Psalm 56

Psalm 56 (New International Version)

Psalm 56

Psalm 56^[a]

    For 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:

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