Psalms, 55
A prayer of David in danger and distress.
Miserere mei, Deus.
[1] Unto the end, for a people that is removed at a distance from the sanctuary: for David, for an inscription of a title (or pillar) when the Philistines held him in Geth. •
[2] Have mercy on me, O God, for man hath trodden me under foot; all the day long he hath afflicted me fighting against me. •
[3] My enemies have trodden on me all the day long; for they are many that make war against me.
[4] From the height of the day 1 I shall fear: but I will trust in thee. •
The height of the day: That is, even at noonday, when the sun is the highest, I am still in danger.
[5] In God I will praise my words 1, in God I have put my trust: I will not fear what flesh can do against me. •
My words: The words or promises God has made in my favour.
[6] All the day long they detested my words: all their thoughts were against me unto evil.
[7] They will dwell and hide themselves: they will watch my heel. As they have waited for my soul, •
[8] For nothing shalt thou save them 1: in thy anger thou shalt break the people in pieces. O God, •
For nothing shalt thou save them: That is, since they lie in wait to ruin my soul, thou shalt for no consideration favour or assist them, but execute thy justice upon them.
[9] I have declared to thee my life: thou hast set me tears in thy sight, As also in thy promise. •
[10] Then shall my enemies be turned back. In what day soever I shall call upon thee, behold I know thou art my God.
[11] In God will I praise the word, in the Lord will I praise his speech. In God have I hoped, I will not fear what man can do to me. •
[12] In me, O God, are vows to thee, which I will pay, praises to thee: •
[13] Because thou hast delivered my soul from death, my feet from falling: that I may please in the sight of God, in the light of the living. •