1Deliver me from mine enemies , O my God : defend me from them that rise up against me. 2Deliver me from the workers of iniquity , and save me from bloody men . 3For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul : the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression , nor for my sin , O LORD . 4They run and prepare themselves without my fault : awake to help me, and behold . 5Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts , the God of Israel , awake to visit all the heathen : be not merciful to any wicked transgressors . Selah .
The Nature of the Enemy
6They return at evening : they make a noise like a dog , and go round about the city . 7Behold, they belch out with their mouth : swords are in their lips : for who, say they , doth hear ? 8But thou, O LORD , shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision . 9Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence . 10The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies .
Confidence in God's Justice
11Slay them not, lest my people forget : scatter them by thy power ; and bring them down , O Lord our shield . 12For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride : and for cursing and lying which they speak . 13Consume them in wrath , consume them , that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth . Selah . 14And at evening let them return ; and let them make a noise like a dog , and go round about the city . 15Let them wander up and down for meat , and grudge if they be not satisfied .
Praise for God's Deliverance
16But I will sing of thy power ; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning : for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble . 17Unto thee, O my strength , will I sing : for God is my defence , and the God of my mercy .