1 To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contmeplation of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication. |
2 Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily, |
3 Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me, And in wrath they hate me. |
4 My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. |
5 Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me. |
6 So I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. |
7 Indeed, I would wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah |
8 I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest." |
9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city. |
10 Day and night they go around it on its walls; Iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it. |
11 Destruction is in its midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets. |
12 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him. |
13 But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance. |
14 We took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng. |
15 Let death seize them; Let them go down alive into hell, For wickedness is in their dwellings and among them. |
16 As for me, I will call upon God, And the LORD shall save me. |
17 Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice. |
18 He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, For there were many against me. |
19 God will hear, and afflict them, Even He who abides from of old. Selah Because they do not change, Therefore they do not fear God. |
20 He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has broken his covenant. |
21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. |
22 Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. |
23 But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in You. |