(1 Samuel 19:1–24)

¹ For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam¹ of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me.

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

² Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed.

³ See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD.

⁴ For no fault of my own, they move swiftly to attack me. Arise to help me, and take notice.

⁵ O LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, rouse Yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to the wicked traitors. Selah

⁶ They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.

⁷ See what they spew from their mouths— sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?”

⁸ But You, O LORD, laugh at them; You scoff at all the nations.

⁹ I will keep watch for You, O my strength, because You, O God, are my fortress.

¹⁰ My God of loving devotion will come to meet me; God will let me stare down my foes.

¹¹ Do not kill them, or my people will forget. Scatter them by Your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield.

¹² By the sins of their mouths and the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride, in the curses and lies they utter.

¹³ Consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, so it may be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Selah

¹⁴ They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city.

¹⁵ They scavenge for food, and growl if they are not satisfied.

¹⁶ But I will sing of Your strength and proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning. For You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

¹⁷ To You, O my strength, I sing praises, for You, O God, are my fortress, my God of loving devotion.