1 Rescue me from my enemies, O my God. Protect me from those who attack me.

2 Deliver me from troublemakers. Save me from bloodthirsty people.

3 They lie in ambush for me right here! Fierce men attack me, O Jehovah, but not because of any disobedience.

4 And not because any sin or any guilt on my part. They hurry to take positions against me. Wake up, and help me; see for yourself.

5 O Jehovah God of Hosts, God of Israel, arise to punish all the nations. Have no pity on any who pursue iniquity.

6 They return in the evening. They howl like dogs. They prowl the city.

7 See what pours out of their mouths, swords from their lips! They think: Who will hear us?

8 O Jehovah, you laugh at them. You make fun of all the nations.

9 O my strength, I watch for you! God is my stronghold, my merciful God!

10 My God of loving-kindness will come to meet me. He will let me gloat over those who spy on me.

11 Do not kill them. Otherwise, my people may forget. Make them wander aimlessly by your power. Bring them down, O Jehovah, our shield.

12 This is because of the sins from their mouths and the words on their lips. Let them be trapped by their own arrogance because they speak curses and lies.

13 Destroy them in your rage. Destroy them until not one of them is left. Then they will know that God rules Jacob to the ends of the earth.

14 They return in the evening. They howl like dogs. They prowl the city.

15 They wander around to find food. If they are not full enough, they will stay all night.

16 But I will sing about your strength. In the morning I will joyfully sing about your loving-kindness. You have been my stronghold and a place of safety in times of trouble.

17 O my strength, I will make music to praise you! God is my defense high fortress, my merciful God!