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 music director. According to “Dove on Distant Oaks.” A psalm (miktam) of David concerning the time the Philistines captured him in Gath. God, please be gracious to me, for people are persecuting me; my attackers fight against me all day long.

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

My enemies chase me down all the time—there are many of them, attacking me in their arrogance.

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

But when I'm afraid, I 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.

I thank God for his promises. I trust in God, so why should I be fearful? What can mere human beings do to me?

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

They constantly twist my words against me; they spend all their time thinking of evil things to do to me.

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

They gather together in their hiding places to keep watch on me, hoping to kill me.

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

Will they escape when they do so much evil? God, in anger bring these people down!

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

You've kept track of all my wanderings. You've collected all my tears in your bottle. You've kept a record of each one.

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 those who hate me will run away when I call for your help. For I know this: God is for me!

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

I thank God for his promises. I thank the Lord for his promises.

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

I trust in God, so why should I be fearful? What can mere human beings do to me?

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

God, I will keep my promises to you. I will give 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 saved me from death and kept me from falling. Now I walk in the presence of God, in the light that gives life.