Psalms 56

1 For the Leader; upon Jonath-elem-rehokim. A Psalm of David; Michtam; when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be gracious unto me, O God, for man would swallow me up; all the day he fighting oppresseth 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 They that lie in wait for me would swallow me up all the day; for they are many that fight against me, O Most High,

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

3 In the day that I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee.

But when I'm afraid, I trust in you.

4 In God — I will praise His word — in God do I trust, I will not be afraid; what can flesh do unto 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 they trouble mine affairs; all their thoughts are against me for evil.

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

6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps; according as they have waited for my soul.

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

7 Because of iniquity cast them out; in anger bring down the peoples, O God.

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

8 Thou has counted my wanderings; put Thou my tears into Thy bottle; are they not in Thy book?

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 mine enemies turn back in the day that I call; this I know, that God is for me.

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 — I will praise His word — in the LORD — I will praise His word —

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

11 In God do I trust, I will not be afraid; what can man do unto me?

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

12 Thy vows are upon me, O God; I will render thank-offerings unto Thee.

God, I will keep my promises to you. I will give thank offerings to you,

13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death; hast Thou not delivered my feet from stumbling? that I may walk before 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.