Psalms 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 of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. 1Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. 2My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me. 3When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. 4In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 5All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise. 6They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life.⁠※ 7In spite of such sin, will they escape? In Your anger, O God, cast down the nations.⁠※*Or do not let them escape; MT does not include do not. 8You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle— are they not in Your book?*Or sorrows 9Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side. 10In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, 11in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 12Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You. 13For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.