Psalm. Chapter 56. For the music director; according to the yonath-elem-rechovim style; a prayer of David, written when the Philistines captured him in Gath. Have mercy on me, O God, for men are attacking me! All day long hostile enemies are tormenting me. Those who anticipate my defeat attack me all day long. Indeed, many are fighting against me, O Exalted One. When I am afraid, I trust in you. In God – I boast in his promise – in God I trust, I am not afraid. What can mere men do to me? All day long they cause me trouble; they make a habit of plotting my demise. They stalk and lurk; they watch my every step, as they prepare to take my life. Because they are bent on violence, do not let them escape! In your anger bring down the nations, O God! You keep track of my misery. Put my tears in your leather container! Are they not recorded in your scroll? My enemies will turn back when I cry out to you for help; I know that God is on my side. In God – I boast in his promise – in the Lord – I boast in his promise – in God I trust, I am not afraid. What can mere men do to me? I am obligated to fulfill the vows I made to you, O God; I will give you the thank-offerings you deserve, when you deliver my life from death. You keep my feet from stumbling, so that I might serve God as I enjoy life.