Psalm 56

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

1Have mercy on me, O God, for men are attacking me!

All day long hostile enemies are tormenting me.

2Those who anticipate my defeat attack me all day long.

Indeed, many are fighting against me, O Exalted One.

3When I am afraid,

I trust in you.

4In God – I boast in his promise –

in God I trust, I am not afraid.

What can mere men do to me?

5All day long they cause me trouble;

they make a habit of plotting my demise.

6They stalk and lurk;

they watch my every step,

as they prepare to take my life.

7Because they are bent on violence, do not let them escape!

In your anger bring down the nations, O God!

8You keep track of my misery.

Put my tears in your leather container!

Are they not recorded in your scroll?

9My enemies will turn back when I cry out to you for help;

I know that God is on my side.

10In God – I boast in his promise –

in the Lord – I boast in his promise –

11in God I trust, I am not afraid.

What can mere men do to me?

12I am obligated to fulfill the vows I made to you, O God;

I will give you the thank-offerings you deserve,

13when you deliver my life from death.

You keep my feet from stumbling,

so that I might serve God as I enjoy life.