Psalm 57

To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.

1        Be merciful to me, O God;

                   thy mercy unto me

          Do thou extend; because my soul

                   doth put her trust in thee:

          Yea, in the shadow of thy wings

                   my refuge I will place,

          Until these sad calamities

                   do wholly overpass.

2        My cry I will cause to ascend

                   unto the Lord most high;

          To God, who doth all things for me

                   perform most perfectly.

3        From heav'n he shall send down, and me

                   from his reproach defend

          That would devour me: God his truth

                   and mercy forth shall send.

4        My soul among fierce lions is,

                   I firebrands live among,

          Men's sons, whose teeth are spears and darts,

                   a sharp sword is their tongue.

5        Be thou exalted very high

                   above the heav'ns, O God;

          Let thou thy glory be advanc'd

                   o'er all the earth abroad.

6        My soul's bow'd down; for they a net

                   have laid, my steps to snare:

          Into the pit which they have digg'd

                   for me, they fallen are.

7        My heart is fix'd, my heart is fix'd,

                   O God; I'll sing and praise.

8        My glory wake; wake psalt'ry, harp;

                   myself I'll early raise.

9        I'll praise thee 'mong the people, Lord;

                   'mong nations sing will I:

10      For great to heav'n thy mercy is,

                   thy truth is to the sky.

11      O Lord, exalted be thy name

                   above the heav'ns to stand:

          Do thou thy glory far advance

                   above both sea and land.