Psalm 56

Psalm 56[a]

1or. the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David. A miktam.[b] When the Philistines had seized him in Gath. 1 Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack.

2. My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me.

3. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

4. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

5. All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin.

6. They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life.

7. Because of their wickedness do not[c] let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down.

8. Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll[d]— are they not in your record?

9. Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.

10. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise—

11. in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?

12. I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you.

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

Footnotes:

a. Psalm 56:1: In Hebrew texts 56:1-13 is numbered 56:2-14.
b. Psalm 56:1: Title: Probably a literary or musical term
c. Psalm 56:7: Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text does not have do not.
d. Psalm 56:8: Or misery; / put my tears in your wineskin