Psalms 56 — NETB

For the music director; according to the yonath-elem-rechovim style; a prayer of David, written when the Philistines captured him in Gath.

56Verse 1Have mercy on me, O God, for men are attacking me!
All day long hostile enemies are tormenting me.
^{Verse 2}Those who anticipate my defeat attack me all day long.
Indeed, many are fighting against me, O Exalted One.
^{Verse 3}When I am afraid,
I trust in you.
^{Verse 4}In God – I boast in his promise –
in God I trust, I am not afraid.
What can mere men do to me?
^{Verse 5}All day long they cause me trouble;
they make a habit of plotting my demise.
^{Verse 6}They stalk and lurk;
they watch my every step,
as they prepare to take my life.
^{Verse 7}Because they are bent on violence, do not let them escape!
In your anger bring down the nations, O God!
^{Verse 8}You keep track of my misery.
Put my tears in your leather container!
Are they not recorded in your scroll?
^{Verse 9}My enemies will turn back when I cry out to you for help;
I know that God is on my side.
^{Verse 10}In God – I boast in his promise –
in the Lord – I boast in his promise –
^{Verse 11}in God I trust, I am not afraid.
What can mere men do to me?
^{Verse 12}I am obligated to fulfill the vows I made to you, O God;
I will give you the thank-offerings you deserve,
^{Verse 13}when you deliver my life from death.
You keep my feet from stumbling,
so that I might serve God as I enjoy life.