1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack.

2 My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me.

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.

4 In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

5 All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise.

6 They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life.

7 In spite of such sin, will they escape? In Your anger, O God, cast down the nations.

8 You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle— are they not in Your book?

9 Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side.

10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise,

11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

12 Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You.

13 For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.