Psalms Chapter 56

For the Choir Director. A Mikhtam of David,

When the Philistines Seized Him in Gath

Set to The Pigeon in Far-Off Terebinths

1 Be gracious, God; people are walking all over me,

      oppressing me all the time, 2attacking me.

3 When I’m afraid, I put my trust in you.

4 In you, whose word I praise, I’ve put my trust;

         what can mortals do to me?

5 All day long they try to frustrate my purposes;

      they think up ways to harm me.

6 They stir up conflict, they lurk, they watch my every step,

      looking for a chance to kill me.

7 Because they’re sinful, throw them out;

      in anger put them down, God!                                          Ps 56:1-7

8 You’ve kept track of my wanderings

            and collected my tears in your bottle;

      aren’t they recorded in your scroll?

9 My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help;

      I know this one thing: you’re with me.

10 In God, whose word I praise,

            in the LORD, whose word I praise,

         11I’ve put my trust so I won’t be afraid;

            what can mortals do to me?

12 I have to perform my vows to you;

      I’ll give thank offerings for your help,

                  13because you’ve delivered me from death

            and my feet from stumbling

            so I can walk with you in the light of life.

Ps 56:8-13

From the CNT translation by Virgil Warren, PhD