Study

Psalm 56

Trust in God under Persecution

To the leader: according to The Dove on Far-off Terebinths. Of David. A Miktam, when the Philistines seized him in Gath.

1

Be gracious to me, O God, for people trample on me;

all day long foes oppress me;

2

my enemies trample on me all day long,

for many fight against me.

O Most High, ³when I am afraid,

I put my trust in you.

4

In God, whose word I praise,

in God I trust; I am not afraid;

what can flesh do to me?

 

5

All day long they seek to injure my cause;

all their thoughts are against me for evil.

6

They stir up strife, they lurk,

they watch my steps.

As they hoped to have my life,

7

so repay them for their crime;

in wrath cast down the peoples, O God!

 

8

You have kept count of my tossings;

put my tears in your bottle.

Are they not in your record?

9

Then my enemies will retreat

in the day when I call.

This I know, that God is for me.

10

In God, whose word I praise,

in the L ord, whose word I praise,

11

in God I trust; I am not afraid.

What can a mere mortal do to me?

 

12

My vows to you I must perform, O God;

I will render thank offerings to you.

13

For you have delivered my soul from death,

and my feet from falling,

so that I may walk before God

in the light of life.