For the music director; according to the yonath-elem-rechovim style; a prayer of David, written when the Philistines captured him in Gath.

56:1 Have mercy on me, O God, for men are attacking me! All day long hostile enemies are tormenting me.

56:2 Those who anticipate my defeat attack me all day long. Indeed, many are fighting against me, O Exalted One.

56:3 When I am afraid, I trust in you.

56:4 In God — I boast in his promise — in God I trust, I am not afraid. What can mere men do to me?

56:5 All day long they cause me trouble; they make a habit of plotting my demise.

56:6 They stalk and lurk; they watch my every step, as they prepare to take my life.

56:7 Because they are bent on violence, do not let them escape! In your anger bring down the nations, O God!

56:8 You keep track of my misery. Put my tears in your leather container! Are they not recorded in your scroll?

56:9 My enemies will turn back when I cry out to you for help; I know that God is on my side.

56:10 In God — I boast in his promise — in the Lord — I boast in his promise —

56:11 in God I trust, I am not afraid. What can mere men do to me?

• Refer to If God is For Me Who Can Be Against Me

56:12 I am obligated to fulfill the vows I made to you, O God; I will give you the thank-offerings you deserve,

56:13 when you deliver my life from death. You keep my feet from stumbling, so that I might serve God as I enjoy life.