For the choir director; set to Al-tashheth. A Mikhtam of David, when Saul sent men and they watched the house in order to kill him.

1Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
         Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me.

2Deliver me from those who do iniquity
         And save me from men of bloodshed.

3For behold, they have set an ambush for my life;
         Fierce men launch an attack against me,
         Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O LORD,

4For no guilt of mine, they run and set themselves against me.
         Arouse Yourself to help me, and see!

5You, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel,
         Awake to punish all the nations;
         Do not be gracious to any who are treacherous in iniquity.

6They return at evening, they howl like a dog,
         And go around the city.

7Behold, they belch forth with their mouth;
         Swords are in their lips,
         For, they say, “Who hears?”

8But You, O LORD, laugh at them;
         You scoff at all the nations.

9Because of his strength I will watch for You,
         For God is my stronghold.

10My God in His lovingkindness will meet me;
         God will let me look triumphantly upon my foes.

11Do not slay them, or my people will forget;
         Scatter them by Your power, and bring them down,
         O Lord, our shield.

12On account of the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips,
         Let them even be caught in their pride,
         And on account of curses and lies which they utter.

13Destroy them in wrath, destroy them that they may be no more;
         That men may know that God rules in Jacob
         To the ends of the earth.

14They return at evening, they howl like a dog,
         And go around the city.

15They wander about for food
         And growl if they are not satisfied.

16But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength;
         Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning,
         For You have been my stronghold
         And a refuge in the day of my distress.

17O my strength, I will sing praises to You;
         For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.

NASB ©1995