[1] Rescue me from my enemies, O God. Protect me from those who have come to destroy me. [2] Rescue me from these criminals; save me from these murderers. [3] They have set an ambush for me. Fierce enemies are out there waiting, LORD, though I have not sinned or offended them. [4] I have done nothing wrong, yet they prepare to attack me. Wake up! See what is happening and help me! [5] O LORD God of Heaven's Armies, the God of Israel, wake up and punish those hostile nations. Show no mercy to wicked traitors. Interlude [6] They come out at night, snarling like vicious dogs as they prowl the streets. [7] Listen to the filth that comes from their mouths; their words cut like swords. "After all, who can hear us?" they sneer. [8] But LORD, you laugh at them. You scoff at all the hostile nations. [9] You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress. [10] In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me. He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies. [11] Don't kill them, for my people soon forget such lessons; stagger them with your power, and bring them to their knees, O Lord our shield. [12] Because of the sinful things they say, because of the evil that is on their lips, let them be captured by their pride, their curses, and their lies. [13] Destroy them in your anger! Wipe them out completely! Then the whole world will know that God reigns in Israel. Interlude [14] My enemies come out at night, snarling like vicious dogs as they prowl the streets. [15] They scavenge for food but go to sleep unsatisfied. [16] But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. [17] O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.
