1 For the choir director: "Do Not Destroy." A Davidic Miktam. When Saul sent agents to watch the house and kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, my God; protect me from those who rise up against me.
2 Deliver me from those who practice sin, and save me from men of bloodshed.
3 LORD, look! They set an ambush for me. Powerful men attack me, but not because of any sin or rebellion of mine.
4 For no fault of mine, they run and take up a position. Awake to help me, and take notice.
5 You, LORD God of Hosts, God of Israel, rise up to punish all the nations; do not show grace to any wicked traitors. Selah
6 They return at evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.
7 Look, they spew from their mouths-- sharp words from their lips. "For who," they say, "will hear?"
8 But You laugh at them, LORD; You ridicule all the nations.
9 I will keep watch for You, my strength, because God is my stronghold.
10 My faithful God will come to meet me; God will let me look down on my adversaries.
11 Do not kill them; otherwise, my people will forget. By Your power, make them homeless wanderers and bring them down, Lord, our shield.
12 The sin of their mouths is the word of their lips, so let them be caught in their pride. They utter curses and lies.
13 Consume them in rage; consume them until they are gone. Then they will know to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Selah
14 And they return at evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.
15 They scavenge for food; they growl if they are not satisfied.
16 But I will sing of Your strength and will joyfully proclaim Your faithful love in the morning. For You have been a stronghold for me, a refuge in my day of trouble.
17 To You, my strength, I sing praises, because God is my stronghold-- my faithful God.