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

1To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid on Michtam, concerning the dumme doue in a farre countrey, when the Philistims tooke him in Gath. Be mercifull vnto me, O God, for man would swallow me vp: he fighteth continually and vexeth me.

2Mine enemies would dayly swallowe mee vp: for many fight against me, O thou most High.

3When I was afrayd, I trusted in thee.

4I will reioyce in God, because of his word, I trust in God, and will not feare what flesh can doe vnto me.

5Mine owne wordes grieue me dayly: all their thoughtes are against me to doe me hurt.

6They gather together, and keepe them selues close: they marke my steps, because they waite for my soule.

7They thinke they shall escape by iniquitie: O God, cast these people downe in thine anger.

8Thou hast counted my wandrings: put my teares into thy bottel: are they not in thy register?

9When I cry, then mine enemies shal turne backe: this I know, for God is with me.

10I will reioyce in God because of his worde: in the Lord wil I reioyce because of his worde.

11In God doe I trust: I will not be afrayd what man can doe vnto me.

12Thy vowes are vpon me, O God: I will render prayses vnto thee.

13For thou hast deliuered my soule from death, and also my feete from falling, that I may walke before God in the light of the liuing.