To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.

1 Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: Defend me from them that rise up against me.

2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, And save me from bloody men.

3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: The mighty are gathered against me; Not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.

4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault. Awake to help me, and behold.

5 Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, Awake to visit all the heathen: Be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.

6 They return at evening: They make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.

7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth: Swords are in their lips: For who, say they, doth hear?

8 But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; Thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.

9 Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: For God is my defence.

10 The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.

11 Slay them not, lest my people forget: Scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.

12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: And for cursing and lying which they speak.

13 Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: And let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.

14 And at evening let them return; And let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.

15 Let them wander up and down for meat, And grudge if they be not satisfied.

16 But I will sing of thy power; Yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: For thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.

17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: For God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.