To the chief Musician upon Neginoth,
A Psalm of David.

Here, (1.) David, in commemorating what the Lord had formerly done to him, and in the faith of what he had promised, cries to God for comfort and protection, amidst great troubles, ver. 1-4. (2.) In the view of what God had and would for ever do for him, he supplicates necessary mercies, and resolves on everlasting praise and thanksgiving to God, as his bounden duty, ver. 5-8.

So may all providences, distressful or smiling, lead my soul to a thankful panting for God, as my all and in all.

1 O God, give ear unto my cry;
unto my pray’r attend.
2 From th’ utmost corner of the land
my cry to thee I’ll send.

What time my heart is overwhelmed,
and in perplexity,
Do thou me lead unto the Rock
that higher is than I.

3 For thou hast for my refuge been
a shelter by thy pow’r;
And for defense against my foes
thou hast been a strong tow’r.

4 Within thy tabernacle I
for ever will abide;
And under covert of thy wings
with confidence me hide.

5 For thou the vows that I did make,
O Lord my God, didst hear:
Thou hast giv’n me the heritage
of those thy name that fear.

6 A life prolonged for many days
thou to the king shalt give;
Like many generations be
the years which he shall live.

7 He in God’s presence his abode
for evermore shall have:
O do thou truth and mercy both
prepare, that may him save.

8 And so will I perpetually
sing praise unto thy name;
That having made my vows, I may
each day perform the same.