Study Desk

For the director of music. To the tune of "A Dove on Distant Oaks." Of David. A miktam.^[b] When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.

Be merciful to me,^(a) my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit;^(b) all day long they press their attack.^(c)

My adversaries pursue me all day long;^(d) in their pride many are attacking me.^(e)

When I am afraid,^(f) I put my trust in you.^(g)

In God, whose word I praise—^(h) in God I trust and am not afraid.⁽ⁱ⁾ What can mere mortals do to me?^(j)

All day long they twist my words;^(k) all their schemes are for my ruin.

They conspire,^(l) they lurk, they watch my steps,^(m) hoping to take my life.⁽ⁿ⁾

Because of their wickedness do not^[c] let them escape;^(o) in your anger, God, bring the nations down.^(p)

Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll^[d](q)— are they not in your record?^(r)

Then my enemies will turn back^(s) when I call for help.^(t) By this I will know that God is for me.^(u)

In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord , whose word I praise—

in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?

I am under vows^(v) to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you.

For you have delivered me from death^(w) and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.^(x)

For the director of music. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." Of David. A miktam.^[b] When he had fled from Saul into the cave.^(b)

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge.^(c) I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings^(d) until the disaster has passed.^(e)

I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me.^(f)

He sends from heaven and saves me,^(g) rebuking those who hotly pursue me—^[c](h) God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.⁽ⁱ⁾

I am in the midst of lions;^(j) I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts— men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.^(k)

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.^(l)

They spread a net for my feet^(m)— I was bowed down⁽ⁿ⁾ in distress. They dug a pit^(o) in my path— but they have fallen into it themselves.^(p)

My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast;^(q) I will sing and make music.

Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre!^(r) I will awaken the dawn.

I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.^(s)

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;^(t) let your glory be over all the earth.^(u)