For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A poem by David, when he fled from Saul, in the cave.

• ¹Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me,
• for my soul takes refuge in you.

• Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge,
• until disaster has passed.

• ²I cry out to God Most High,

• to God who accomplishes my requests for me.

• ³He will send from heaven, and save me,
• he rebukes the one who is pursuing me.

• Selah.

• God will send out his loving kindness and his truth.

• ⁴My soul is among lions.
• I lie among those who are set on fire,
• even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
• and their tongue a sharp sword.

• ⁵Be exalted, God, above the heavens!
• Let your glory be above all the earth!

• ⁶They have prepared a net for my steps.
• My soul is bowed down.

• They dig a pit before me.
• They fall into its midst themselves.

• Selah.

• ⁷My heart is steadfast, God, my heart is steadfast.
• I will sing, yes, I will sing praises.

• ⁸Wake up, my glory! Wake up, psaltery and harp!
• I will wake up the dawn.

• ⁹I will give thanks to you, Lord, among the peoples.
• I will sing praises to you among the nations.

• ¹⁰For your great loving kindness reaches to the heavens,
• and your truth to the skies.

• ¹¹Be exalted, God, above the heavens.
• Let your glory be over all the earth.