Psalms 59

For the choir director: “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam, when Saul sent men, and they watched the house to kill him.

1Deliver me from my enemies, my God; set me on high above those who rise up against me.

2Deliver me from evildoers, and save me from men of bloodshed.

3For look, they lie in wait for my life; fierce men gather against me, for no transgression or sin of mine, O Yahweh.

4They run and take their positions, though I have done no wrong; awake to meet me and see.

5But you, O Yahweh God of hosts, God of Israel, awake to punish all the nations; show no favor to any treacherous evildoers. Selah

6They return at evening; they growl like dogs and go around the city.

7Look, they gush forth with their mouths; swords are on their lips, for they say, “Who hears?”

8But you, O Yahweh, laugh at them; you mock all the nations.

9His strength—I will watch for you, for God is my stronghold.

10My God, in his steadfast love, will go before me; God will let me look on my enemies.

11Do not kill them, lest my people forget; make them wander by your power and bring them down, O Lord our shield.

12Let them be caught in their pride because of the sin of their mouth—the word of their lips—and because of the curse and falsehood they speak.

13Consume them in wrath; consume them until they are no more, so that they may know that God rules in Jacob to the ends of the earth. Selah

14They return at evening; they growl like dogs and prowl around the city.

15They wander about for food; if they are not satisfied, they growl.

16But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning, for you have been a stronghold for me, and a refuge in the day of my distress.

17O my strength, to you I will sing praises, for God is my stronghold, the God who shows me steadfast love.