57
For the music director; according to the al-tashcheth style; a prayer of David, written when he fled from Saul into the cave.
1 Have mercy on me, O God! Have mercy on me!
For in you I have taken shelter.
In the shadow of your wings I take shelter
until trouble passes.
2 I cry out for help to the sovereign God,
to the God who vindicates me.
3 May he send help from heaven and deliver me
from my enemies who hurl insults! (Selah)
May God send his loyal love and faithfulness!
4 I am surrounded by lions;
I lie down among those who want to devour me;
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are a sharp sword.
5 Rise up above the sky, O God!
May your splendor cover the whole earth!
6 They have prepared a net to trap me;
I am discouraged.
They have dug a pit for me.
They will fall into it! (Selah)
7 I am determined, O God! I am determined!
I will sing and praise you!
8 Awake, my soul!
Awake, O stringed instrument and harp!
I will wake up at dawn!
9 I will give you thanks before the nations, O Master!
I will sing praises to you before foreigners!
10 For your loyal love extends beyond the sky,
and your faithfulness reaches the clouds.
11 Rise up above the sky, O God!
May your splendor cover the whole earth!