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.
8You have taken account of my wanderings.+Put my tears in Your bottle—
are they not in Your book?
9Then my enemies will retreaton 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 Godin the light of life.