Psalms 57
1 [For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A poem by David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave.] Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me, for my soul takes refuge in you. Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, until disaster has passed.
For the music director. According to “Do Not Destroy.” A psalm (miktam) of David concerning the time he fled from Saul and hid in the cave. Please be kind to me, God! Be kind to me because I come to you for protection. I will shelter under the shadow of your wings until the danger is past.
2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who accomplishes my requests for me.
I cry out for help to God Most High, to God who vindicates me.
3 He will send from heaven, and save me, he rebukes the one who is pursuing me. (Selah) God will send out his loving kindness and his truth.
From heaven he sends his help, and he saves me. He defeats those who persecute me. (Selah) God sends me his unfailing love, showing he is completely trustworthy.
4 My soul is among lions. I lie among those who are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
I am surrounded by man-eating lions—I am forced to live with them! Their teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongues are swords.
5 Be exalted, God, above the heavens. Let your glory be above all the earth.
God, your greatness is above the highest heavens; and your glory covers the whole earth!
6 They have prepared a net for my steps. My soul is bowed down. They dig a pit before me. They fall into its midst themselves. (Selah)
They set a trap to catch me. I was so depressed. They dug a pit on my path but they were the ones who fell into it. (Selah)
7 My heart is steadfast, God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises.
I have confidence in you, God, I have confidence in you. I will sing songs of praise to you.
8 Wake up, my glory. Wake up, psaltery and harp. I will wake up the dawn.
I say to myself, “Wake up!” Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake up the dawn!
9 I will give thanks to you, LORD, among the peoples. I will sing praises to you among the nations.
I will thank you among the peoples, Lord; I will sing your praises among the nations.
10 For your great loving kindness reaches to the heavens, and your truth to the skies.
Your faithful love reaches to the heavens; your trustworthiness to the clouds.
11 Be exalted, God, above the heavens. Let your glory be over all the earth.
God, your greatness is above the highest heavens; and your glory covers the whole earth!
