For the music director; according to the yonath-elem-rechovim style; a prayer of David, written when the Philistines captured him in Gath.
1Have mercy on me, O God, for men are attacking me!All day long hostile enemies are tormenting me.
2Those who anticipate my defeat attack me all day long.Indeed, many are fighting against me, O Exalted One.
3When I am afraid,I trust in you.
4In God – I boast in his promise –in God I trust, I am not afraid.What can mere men do to me?
5All day long they cause me trouble;they make a habit of plotting my demise.
6They stalk and lurk;they watch my every step,as they prepare to take my life.
7Because they are bent on violence, do not let them escape!In your anger bring down the nations, O God!
8You keep track of my misery.Put my tears in your leather container!Are they not recorded in your scroll?
9My enemies will turn back when I cry out to you for help;I know that God is on my side.
10In God – I boast in his promise –in the Lord – I boast in his promise –
11in God I trust, I am not afraid.What can mere men do to me?
12I am obligated to fulfill the vows I made to you, O God;I will give you the thank-offerings you deserve,
13when you deliver my life from death.You keep my feet from stumbling,so that I might serve God as I enjoy life.