1For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Lilies.” By David. Save me, God, for the waters have risen to my neck!
2I am sinking in deep mud where there is no place to stand. I have come into deep waters, and the floods are washing over me.
3I am exhausted from crying; my throat is dry. My eyes fail from looking for my God.
4Those who hate me without reason are more numerous than the hairs on my head. Those who wrongfully want to destroy me, my enemies, are powerful. I am forced to restore what I did not take.
5God, you know how foolish I am. My sins are not hidden from you.
6Lord Yahweh of Armies, do not let those who wait for you be shamed because of me. God of Israel, do not let those who seek you be dishonored because of me.
7Because for your sake, I have endured insults. Shame has covered my face.
8I have become a stranger to my brothers, an outsider to my mother’s children.
9My strong feelings for your house consume me. The insults meant for you have landed on me.
10When I cried and went without food, people shamed me for it.
11When I dressed in sackcloth, they made fun of me.
12People who gather at the city gate talk about me. Drunks sing songs about me.
13But I pray to you, Yahweh, at a time when you will listen. God, because of your great love, answer me with your faithful salvation.
14Pull me out of the mud; don't let me sink. Rescue me from those who hate me and from the deep waters.
15Don't let the floodwaters drown me, and don't let the deep sea swallow me. Don't let the pit close its mouth over me.
16Answer me, Yahweh, because your faithful love is good. Turn to me with your many tender mercies.
17Don't hide your face from me, your servant, because I am in trouble. Answer me quickly!
18Come near to me and set me free. Rescue me from my enemies.
19You know how I am shamed, disgraced, and dishonored. All my opponents are in front of you.
20Shame has broken my heart, and I am filled with sadness. I looked for someone to show pity, but there was no one; I looked for people to comfort me, but I found none.
21They also gave me poison for my food. When I was thirsty, they gave me vinegar to drink.
22Let their dining table become a trap for them. May it become a punishment and a snare.
23May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see. May their backs always be bent.
24Pour out your anger on them. Let the intensity of your fury overtake them.
25Let their home become deserted. Let no one live in their tents.
26For they persecute the one you have wounded. They talk about the pain of those you have hurt.
27Lump their sins together, one after another. Don't let them be found innocent in your sight.
28Let them be erased from the Book of Life and not be listed with the righteous.
29But I am suffering and in pain. God, let your salvation protect me.
30I will praise the name of God with a song, and honor him with thanksgiving.
31This will please Yahweh more than an ox, or a bull with horns and hooves.
32The humble have seen it and are glad. You who seek after God, let your heart find new life.
33For Yahweh hears those in need and does not ignore his captive people.
34Let heaven and earth praise him; the seas, and everything that lives in them!
35For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. People will settle there and own the land.
36The children of his servants will also inherit it. Those who love his name will live there.