¹ [For the choirmaster Tune: 'Do not destroy' Of David In a quiet voice When Saul sent men to watch David's house in order to have him killed] Rescue me from my enemies, my God, be my stronghold from my assailants,

² rescue me from evil-doers, from men of violence save me.

³ Look at them, lurking to ambush me, violent men are attacking me, for no fault, no sin of mine, Yahweh,

⁴ for no guilt, they come running to take up position. Wake up, stand by me and keep watch,

⁵ Yahweh, God of Sabaoth, God of Israel, rise up, to punish all the nations, show no mercy to all these malicious traitors.Pause

⁶ Back they come at nightfall, snarling like curs, prowling through the town.

⁷ Look how they rant in speech with swords on their lips, 'Who is there to hear us?'

⁸ For your part, Yahweh, you laugh at them, you make mockery of all nations.

⁹ My strength, I keep my eyes fixed on you. For my stronghold is God,

¹⁰ the God who loves me faithfully is coming to meet me, God will let me feast my eyes on those who lie in wait for me.

¹¹ Do not annihilate them, or my people may forget; shake them in your power, bring them low, Lord, our shield.

¹² Sin is in their mouths, sin on their lips, so let them be trapped in their pride for the curses and lies that they utter.

¹³ Destroy them in your anger, destroy them till they are no more, and let it be known that God is Master in Jacob and the whole wide world.Pause

¹⁴ Back they come at nightfall, snarling like curs, prowling through the town,

¹⁵ scavenging for something to eat, growling unless they have their fill.

¹⁶ And so I will sing of your strength, in the morning acclaim your faithful love; you have been a stronghold for me, a refuge when I was in trouble.

¹⁷ My strength, I will make music for you, for my stronghold is God, the God who loves me faithfully.