For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David.

55:1 Listen to my prayer, God.

Don't hide yourself from my supplication.

55:2 Attend to me, and answer me.

I am restless in my complaint, and moan,

55:3 Because of the voice of the enemy,

Because of the oppression of the wicked.

For they bring suffering on me.

In anger they hold a grudge against me.

55:4 My heart is severely pained within me.

The terrors of death have fallen on me.

55:5 Fearfulness and trembling have come on me.

Horror has overwhelmed me.

55:6 I said, "Oh that I had wings like a dove!

Then I would fly away, and be at rest.

55:7 Behold, then I would wander far off.

I would lodge in the wilderness."

Selah.

55:8 "I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and storm."

55:9 Confuse them, Lord, and confound their language,

for I have seen violence and strife in the city.

55:10 Day and night they prowl around on its walls.

Malice and abuse are also within her.

55:11 Destructive forces are within her.

Threats and lies don't depart from her streets.

55:12 For it was not an enemy who insulted me,

then I could have endured it.

Neither was it he who hated me who raised himself up against me,

then I would have hid myself from him.

55:13 But it was you, a man like me,

my companion, and my familiar friend.

55:14 We took sweet fellowship together.

We walked in God's house with company.

55:15 Let death come suddenly on them.

Let them go down alive into Sheol.

For wickedness is in their dwelling, in the midst of them.

55:16 As for me, I will call on God.

Yahweh will save me.

55:17 Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress.

He will hear my voice.

55:18 He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me,

although there are many who oppose me.

55:19 God, who is enthroned forever,

will hear, and answer them.

Selah.

They never change,

who don't fear God.

55:20 He raises his hands against his friends.

He has violated his covenant.

55:21 His mouth was smooth as butter,

but his heart was war.

His words were softer than oil,

yet they were drawn swords.

55:22 Cast your burden on Yahweh, and he will sustain you.

He will never allow the righteous to be moved.

55:23 But you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction.

Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days,

but I will trust in you.