56:1 *[For the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David. A miktam.** When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.] Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack. / *In Hebrew texts 56:1-13 is numbered 56:2-14. / **Title: Probably a literary or musical term
56:2 My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me.
56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
56:4 In God, whose word I praise - in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
56:5 All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin.
56:6 They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life.
56:7 Because of their wickedness do not* let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down. / *Probable reading of the original Hebrew text; Masoretic Text does not have do not.
56:8 Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll* - are they not in your record? / *Or misery; put my tears in your wineskin
56:9 Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.
56:10 In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise -
56:11 in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?
56:12 I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you.
56:13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.