Psalms 54-63
New American Standard Bible
Chapter 54
1Save me, God, by Your name, And vindicate me by Your power. 2Hear my prayer, God; Listen to the words of my mouth. 3For strangers have risen against me And violent men have sought my life; They have not set God before them. Selah 4Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul. 5 He will pay back the evil to my enemies; Destroy them in Your faithfulness. 6 Willingly I will sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, Lord, for it is good. 7For He has saved me from all trouble, And my eye has looked with satisfaction upon my enemies.Chapter 55
1 Listen to my prayer, God; And do not hide Yourself from my pleading. 2Give Your attention to me and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and severely distracted, 3Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the pressure of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me And in anger they hold a grudge against me. 4My heart is in anguish within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. 5Fear and trembling come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me. 6I said, 'Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. 7Behold, I would flee far away, I would spend my nights in the wilderness. Selah 8I would hurry to my place of refuge From the stormy wind and heavy gale.' 9Confuse them, Lord, divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city. 10Day and night they go around her upon her walls, And evil and harm are in her midst. 11Destruction is in her midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from her streets. 12For it is not an enemy who taunts me, Then I could endure it; Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, Then I could hide myself from him. 13But it is you, a man my equal, My companion and my confidant; 14We who had sweet fellowship together, Walked in the house of God among the commotion. 15 May death come deceitfully upon them; May they go down alive to Sheol, For evil is in their dwelling, in their midst. 16As for me, I shall call upon God, And the Lord will save me. 17Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and moan, And He will hear my voice. 18He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me, For they are many who are aggressive toward me. 19God will hear and humiliate them— Even the one who sits enthroned from ancient times— Selah With whom there is no change, And who do not fear God. 20He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has violated his covenant. 21His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. 22Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. 23But You, God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction; Men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.Chapter 56
1Be gracious to me, God, for a man has trampled upon me; Fighting all day long he oppresses me. 2My enemies have trampled upon me all day long, For they are many who fight proudly against me. 3 When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. 4In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 5All day long they distort my words; All their thoughts are against me for evil. 6They attack, they lurk, They watch my steps, As they have waited to take my life. 7Because of their wickedness, will there be an escape for them? In anger make the peoples fall down, God! 8You have taken account of my miseries; Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book? 9Then my enemies will turn back on the day when I call; This I know, that God is for me. 10In God, whose word I praise, In the Lord, whose word I praise, 11In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can mankind do to me? 12Your vows are binding upon me, God; I will render thanksgiving offerings to You. 13For You have saved my soul from death, Indeed my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God In the light of the living.Chapter 57
1Be gracious to me, God, be gracious to me, For my soul takes refuge in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge Until destruction passes by. 2I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me. 3He will send from heaven and save me; He rebukes the one who tramples upon me. Selah God will send His favor and His truth. 4My soul is among lions; I must lie among those who devour, Among sons of mankind whose teeth are spears and arrows, And their tongue is a sharp sword. 5Be exalted above the heavens, God; May Your glory be above all the earth. 6They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down; They dug a pit before me; They themselves have fallen into the midst of it. Selah 7My heart is steadfast, God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises! 8Awake, my glory! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 9I will praise You, Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations. 10For Your goodness is great to the heavens And Your truth to the clouds. 11Be exalted above the heavens, God; May Your glory be above all the earth.Chapter 58
1Do you indeed speak righteousness, you gods? Do you judge fairly, you sons of mankind? 2No, in heart you practice injustice; On earth you clear a way for the violence of your hands. 3The wicked have turned away from the womb; These who speak lies go astray from birth. 4They have venom like the venom of a serpent; Like a deaf cobra that stops up its ear, 5So that it does not hear the voice of charmers, Or a skillful caster of spells. 6God, shatter their teeth in their mouth; Break out the fangs of the young lions, Lord. 7May they flow away like water that runs off; When he aims his arrows, may they be as headless shafts. 8 May they be like a snail which goes along in slime, Like the miscarriage of a woman that never sees the sun. 9Before your pots can feel the fire of thorns He will sweep them away with a whirlwind, the green and the burning alike. 10The righteous will rejoice when he sees vengeance; He will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked. 11And people will say, 'There certainly is a reward for the righteous; There certainly is a God who judges on the earth!'Chapter 59
1Rescue me from my enemies, my God; Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me. 2Rescue me from those who practice injustice, And save me from men of bloodshed. 3For behold, they have set an ambush for my life; Fierce men attack me, Not for my wrongdoing nor for my sin, Lord, 4 For no guilt of mine, they run and take their stand against me. Stir Yourself to help me, and see! 5You, Lord God of armies, the God of Israel, Awake to punish all the nations; Do not be gracious to any who deal treacherously in wrongdoing. Selah 6They return at evening, they howl like a dog, And prowl around the city. 7Behold, they gush forth with their mouths; Swords are in their lips, For, they say, 'Who hears?' 8But You, Lord, laugh at them; You scoff at all the nations. 9 Because of his strength I will watch for You, For God is my refuge. 10 My God in His faithfulness will meet me; God will let me look triumphantly upon my enemies. 11Do not kill them, or my people will forget; Scatter them by Your power and bring them down, Lord, our shield. 12 On account of the sin of their mouths and the words of their lips, May they even be caught in their pride, And on account of curses and lies which they tell. 13 Destroy them in wrath, destroy them so that they will no longer exist; So that people may know that God rules in Jacob, To the ends of the earth. Selah 14They return at evening, they howl like a dog, And prowl around the city. 15They wander about for food And murmur if they are not satisfied. 16But as for me, I will sing of Your strength; Yes, I will joyfully sing of Your faithfulness in the morning, For You have been my refuge And a place of refuge on the day of my distress. 17My strength, I will sing praises to You; For God is my refuge, the God who shows me favor.Chapter 60
1God, You have rejected us. You have broken us; You have been angry; restore us! 2You have made the land quake, You have split it open; Heal its cracks, for it sways. 3You have made Your people experience hardship; You have given us wine to drink that makes us stagger. 4You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah 5That Your beloved may be rescued, Save us with Your right hand, and answer us! 6God has spoken in His holiness: 'I will triumph, I will divide up Shechem, and measure out the Valley of Succoth. 7Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet of My head; Judah is My scepter. 8Moab is My washbowl; I will throw My sandal over Edom; Shout loud, Philistia, because of Me!' 9Who will bring me into the besieged city? Who will lead me to Edom? 10Have You Yourself not rejected us, God? And will You not go out with our armies, God? 11Oh give us help against the enemy, For rescue by man is worthless. 12 Through God we will do valiantly, And it is He who will trample down our enemies.Chapter 61
1Hear my cry, God; Give Your attention to my prayer. 2From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy. 4Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah 5For You have heard my vows, God; You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name. 6You will prolong the king’s life; His years will be like generations. 7He will sit enthroned before God forever; Appoint faithfulness and truth that they may watch over him. 8So I will sing praise to Your name forever, That I may pay my vows day by day.Chapter 62
1 My soul waits in silence for God alone; From Him comes my salvation. 2He alone is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I will not be greatly shaken. 3How long will you attack a man, That you may murder him, all of you, Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence? 4They have planned only to thrust him down from his high position; They delight in falsehood; They bless with their mouth, But inwardly they curse. Selah 5My soul, wait in silence for God alone, For my hope is from Him. 6He alone is my rock and my salvation, My refuge; I will not be shaken. 7My salvation and my glory rest on God; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. 8Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah 9People of low standing are only breath, and people of rank are a lie; In the balances they go up. Together they are lighter than breath. 10Do not trust in oppression, And do not vainly rely on robbery; If wealth increases, do not set your heart on it. 11God has spoken once; Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God; 12And faithfulness is Yours, Lord, For You reward a person according to his work.Chapter 63
1 God, You are my God; I shall be watching for You; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and exhausted land where there is no water. 2So have I seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and glory. 3Because Your favor is better than life, My lips will praise You. 4So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. 5My soul is satisfied as with fat and fatness, And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. 6When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, 7For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. 8My soul clings to You; Your right hand takes hold of me. 9But those who seek my life to destroy it, Will go into the depths of the earth. 10 They will be turned over to the power of the sword; They will be a prey for foxes. 11But the king will rejoice in God; Everyone who swears by Him will boast, For the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped.King James Version
14And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.
Christian Standard Bible
Chapter 54
1For the choir director: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. When the Ziphites went and said to Saul, "Is David not hiding among us?" God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might! 2God, hear my prayer; listen to the words from my mouth.
3For strangers rise up against me, and violent men intend to kill me. They do not let God guide them. Selah
4God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my life.
5He will repay my adversaries for their evil. Because of your faithfulness, annihilate them.
6I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you. I will praise your name, Lord, because it is good.
7For he has rescued me from every trouble, and my eye has looked down on my enemies.
Chapter 55
1For the choir director: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. God, listen to my prayer and do not hide from my plea for help. 2Pay attention to me and answer me. I am restless and in turmoil with my complaint,
3because of the enemy’s words, because of the pressure of the wicked. For they bring down disaster on me and harass me in anger.
4My heart shudders within me; terrors of death sweep over me.
5Fear and trembling grip me; horror has overwhelmed me.
6I said, "If only I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest.
8I would hurry to my shelter from the raging wind and the storm."
9Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city;
10day and night they make the rounds on its walls. Crime and trouble are within it;
11destruction is inside it; oppression and deceit never leave its marketplace.
12Now it is not an enemy who insults me— otherwise I could bear it; it is not a foe who rises up against me— otherwise I could hide from him.
13But it is you, a man who is my peer, my companion and good friend!
14We used to have close fellowship; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.
15Let death take them by surprise; let them go down to Sheol alive, because evil is in their homes and within them.
16But I call to God, and the Lord will save me.
17I complain and groan morning, noon, and night, and he hears my voice.
18Though many are against me, he will redeem me from my battle unharmed.
19God, the one enthroned from long ago, will hear and will humiliate them Selah because they do not change and do not fear God.
20My friend acts violently against those at peace with him; he violates his covenant.
22Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
23God, you will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and treachery will not live out half their days. But I will trust in you.
2My adversaries trample me all day, for many arrogantly fight against me.
3When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
4In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
5They twist my words all day long; all their thoughts against me are evil.
6They stir up strife, they lurk; they watch my steps while they wait to take my life.
7Will they escape in spite of such sin? God, bring down the nations in wrath.
8You yourself have recorded my wanderings. Put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?
9Then my enemies will retreat on the day when I call. This I know: God is for me.
10In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise,
11in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mere humans do to me?
12I am obligated by vows to you, God; I will make my thank offerings to you.
13For you rescued me from death, even my feet from stumbling, to walk before God in the light of life.
Chapter 57
1For the choir director: "Do Not Destroy." A Miktam of David. When he fled before Saul into the cave. Be gracious to me, God, be gracious to me, for I take refuge in you. I will seek refuge in the shadow of your wings until danger passes. 2I call to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
3He reaches down from heaven and saves me, challenging the one who tramples me. Selah God sends his faithful love and truth.
4I am surrounded by lions; I lie down among devouring lions— people whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.
5God, be exalted above the heavens; let your glory be over the whole earth.
6They prepared a net for my steps; I was despondent. They dug a pit ahead of me, but they fell into it! Selah
7My heart is confident, God, my heart is confident. I will sing; I will sing praises.
8Wake up, my soul! Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake up the dawn.
9I will praise you, Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations.
10For your faithful love is as high as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches the clouds.
11God, be exalted above the heavens; let your glory be over the whole earth.
2No, you practice injustice in your hearts; with your hands you weigh out violence in the land.
3The wicked go astray from the womb; liars wander about from birth.
4They have venom like the venom of a snake, like the deaf cobra that stops up its ears,
5that does not listen to the sound of the charmers who skillfully weave spells.
6God, knock the teeth out of their mouths; Lord, tear out the young lions’ fangs.
7May they vanish like water that flows by; may they aim their blunted arrows.
8Like a slug that moves along in slime, like a woman’s miscarried child, may they not see the sun.
9Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns— whether green or burning— he will sweep them away.
10The righteous one will rejoice when he sees the retribution; he will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.
11Then people will say, "Yes, there is a reward for the righteous! There is a God who judges on earth!"
Chapter 59
1For the choir director: "Do Not Destroy." A Miktam of David. When Saul sent agents to watch the house and kill him. Rescue me from my enemies, my God; protect me from those who rise up against me. 2Rescue me from those who practice sin, and save me from men of bloodshed. 3Because look, Lord, they set an ambush for me. Powerful men attack me, but not because of any sin or rebellion of mine. 4For no fault of mine, they run and take up a position. Awake to help me, and take notice.
5 Lord God of Armies, you are the God of Israel. Rise up to punish all the nations; do not show favor to any wicked traitors. Selah
6They return at evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.
7Look, they spew from their mouths— sharp words from their lips. "For who," they say, "will hear?"
8But you laugh at them, Lord; you ridicule all the nations.
9I will keep watch for you, my strength, because God is my stronghold.
10My faithful God will come to meet me; God will let me look down on my adversaries.
11Do not kill them; otherwise, my people will forget. By your power, make them homeless wanderers and bring them down, Lord, our shield.
12For the sin of their mouths and the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. They utter curses and lies.
13Consume them in rage; consume them until they are gone. Then people will know throughout the earth that God rules over Jacob. Selah
14And they return at evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.
15They scavenge for food; they growl if they are not satisfied.
16But I will sing of your strength and will joyfully proclaim your faithful love in the morning. For you have been a stronghold for me, a refuge in my day of trouble.
17To you, my strength, I sing praises, because God is my stronghold— my faithful God.
Chapter 60
1For the choir director: according to "The Lily of Testimony." A Miktam of David for teaching. When he fought with Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and struck Edom in Salt Valley, killing twelve thousand. God, you have rejected us; you have broken us down; you have been angry. Restore us! 2You have shaken the land and split it open. Heal its fissures, for it shudders. 3You have made your people suffer hardship; you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger.
4You have given a signal flag to those who fear you, so that they can flee before the archers. Selah
5Save with your right hand, and answer me, so that those you love may be rescued.
6God has spoken in his sanctuary: "I will celebrate! I will divide up Shechem. I will apportion the Valley of Succoth.
7Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine, and Ephraim is my helmet; Judah is my scepter.
8Moab is my washbasin. I throw my sandal on Edom; I shout in triumph over Philistia."
9Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?
10God, haven’t you rejected us? God, you do not march out with our armies.
11Give us aid against the foe, for human help is worthless.
12With God we will perform valiantly; he will trample our foes.
Chapter 61
1For the choir director: on stringed instruments. Of David. God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer. 2I call to you from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength. Lead me to a rock that is high above me, 3for you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy.
4I will dwell in your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of your wings. Selah
5God, you have heard my vows; you have given a heritage to those who fear your name.
6Add days to the king’s life; may his years span many generations.
7May he sit enthroned before God forever. Appoint faithful love and truth to guard him.
8Then I will continually sing of your name, fulfilling my vows day by day.
2He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will never be shaken.
3How long will you threaten a man? Will all of you attack as if he were a leaning wall or a tottering fence?
4They only plan to bring him down from his high position. They take pleasure in lying; they bless with their mouths, but they curse inwardly. Selah
5Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him.
6He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken.
7My salvation and glory depend on God, my strong rock. My refuge is in God.
8Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge. Selah
9Common people are only a vapor; important people, an illusion. Together on a scale, they weigh less than a vapor.
10Place no trust in oppression, or false hope in robbery. If wealth increases, don’t set your heart on it.
11God has spoken once; I have heard this twice: strength belongs to God,
12and faithful love belongs to you, Lord. For you repay each according to his works.
2So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory.
3My lips will glorify you because your faithful love is better than life.
4So I will bless you as long as I live; at your name, I will lift up my hands.
5You satisfy me as with rich food; my mouth will praise you with joyful lips.
6When I think of you as I lie on my bed, I meditate on you during the night watches
7because you are my helper; I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings.
8I follow close to you; your right hand holds on to me.
9But those who intend to destroy my life will go into the depths of the earth.
10They will be given over to the power of the sword; they will become a meal for jackals.
11But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by him will boast, for the mouths of liars will be shut.
New Living Translation
Chapter 54
1 Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. 2Listen to my prayer, O God. Pay attention to my plea.
4But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive!
5May the evil plans of my enemies be turned against them. Do as you promised and put an end to them.
6I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good.
7For you have rescued me from my troubles and helped me to triumph over my enemies.
Chapter 55
1 Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! 2Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. 3My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me and angrily hunt me down.
4My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me.
5Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking.
6Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest!
7I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. Interlude
8How quickly I would escape — far from this wild storm of hatred.
9Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city.
10Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city.
11Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.
12It is not an enemy who taunts me — I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me — I could have hidden from them.
13Instead, it is you — my equal, my companion and close friend.
14What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.
15Let death stalk my enemies; let the grave swallow them alive, for evil makes its home within them.
16But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me.
17Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.
18He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me.
20As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises.
21His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers!
Chapter 56
1 O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long. 2I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me. 3But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. 4I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
5They are always twisting what I say; they spend their days plotting to harm me.
6They come together to spy on me — watching my every step, eager to kill me.
7Don’t let them get away with their wickedness; in your anger, O God, bring them down.
9My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!
10I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised.
11I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
12I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.
13For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.
Chapter 57
1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by. 2I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.
7My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises!
8Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song.
9I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations.
10For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Chapter 58
1 Justice — do you rulers know the meaning of the word? Do you judge the people fairly? 2No! You plot injustice in your hearts. You spread violence throughout the land. 3These wicked people are born sinners; even from birth they have lied and gone their own way. 4They spit venom like deadly snakes; they are like cobras that refuse to listen, 5ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers, no matter how skillfully they play.
6Break off their fangs, O God! Smash the jaws of these lions, O Lord!
7May they disappear like water into thirsty ground. Make their weapons useless in their hands.
8May they be like snails that dissolve into slime, like a stillborn child who will never see the sun.
9God will sweep them away, both young and old, faster than a pot heats over burning thorns.
10The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged. They will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.
11Then at last everyone will say, 'There truly is a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth.'
Chapter 59
1 Rescue me from my enemies, O God. Protect me from those who have come to destroy me. 2Rescue me from these criminals; save me from these murderers. 3They have set an ambush for me. Fierce enemies are out there waiting, Lord, though I have not sinned or offended them. 4I have done nothing wrong, yet they prepare to attack me. Wake up! See what is happening and help me!
6They come out at night, snarling like vicious dogs as they prowl the streets.
7Listen to the filth that comes from their mouths; their words cut like swords. 'After all, who can hear us?' they sneer.
8But Lord, you laugh at them. You scoff at all the hostile nations.
9You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress.
10In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me. He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies.
11Don’t kill them, for my people soon forget such lessons; stagger them with your power, and bring them to their knees, O Lord our shield.
12Because of the sinful things they say, because of the evil that is on their lips, let them be captured by their pride, their curses, and their lies.
14My enemies come out at night, snarling like vicious dogs as they prowl the streets.
15They scavenge for food but go to sleep unsatisfied.
16But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.
17O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.
Chapter 60
1 You have rejected us, O God, and broken our defenses. You have been angry with us; now restore us to your favor. 2You have shaken our land and split it open. Seal the cracks, for the land trembles. 3You have been very hard on us, making us drink wine that sent us reeling.
5Now rescue your beloved people. Answer and save us by your power.
6God has promised this by his holiness : 'I will divide up Shechem with joy. I will measure out the valley of Succoth.
7Gilead is mine, and Manasseh, too. Ephraim, my helmet, will produce my warriors, and Judah, my scepter, will produce my kings.
8But Moab, my washbasin, will become my servant, and I will wipe my feet on Edom and shout in triumph over Philistia.'
9Who will bring me into the fortified city? Who will bring me victory over Edom?
10Have you rejected us, O God? Will you no longer march with our armies?
11Oh, please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless.
12With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes.
Chapter 61
1O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! 2From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, 3for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
5For you have heard my vows, O God. You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.
6Add many years to the life of the king! May his years span the generations!
7May he reign under God’s protection forever. May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him.
8Then I will sing praises to your name forever as I fulfill my vows each day.
Chapter 62
1I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. 2He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.
5Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.
6He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.
7My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
11God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to you;
12unfailing love, O Lord, is yours. Surely you repay all people according to what they have done.
Chapter 63
1O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. 2I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. 3Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! 4I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. 5You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.English Standard Version
Chapter 54
1O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might. 2O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth. 3 For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before themselves. Selah 4Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. 5He will return the evil to my enemies; in your faithfulness put an end to them. 6With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good. 7For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.Chapter 55
1 Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! 2Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan, 3because of the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they drop trouble upon me, and in anger they bear a grudge against me. 4My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me. 5Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me. 6And I say, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; 7 yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah 8I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest." 9Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues; for I see violence and strife in the city. 10Day and night they go around it on its walls, and iniquity and trouble are within it; 11ruin is in its midst; oppression and fraud do not depart from its marketplace. 12For it is not an enemy who taunts me — then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me — then I could hide from him. 13 But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. 14We used to take sweet counsel together; within God 's house we walked in the throng. 15Let death steal over them; let them go down to Sheol alive; for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart. 16But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. 17 Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. 18He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me. 19God will give ear and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old, Selah because they do not change and do not fear God. 20My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant. 21His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. 22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. 23But you, O God, will cast them down into the pit of destruction; men of blood and treachery shall not live out half their days. But I will trust in you.Chapter 56
1 Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me; all day long an attacker oppresses me; 2my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly. 3When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? 5All day long they injure my cause; all their thoughts are against me for evil. 6They stir up strife, they lurk; they watch my steps, as they have waited for my life. 7For their crime will they escape? In wrath cast down the peoples, O God! 8You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? 9Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. 10In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, 11in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? 12I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you. 13 For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.Chapter 57
1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. 2I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. 3 He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness! 4My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts — the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth! 6They set a net for my steps; my soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in my way, but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah 7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! 8 Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! 9I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. 10For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!Chapter 58
1Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly? 2No, in your hearts you devise wrongs; your hands deal out violence on earth. 3The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray from birth, speaking lies. 4 They have venom like the venom of a serpent, like the deaf adder that stops its ear, 5so that it does not hear the voice of charmers or of the cunning enchanter. 6O God, break the teeth in their mouths; tear out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord! 7Let them vanish like water that runs away; when he aims his arrows, let them be blunted. 8Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime, like the stillborn child who never sees the sun. 9Sooner than your pots can feel the heat of thorns, whether green or ablaze, may he sweep them away! 10 The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked. 11Mankind will say, "Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth."Chapter 59
1 Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me; 2deliver me from those who work evil, and save me from bloodthirsty men. 3For behold, they lie in wait for my life; fierce men stir up strife against me. For no transgression or sin of mine, O Lord, 4for no fault of mine, they run and make ready. Awake, come to meet me, and see! 5You, Lord God of hosts, are God of Israel. Rouse yourself to punish all the nations; spare none of those who treacherously plot evil. Selah 6Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city. 7There they are, bellowing with their mouths with swords in their lips — for "Who," they think, "will hear us?" 8But you, O Lord, laugh at them; you hold all the nations in derision. 9O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress. 10 My God in his steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look in triumph on my enemies. 11Kill them not, lest my people forget; make them totter by your power and bring them down, O Lord, our shield! 12For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride. For the cursing and lies that they utter, 13 consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, that they may know that God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth. Selah 14 Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city. 15They wander about for food and growl if they do not get their fill. 16But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. 17O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.Chapter 60
1O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us. 2You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open; repair its breaches, for it totters. 3 You have made your people see hard things; you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger. 4You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah 5 That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer us! 6God has spoken in his holiness: "With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Vale of Succoth. 7 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet; Judah is my scepter. 8 Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph." 9Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? 10Have you not rejected us, O God? You do not go forth, O God, with our armies. 11Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! 12With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.Chapter 61
1 Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; 2from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, 3for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. 4Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah 5For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. 6 Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations! 7May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him! 8So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.Chapter 62
1 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. 3How long will all of you attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence? 4They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah 5For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 7On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. 8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah 9 Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath. 10Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them. 11 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, 12and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.Chapter 63
1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. 5My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, 6when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. 8My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. 9But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth; 10they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals. 11But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.New International Version
5Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them.
6I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, Lord, for it is good.
7You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.
Chapter 55
1For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil of David. Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; 2hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught
3because of what my enemy is saying, because of the threats of the wicked; for they bring down suffering on me and assail me in their anger.
4My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me.
5Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me.
6I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.
7I would flee far away and stay in the desert;
8I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm."
9Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words, for I see violence and strife in the city.
10Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it.
11Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets.
12If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were rising against me, I could hide.
13But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend,
15Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the realm of the dead, for evil finds lodging among them.
16As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me.
17Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.
18He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.
19God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change— he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God.
20My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.
21His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.
22Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
2My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me.
3When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
5All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin.
6They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life.
7Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down.
8Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll — are they not in your record?
9Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.
10In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise—
11in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?
12I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you.
13For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Chapter 57
1For the director of music. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." Of David. A miktam. When he had fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. 2I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me.
6They spread a net for my feet— I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path— but they have fallen into it themselves.
7My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
8Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.
9I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.
10For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
11Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
2No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth.
3Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward, spreading lies.
4Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears,
5that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be.
6Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; Lord, tear out the fangs of those lions!
7Let them vanish like water that flows away; when they draw the bow, let their arrows fall short.
8May they be like a slug that melts away as it moves along, like a stillborn child that never sees the sun.
9Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns— whether they be green or dry—the wicked will be swept away.
10The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they dip their feet in the blood of the wicked.
11Then people will say, "Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth."
2Deliver me from evildoers and save me from those who are after my blood.
3See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, Lord.
4I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Arise to help me; look on my plight!
5You, Lord God Almighty, you who are the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors.
6They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.
7See what they spew from their mouths— the words from their lips are sharp as swords, and they think, "Who can hear us?"
8But you laugh at them, Lord; you scoff at all those nations.
9You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress,
10my God on whom I can rely. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me.
11But do not kill them, Lord our shield, or my people will forget. In your might uproot them and bring them down.
12For 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,
13consume 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.
14They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.
15They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied.
16But 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.
17You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.
Chapter 60
1For the director of music. To the tune of "The Lily of the Covenant." A miktam of David. For teaching. When he fought Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, and when Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry—now restore us! 2You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. 3You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger.
4But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.
5Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.
6God has spoken from his sanctuary: "In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth.
7Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah is my scepter.
8Moab is my washbasin, on Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph."
9Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom?
10Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected us and no longer go out with our armies?
11Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless.
12With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.
Chapter 61
1For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David. Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 2From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.
4I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
5For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
6Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations.
7May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.
8Then I will ever sing in praise of your name and fulfill my vows day after day.
2Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
3How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down— this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.
5Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
6Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7My salvation and my honor depend on God ; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
9Surely the lowborn are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie. If weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath.
10Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
11One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: "Power belongs to you, God,
12and with you, Lord, is unfailing love"; and, "You reward everyone according to what they have done."
Chapter 63
1A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah. You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. 2I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
5I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
6On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
7Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
New King James Version
Chapter 54
1{To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contemplation of David when the Ziphites went and said to Saul, “Is David not hiding with us?”} Save me, O God, by Your name, And vindicate me by Your strength. 2Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth.
4Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is with those who uphold my life.
5He will repay my enemies for their evil. Cut them off in Your truth.
6I will freely sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O Lord, for it is good.
7For He has delivered me out of all trouble; And my eye has seen its desire upon my enemies.
Chapter 55
1{To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contemplation of David.} Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication. 2Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily, 3Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me, And in wrath they hate me. 4 My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. 5Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me. 6So I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.
8I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest.”
9Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city.
10Day and night they go around it on its walls; Iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it.
11Destruction is in its midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets.
12 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him.
13But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance.
14We took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng.
15Let death seize them; Let them go down alive into hell, For wickedness is in their dwellings and among them.
16As for me, I will call upon God, And the Lord shall save me.
17 Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice.
18He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, For there were many against me.
19God will hear, and afflict them, Even He who abides from of old. Selah Because they do not change, Therefore they do not fear God.
20He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has broken his covenant.
21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.
22 Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
23But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in You.
Chapter 56
1{To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Silent Dove in Distant Lands.” A Michtam of David when the Philistines captured him in Gath.} Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up; Fighting all day he oppresses me. 2My enemies would hound me all day, For there are many who fight against me, O Most High. 3Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. 4In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? 5All day they twist my words; All their thoughts are against me for evil. 6They gather together, They hide, they mark my steps, When they lie in wait for my life. 7Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, O God! 8You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book? 9When I cry out to You, Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me. 10In God (I will praise His word), In the Lord (I will praise His word), 11In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 12Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God; I will render praises to You, 13 For You have delivered my soul from death. Have You not kept my feet from falling, That I may walk before God In the light of the living?Chapter 57
1{To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David when he fled from Saul into the cave.} Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by. 2I will cry out to God Most High, To God who performs all things for me.
3 He shall send from heaven and save me; He reproaches the one who would swallow me up. Selah God shall send forth His mercy and His truth.
4My soul is among lions; I lie among the sons of men Who are set on fire, Whose teeth are spears and arrows, And their tongue a sharp sword.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth.
7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise.
8Awake, my glory! Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn.
9 I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations.
10 For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, And Your truth unto the clouds.
11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let Your glory be above all the earth.
Chapter 58
1{To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David.} Do you indeed speak righteousness, you silent ones? Do you judge uprightly, you sons of men? 2No, in heart you work wickedness; You weigh out the violence of your hands in the earth. 3 The wicked are estranged from the womb; They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies. 4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent; They are like the deaf cobra that stops its ear, 5Which will not heed the voice of charmers, Charming ever so skillfully. 6 Break their teeth in their mouth, O God! Break out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord! 7 Let them flow away as waters which run continually; When he bends his bow, Let his arrows be as if cut in pieces. 8 Let them be like a snail which melts away as it goes, Like a stillborn child of a woman, that they may not see the sun. 9Before your pots can feel the burning thorns, He shall take them away as with a whirlwind, As in His living and burning wrath. 10The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance; He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked, 11 So that men will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; Surely He is God who judges in the earth.”Chapter 59
1{To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David when Saul sent men, and they watched the house in order to kill him.} Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Defend me from those who rise up against me. 2Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, And save me from bloodthirsty men. 3For look, they lie in wait for my life; The mighty gather against me, Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O Lord. 4They run and prepare themselves through no fault of mine. Awake to help me, and behold!
6 At evening they return, They growl like a dog, And go all around the city.
7Indeed, they belch with their mouth; Swords are in their lips; For they say, “Who hears?”
8But You, O Lord, shall laugh at them; You shall have all the nations in derision.
9I will wait for You, O You his Strength; For God is my defense.
10My God of mercy shall come to meet me; God shall let me see my desire on my enemies.
11Do not slay them, lest my people forget; Scatter them by Your power, And bring them down, O Lord our shield.
12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips, Let them even be taken in their pride, And for the cursing and lying which they speak.
14And at evening they return, They growl like a dog, And go all around the city.
15They wander up and down for food, And howl if they are not satisfied.
16But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.
17To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; For God is my defense, My God of mercy.
Chapter 60
1{To the Chief Musician. Set to “Lily of the Testimony.” A Michtam of David. For teaching. When he fought against Mesopotamia and Syria of Zobah, and Joab returned and killed twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.} O God, You have cast us off; You have broken us down; You have been displeased; Oh, restore us again! 2You have made the earth tremble; You have broken it; Heal its breaches, for it is shaking. 3 You have shown Your people hard things; You have made us drink the wine of confusion.
5 That Your beloved may be delivered, Save with Your right hand, and hear me.
6God has spoken in His holiness: “I will rejoice; I will divide Shechem And measure out the Valley of Succoth.
7Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet for My head; Judah is My lawgiver.
8 Moab is My washpot; Over Edom I will cast My shoe; Philistia, shout in triumph because of Me.”
9Who will bring me to the strong city? Who will lead me to Edom?
10 Is it not You, O God, who cast us off? And You, O God, who did not go out with our armies?
11Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.
12Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.
Chapter 61
1{To the Chief Musician. On a stringed instrument. A Psalm of David.} Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. 2From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy.
5For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name.
6You will prolong the king’s life, His years as many generations.
7He shall abide before God forever. Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him!
8So I will sing praise to Your name forever, That I may daily perform my vows.
Chapter 62
1{To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.} Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation. 2He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved. 3How long will you attack a man? You shall be slain, all of you, Like a leaning wall and a tottering fence.
5My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.
6He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.
9 Surely men of low degree are a vapor, Men of high degree are a lie; If they are weighed on the scales, They are altogether lighter than vapor.
10Do not trust in oppression, Nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, Do not set your heart on them.
11God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God.
12Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; For You render to each one according to his work.
