Psalms 56

1 To the chief Musician upon Jonath-elem-rechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.

For the chief musician; set to Jonath elem rehokim. A psalm of David. A michtam; when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful to me, God, for men are attacking me! All the day long those who fight me press their assault.

2 Mine enemies would daily swallow [me] up: for [they be] many that fight against me, O thou most High.

My enemies trample me all day long; for there are many who arrogantly fight against me.

3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

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

4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

In God, whose word I praise— in God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid; what can mere man do to me?

5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts [are] against me for evil.

All the day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are against me for evil.

6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.

They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, and they mark my steps, just as they have waited for my life.

7 Shall they escape by iniquity? in [thine] anger cast down the people, O God.

Do not let them escape doing iniquity. Bring down the peoples in your anger, God.

8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: [are they] not in thy book?

You number my wanderings and put my tears into your bottle; are they not in your book?

9 When I cry [unto thee], then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God [is] for me.

Then my enemies will turn back on the day that I call to you; this I know, that God is for me.

10 In God will I praise [his] word: in the LORD will I praise [his] word.

In God—whose word I praise, in Yahweh—whose word I praise,

11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

in God I trust, I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?

12 Thy vows [are] upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.

The duty to fulfill my vows to you is on me, God; I will give thank offerings to you.

13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: [wilt] not [thou deliver] my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

For you have rescued my life from death; you have kept my feet from falling, so that I may walk before God in the light of the living.