1 To the Chief Musician, altaschith. A michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from my 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 bloodthirsty 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 apart from my fault: awake to help me, and behold.

5 You therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to punish all the nations: 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 bellow out with their mouths: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, does hear?

8 But you, O LORD, shall laugh at them; you shall have all the nations in derision.

9 Because of your strength will I wait upon you: for God is my defense.

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

11 Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by your 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 the cursing and lying which they speak.

13 Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God rules 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 food, and growl if they are not satisfied.

16 But I will sing of your power; yea, I will sing aloud of your mercy in the morning: for you have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.

17 Unto you, O my Strength, will I sing: for God is my defense, and the God of my mercy.