Psalms 59

Psalm 591

For the music director; according to the al-tashcheth style;2 a prayer3 of David, written when Saul sent men to surround his house and murder him.4

59:1 Deliver me from my enemies, my God!

Protect me5 from those who attack me!6

59:2 Deliver me from evildoers!7

Rescue me from violent men!8

59:3 For look, they wait to ambush me;9

powerful men stalk10 me,

but not because I have rebelled or sinned, O Lord.11

59:4 Though I have done nothing wrong,12 they are anxious to attack.13

Spring into action and help me! Take notice of me!14

59:5 You, O Lord God, the invincible warrior,15 the God of Israel,

rouse yourself and punish16 all the nations!

Have no mercy on any treacherous evildoers! (Selah)

59:6 They return in the evening;

they growl17 like a dog

and prowl around outside18 the city.

59:7 Look, they hurl insults at me

and openly threaten to kill me,19

for they say,20

“Who hears?”

59:8 But you, O Lord, laugh in disgust at them;21

you taunt22 all the nations.

59:9 You are my source of strength! I will wait for you!23

For God is my refuge.24

59:10 The God who loves me will help me;25

God will enable me to triumph over26 my enemies.27

59:11 Do not strike them dead suddenly,

because then my people might forget the lesson.28

Use your power to make them homeless vagabonds and then bring them down,

O Lord who shields us!29

59:12 They speak sinful words.30

So let them be trapped by their own pride

and by the curses and lies they speak!

59:13 Angrily wipe them out! Wipe them out so they vanish!

Let them know that God rules

in Jacob and to the ends of the earth! (Selah)

59:14 They return in the evening;

they growl31 like a dog

and prowl around outside32 the city.

59:15 They wander around looking for something to eat;

they refuse to sleep until they are full.33

59:16 As for me, I will sing about your strength;

I will praise your loyal love in the morning.

For you are my refuge34

and my place of shelter when I face trouble.35

59:17 You are my source of strength! I will sing praises to you!36

For God is my refuge,37 the God who loves me.38

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