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.