(1 Samuel 21:8–15)

¹ For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam¹ of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack.

1. Miktam is probably a musical or liturgical term; used for Psalms 16 and 56–60.

² My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me.

³ When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.

⁴ In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

⁵ All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise.

⁶ They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life.

⁷ In spite of such sin, will they escape?¹ In Your anger, O God, cast down the nations.

1. Or do not let them escape; MT does not include do not.

⁸ You have taken account of my wanderings.¹ Put my tears in Your bottle— are they not in Your book?

1. Or sorrows

⁹ Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side.

¹⁰ In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise,

¹¹ in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

¹² Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You.

¹³ For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.