1 For the music director: “Do Not Destroy,” a Michtam of David, when Saul sent men to watch the house to kill him.
2 Deliver me from my enemies, my God! Set me on high, away from those who rise up against me.
3 Deliver me from workers of iniquity. Rescue me from bloodthirsty men.
4 For behold, they lie in wait for me. Defiant men stir up strife against me— not for my transgression or sin, Adonai.
5 For no guilt of mine, they run and set things up. Awake! Help me! Look!
6 For You are Adonai Elohei-Tzva’ot, the God of Israel! Rouse Yourself to punish all the nations. Show no mercy to any iniquitous traitors. Selah
7 They return at evening, snarling like a dog, prowling about the city.
8 See, they are spewing with their mouth —swords in their lips— “After all, who is listening?”
9 But You, Adonai, are laughing at them. You scoff at all the nations.
10 O my strength, I watch for You— for God is my strong tower.
11 My God in His lovingkindness will go before me. God will let me look down on my foes.
12 Do not slay them, lest my people forget. With Your power shake them and bring them down, O Lord our shield.
13 The sin of their mouth is the words of their lips. So let them be caught in their pride, and for uttering a curse and a lie.
14 Consume them in wrath, consume them till they are no more. Let them know that God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth. Selah
15 They return at evening, snarling like a dog, prowling about the city.
16 They wander around for food. If they are not full, they stay up all night.
17 But I—I sing of Your strength! Yes, in the morning I sing aloud of Your lovingkindness. For You have been my fortress, a refuge in the day of my trouble.
18 O my strength, to You I sing praises. For God is my strong tower— my God of lovingkindness.