June 11 – Psalms 56 and 57 from the Old Testament

Psalms 56 and 57 – Psalm 56

For the music director; according to the yonath-elem-rechovim style; a prayer of David, written when the Philistines captured him in Gath.

56:1 Have mercy on me, O God, for men are attacking me!

All day long hostile enemies are tormenting me.

56:2 Those who anticipate my defeat attack me all day long.

Indeed, many are fighting against me, O Exalted One.

56:3 When I am afraid,

I trust in you.

56:4 In God – I boast in his promise –

in God I trust, I am not afraid.

What can mere men do to me?

56:5 All day long they cause me trouble;

they make a habit of plotting my demise.

56:6 They stalk and lurk;

they watch my every step,

as they prepare to take my life.

56:7 Because they are bent on violence, do not let them escape!

In your anger bring down the nations, O God!

56:8 You keep track of my misery.

Put my tears in your leather container!

Are they not recorded in your scroll?

56:9 My enemies will turn back when I cry out to you for help;

I know that God is on my side.

56:10 In God – I boast in his promise –

in the Lord – I boast in his promise –

56:11 in God I trust, I am not afraid.

What can mere men do to me?

56:12 I am obligated to fulfill the vows I made to you, O God;

I will give you the thank-offerings you deserve,

56:13 when you deliver my life from death.

You keep my feet from stumbling,

so that I might serve God as I enjoy life.

Psalm 57

For the music director; according to the al-tashcheth style; a prayer of David, written when he fled from Saul into the cave.

57:1 Have mercy on me, O God! Have mercy on me!

For in you I have taken shelter.

In the shadow of your wings I take shelter

until trouble passes.

57:2 I cry out for help to the sovereign God,

to the God who vindicates me.

57:3 May he send help from heaven and deliver me

from my enemies who hurl insults! (Selah)

May God send his loyal love and faithfulness!

57:4 I am surrounded by lions;

I lie down among those who want to devour me;

men whose teeth are spears and arrows,

whose tongues are a sharp sword.

57:5 Rise up above the sky, O God!

May your splendor cover the whole earth!

57:6 They have prepared a net to trap me;

I am discouraged.

They have dug a pit for me.

They will fall into it! (Selah)

57:7 I am determined, O God! I am determined!

I will sing and praise you!

57:8 Awake, my soul!

Awake, O stringed instrument and harp!

I will wake up at dawn!

57:9 I will give you thanks before the nations, O Master!

I will sing praises to you before foreigners!

57:10 For your loyal love extends beyond the sky,

and your faithfulness reaches the clouds.

57:11 Rise up above the sky, O God!

May your splendor cover the whole earth!