1To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, 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.2Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.3What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.4In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.5Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.6They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.7Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.8Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?9When I cry unto thee , then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.10In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.11In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.12Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.13For 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?
Psalm 56
New International Reader’s Version
For the director of music. A miktam of David after the Philistines had captured him in Gath. To the tune of ‘A Dove on Distant Oak Trees.’
1Help me, God. Men are chasing me. All day long they keep attacking me.2My enemies chase me all day long. Many proud people are attacking me.3When I’m afraid, I put my trust in you.4I trust in God. I praise his word. I trust in God. I am not afraid. What can mere people do to me?5All day long they twist my words. They are always making plans to destroy me.6They get together and hide. They watch my steps. They hope to kill me.7Because they are so evil, make sure you don’t let them escape. God, bring down the nations in your anger.8Make a record of my sadness. List my tears in your book. Aren’t you making a record of them?9My enemies will turn back when I call out to you for help. Then I will know that God is on my side.10I trust in God. I praise his word. I trust in the LORD. I praise his word.11I trust in God. I am not afraid. What can mere people do to me?12God, I have made promises to you. I will bring my thank-offerings to you.13You have saved me from the darkness of death. You have kept me from tripping and falling. Now I can live with you in the light of life.