You, O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, awake! And punish the proud, every one; spare none of the traitors vile. (Selah)
6 They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.
At evening they come, and, howling like dogs, make their round in the city.
7 See what they spew from their mouths— sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?”
Look at their venomous mouths, tongues like swords, they think no one hears them.
8 But You, O LORD, laugh at them; You scoff at all the nations.
But you, Lord, laugh at them, you mock all the insolent.
9 I will keep watch for You, O my strength, because You, O God, are my fortress.
My strength, I will sing to you, for God is my sure retreat.
10 My God of loving devotion will come to meet me; God will let me stare down my foes.
My God with his love will meet me, and feast my eyes on my foes.
11 Do not kill them, or my people will forget. Scatter them by Your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield.
Slay them not, lest my people forget, let your hosts keep them roaming and wandering.
12 By the sins of their mouths and the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride, in the curses and lies they utter.
In their sinful speech snare them, O Lord; and may they be trapped in their pride, for the curses and lies that they utter.
13 Consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, so it may be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob.
In your wrath make a clean end of them, that people, to the ends of the earth, may know that God rules in Jacob. (Selah)
14 They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.
At evening they come, and, howling like dogs, make their round in the city.
15 They scavenge for food, and growl if they are not satisfied.
They roam about for a feast, and snarl, if they get not their fill.
16 But I will sing of Your strength and proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning. For You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
But I will sing of your might; I will ring out your love in the morning. For to me you have been a sure refuge, a retreat in the day of my trouble.
17 To You, O my strength, I sing praises, for You, O God, are my fortress, my God of loving devotion.
My strength, I will sing praise to you, for God is my sure retreat, my faithful God.
