Be Merciful to Me, God

(1 Samuel 21:10-15; Psalm 34:1-22; Psalm 52:1-9)

1{To the chief Musician. On Jonathelem-rechokim. Of David. Michtam; when the Philistines took him in Gath.} Be gracious unto me, O God; for man would swallow me up: all the day long fighting he oppresseth me.

2Mine enemies would swallow [me] up all the day long; for they are many that fight against me haughtily.

3In the day that I am afraid, I will confide in thee.

4In God will I praise his word, in God I put my confidence: I will not fear; what can flesh do unto me?

5All the day long they wrest my words; all their thoughts are against me for evil.

6They gather themselves together, they hide themselves; they mark my steps, because they wait for my soul.

7Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, O God.

8Thou countest my wanderings; put my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

9Then shall mine enemies return backward in the day when I call: this I know, for God is for me.

10In God will I praise [his] word; in Jehovah will I praise [his] word.

11In God have I put my confidence: I will not fear; what can man do unto me?

12Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render thanks unto thee.

13For thou hast delivered my soul from death; [wilt thou] not [keep] my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?