Psalm 59

God Our Stronghold

For the choir director: “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David. When Saul sent agents to watch the house and kill him.†

Rescue me from my enemies, my God;a

protect me from those who rise up against me.b

2Rescue me from evildoers,

and save me from men of bloodshed.a

3Because look, Lord, they set an ambush for me.a

Powerful men attack me,

but not because of any sin or rebellion of mine.b

4For no fault of mine,

they run and take up a position.

Awake to help me, and take notice.a

5Lord God of Armies, you are the God of Israel.

Rise up to punish all the nations;

do not show favor to any wicked traitors.a

Selah

6They return at evening, snarling like dogs

and prowling around the city.a

7Look, they spew from their mouths —

sharp words fromA their lips.a

“For who,” they say, “will hear? ”b

8But you laugh at them, Lord;

you ridicule all the nations.a

9I will keep watch for you, myA strength,

because God is my stronghold.a

10My faithful GodA will come to meet me;

God will let me look down on my adversaries.a

11Do not kill them; otherwise, my people will forget.

By your power, make them homeless wanderersa

and bring them down,

Lord, our shield.b

12For the sin of their mouths and the words of their lips,

let them be caught in their pride.

They utter curses and lies.a

13Consume them in fury;

consume them until they are gone.a

Then people will know throughoutA the earth

that God rules over Jacob.b

Selah

14And they return at evening, snarling like dogs

and prowling around the city.a

15They scavenge for food;

they growl if they are not satisfied.a

16But I will sing of your strength

and will joyfully proclaim

your faithful love in the morning.a

For you have been a stronghold for me,

a refuge in my day of trouble.b

17To you, my strength, I sing praises,

because God is my stronghold —

my faithful God.a