Psalm 59

Psalm 59

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 59

Psalm 59^[a]

    For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam.^[b]When Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. ¹ Deliver me from my enemies, O God;
   be my fortress against those who are attacking me.
² Deliver me from evildoers
   and save me from those who are after my blood.
 ³ See how they lie in wait for me!
   Fierce men conspire against me
   for no offense or sin of mine, LORD.
⁴ I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me.
   Arise to help me; look on my plight!
⁵ You, LORD God Almighty,
   you who are the God of Israel,
rouse yourself to punish all the nations;
   show no mercy to wicked traitors.^[c]
 6 They return at evening,
   snarling like dogs,
   and prowl about the city.
⁷ See what they spew from their mouths—
   the words from their lips are sharp as swords,
   and they think, “Who can hear us?”
⁸ But you laugh at them, LORD;
   you scoff at all those nations.
 ⁹ You are my strength, I watch for you;
   you, God, are my fortress,
 ¹⁰ my God on whom I can rely.
   God will go before me
   and will let me gloat over those who slander me.
¹¹ But do not kill them, Lord our shield,^[d]
   or my people will forget.
In your might uproot them
   and bring them down.
¹² For the sins of their mouths,
   for the words of their lips,
   let them be caught in their pride.
For the curses and lies they utter,
 ¹³ consume them in your wrath,
   consume them till they are no more.
Then it will be known to the ends of the earth
   that God rules over Jacob.
 ¹⁴ They return at evening,
   snarling like dogs,
   and prowl about the city.
¹⁵ They wander about for food
   and howl if not satisfied.
¹⁶ But I will sing of your strength,
   in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
   my refuge in times of trouble.
 ¹⁷ You are my strength, I sing praise to you;
   you, God, are my fortress,
   my God on whom I can rely.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 59:1 In Hebrew texts 59:1-17 is numbered 59:2-18.
2. Psalm 59:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
3. Psalm 59:5 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 13.
4. Psalm 59:11 Or sovereign