1For the music leader. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A poem by David, when Saul sent men to watch his house and kill him. My God, rescue me from my enemies. Protect me from those who attack me.
2Save me from those who do evil. Rescue me from those who are murderers.
3Look, they are waiting to ambush me. Powerful men are gathering against me, Yahweh, but not because I have disobeyed or sinned.
4I have done nothing wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Get up, see what’s happening, and help me!
5You, Yahweh God of Armies, the God of Israel, wake up to punish all the nations. Don’t show mercy to those wicked traitors. Selah.
6They return in the evening, howling like dogs, and prowl around the city.
7Look, they spout insults from their mouths. Their lips are like swords, saying, “Who hears us?”
8But you, Yahweh, laugh at them. You make fun of all the nations.
9Oh, my Strength, I wait for you, because God is my safe tower.
10My God will go before me with his faithful love. God will let me look in triumph at my enemies.
11Don’t kill them, or my people might forget. Scatter them with your power, and bring them down, Lord, our shield.
12Because of the sin of their mouths and the words on their lips, let them be caught in their pride, because of the curses and lies they speak.
13Destroy them in your anger. Destroy them completely, so they will be no more. Let them know that God rules in Jacob, to the ends of the earth. Selah.
14In the evening, they return, howling like dogs and roaming the city.
15They wander around looking for food and stay out all night if they aren't satisfied.
16But I will sing about your strength. In the morning, I will joyfully sing about your unfailing love, because you have been my safe place, a refuge when I was in trouble.
17To you, my strength, I will sing praises, because God is my safe place, the God who shows me mercy.