To the chief Musician,
A Psalm of David.

This psalm contains, (1.) David’s earnest supplications for preservation from his enemies, who were so spiteful in their calumnious reproaches; so close and subtile in their malicious plots; and so industrious and active, in executing their cruel projects, ver. 1-6. (2.) His predictions, that God, by just vengeance, would quickly render these enemies a terror to themselves and others, and an occasion of holy joy and confidence to the saints, ver. 7-10.

While I sing, let me commit my spiritual enemies into the hand of God, who is able to destroy them, and will quickly, to my everlasting comfort, tread them all under my feet.


	







			
 
		

	
 

	

		

			

				


	

		
1 When I to thee my prayer make,

Lord, to my voice give ear;

My life save from the enemy,

of whom I stand in fear.


2 Me from their secret counsel hide

who do live wickedly;

From insurrection of those men

that work iniquity:


3 Who do their tongues with malice whet,

and make them cut like swords;

In whose bent bows are arrows set,

ev’n sharp and bitter words:


4 That they may at the perfect man

in secret aim their shot;

Yea, suddenly they dare at him

to shoot, and fear it not.


5 In ill encourage they themselves,

and their snares close do lay:

Together conference they have;

Who shall them see? they say.


6 They have searched out iniquities,

a perfect search they keep:

Of each of them the inward thought,

and very heart, is deep.


7 God shall an arrow shoot at them,

and wound them suddenly:

8 So their own tongue shall them confound;

all who them see shall fly.


9 And on all men a fear shall fall,

God’s works they shall declare;

For they shall wisely notice take

what these his doings are.


10 In God the righteous shall rejoice,

and trust upon his might;

Yea, they shall greatly glory all

in heart that are upright.