< Psalms 57 >
1 For the chief musician; set to Al Tashheth. A psalm of David. A michtam; when he fled from Saul, in the cave. Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me, for I take refuge in you until these troubles are over. I stay under your wings for protection until this destruction is over.
“To the chief musician, Al-tashcheth, by David, a Michtham, when he fled from Saul, in the cave.” Be gracious unto me, O God, be gracious unto me; for in thee my soul seeketh protection, and under the shadow of thy wings will I seek protection, until the mischief be passed away.
2 I will cry to God Most High, to God, who does all things for me.
I will call unto God, the Most High; unto God that accomplisheth [his kindness] on me.
3 He will send help from heaven and save me, he is angry with those who crush me. (Selah) God will send me his loving kindness and his faithfulness.
He will send from heaven, and save me, though he that longeth to swallow me up utter reproach. (Selah) God will send forth his kindness and his truth.
4 My life is among lions; I am among those who are ready to devour me. I am among people whose teeth are spears and arrows, and whose tongues are sharp swords.
My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down [in the midst of] those that send out flames, [those] sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and whose tongue is a sharpened sword.
5 Be exalted, God, above the heavens; let your glory be above all the earth.
Be thou exalted above the heavens, O God: above all the earth let thy glory be.
6 They spread out a net for my feet; I was distressed. They dug a pit in front of me. They themselves have fallen into the middle of it! (Selah)
A net have they prepared for my steps; my soul hath been bent down; they have dug before me a pit; they are fallen into the midst thereof. (Selah)
7 My heart is fixed, God, my heart is fixed; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises.
Firm is my heart, O God, firm is my heart: I will sing and play.
8 Wake up, my honored heart; wake up, lute and harp; I will wake up the dawn.
Awake, my spirit; awake, psaltery and harp: I will wake up the morning-dawn.
9 I will give thanks to you, Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.
I will thank thee among the people, O Lord: I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.
10 For great is your unfailing love, reaching to the heavens; and your faithfulness to the clouds.
For great, even unto the heavens, is thy kindness, and even unto the skies [extendeth] thy truth.
11 Be exalted, God, above the heavens; may your glory be exalted over all the earth.
Be thou exalted above the heavens, O God: above all the earth let thy glory be.