PsaPs PsalmsPsalmen, psalmPsalm Book of PsalmsDas Buch der Psalmen, psalmPsalm 56

Be Merciful to Me, O God

(1 Samuel 21:8–15)

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam(a)56:1 Miktam is probably a musical or liturgical term; used for Psalms 16 and 56–60. of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath.

Be merciful to me, O God,

for men are hounding me;

all day they press their attack.

My enemies pursue me all day long,

for many proudly assail me.

When I am afraid,

I put my trust in You.

In God, whose word I praise —

in God I trust.

I will not be afraid.

What can man do to me?

All day long they twist my words;

all their thoughts are on my demise.

They conspire, they lurk,

they watch my steps

while they wait to take my life.

In spite of such sin, will they escape?(b)56:7 Or do not let them escape; MT does not include do not.

In Your anger, O God, cast down the nations.

You have taken account of my wanderings.(c)56:8 Or sorrows

Put my tears in Your bottle —

are they not in Your book?

Then my enemies will retreat

on the day I cry for help.

By this I will know that God is on my side.

In God, whose word I praise,

in the LORD, whose word I praise,

in God I trust; I will not be afraid.

What can man do to me?

Your vows are upon me, O God;

I will render thank offerings to You.

For You have delivered my soul from death,

and my feet from stumbling,

that I may walk before God

in the light of life.