Study Desk

Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me; all day long they press their attack.

For the director of music. To the tune of "A Dove on Distant Oaks." Of David. A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.

Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack.

My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me in their pride.

My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me.

When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

All day long they twist my words; they are always plotting to harm me.

All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin.

They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, eager to take my life.

They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life.

On no account let them escape; in your anger, O God, bring down the nations.

Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down.

Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll- are they not in your record?

Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll— are they not in your record?

Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.

Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.

In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise-

In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise—

in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?

I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you.

I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you.

For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath.

That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath.

But the servants of Achish said to him, "Isn't this David, the king of the land? Isn't he the one they sing about in their dances: " 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands'?"

But the servants of Achish said to him, "Isn't this David, the king of the land? Isn't he the one they sing about in their dances: "‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands'?"

David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath.

David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath.