Psalm 59

(Composed by David when Saul sent men to watch David’s house with the intention of killing him)

Rescue me from my enemies, O my God,
Set me safely above those who attack me.
Deliver me from these evildoers
And save me from those who would shed my blood.
See how they have set an ambush for me!
Ruthless men have attacked me, O Jehovah,
But not for any offense or sin of mine.

Indeed I have done nothing wrong,
But they are poised to assault me.
Awaken and come to my aid!
See what is happening to me.
You, Jehovah, warrior god,
God of Israel, arouse yourself
And punish the heathen nations;
Do not spare these wicked traitors.
They come out at night, howling like dogs,
Prowling the streets of the city.
Listen to what spews from their mouths,
Like swords are the words from their lips,
And they ask, “Who is it that hears us?”
But you, Jehovah, laugh at them
And mock all these heathen nations.

You are my strength; I will wait for you,
For you, O God, are my fortress.
The god who loves me faithfully
Will stand with me, enabling me
To look down upon my enemies.
However, do not kill them or else
My people may forget about them.
With your power scatter them instead
And lay them low, Jehovah, our shield.

For the sinful words of their mouth
And for the evil on their lips,
Let them be trapped by their arrogance --
For they utter curses and lies.
Exterminate them in your wrath
Consume them till they are no more.
Let it be known throughout the world
That it is God who rules Jacob.

They come out at night, howling like dogs,
Prowling the streets of the city.
Up and down they scavenge for food
But growl when they are unsatisfied.

But as for me, I sing of your might.
Every morning I sing with joy
Of your steadfast love and kindness,
For you are my towered fortress,
My refuge in times of trouble.
I sing praises to you, my strength,
For my stronghold is you, O God,
Who gives me his kindness and mercy.