Psalms 56

1 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13 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.

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