Psalm 59

God Our Stronghold

For the choir director: “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David. When Saul sent agents to watch the house and kill him. x

1   Rescue me from my enemies, my God; y

protect me from those who rise up against me. z

2   Rescue me from those who practice sin,

and save me from men of bloodshed. a

3   Because look, LORD, they set an ambush for me. b

Powerful men attack me,

but not because of any sin or rebellion of mine. c

4   For no fault of mine,

they run and take up a position.

Awake to help me, and take notice. d

5   LORD God of Armies, you are the God of Israel.

Rise up to punish all the nations;

do not show favor to any wicked traitors. e    Selah

6   They return at evening, snarling like dogs

and prowling around the city. f

7   Look, they spew from their mouths—

sharp words from P their lips. g

“For who,” they say, “will hear? ” h

8   But you laugh at them, LORD;

you ridicule all the nations. i

9   I will keep watch for you, my Q strength,

because God is my stronghold. j

10   My faithful God R will come to meet me;

God will let me look down on my adversaries. k

11   Do not kill them; otherwise, my people will forget.

By your power, make them homeless wanderers l

and bring them down,

Lord, our shield. m

12   For the sin of their mouths and the words of their lips,

let them be caught in their pride.

They utter curses and lies. n

13   Consume them in rage;

consume them until they are gone. o

Then people will know throughout S the earth

that God rules over Jacob. p    Selah

14   And they return at evening, snarling like dogs

and prowling around the city. q

15   They scavenge for food;

they growl if they are not satisfied. r

16   But I will sing of your strength

and will joyfully proclaim

your faithful love in the morning. s

For you have been a stronghold for me,

a refuge in my day of trouble. t

17   To you, my strength, I sing praises,

because God is my stronghold—

my faithful God. u