Be Merciful to Me, O God
(1 Samuel 21:8–15)

1For the one directing according to “A Dove of Distant Oaks.” Of David. A Miktam† in the seizing of him by the Philistines in Gath.

1 Show favor to me, O God,

for man would swallow me up;

all the day fighting, he oppresses me.

2My enemies swallow me up all the day,

for many are fighting against me proudly.

3On the day I am afraid,

I will trust in You.

4In God—His word I praise—

in God do I trust.

I will not fear;

what can flesh do to me?

5All the day they wrest my words;

their thoughts are all for evil against me.

6They gather together, they hide,

they mark my steps

when they lie in wait for my soul.

7Over iniquity bring no escape† for them!

In your anger, may You cast down the nations, O God!

8My wanderings† You have counted;

put my tears in Your bottle—

are they not in Your book?

9Then my enemies will turn back

on the day I cry out.

This I have known, that God is for me.

10In God whose word I do praise,

in YHWH whose word I praise—

11in God I have put my trust! I will not be afraid.

What can man do to me?

12Your vows, O God, are upon me;

I will give thank offerings to You.

13For You have delivered my soul from death,

Do You not keep my feet from falling,

that I may walk before God

in the light of the living!