A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.
1
Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!
2
Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.”
3
But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4
I call out to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.
5
I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
6
I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.
7
Arise, Lord!
Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.
8
From the Lord comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.
Psalm 4
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.
1
Answer me when I call to you,
my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2
How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods ?
3
Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.
4
Tremble and do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
5
Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the Lord.
6
Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
Let the light of your face shine on us.
7
Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.
8
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 5
For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.
1
Listen to my words, Lord,
consider my lament.
2
Hear my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
3
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.
4
For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
with you, evil people are not welcome.
5
The arrogant cannot stand
in your presence.
You hate all who do wrong;
6
you destroy those who tell lies.
The bloodthirsty and deceitful
you, Lord, detest.
7
But I, by your great love,
can come into your house;
in reverence I bow down
toward your holy temple.
8
Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies—
make your way straight before me.
9
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;
with their tongues they tell lies.
10
Declare them guilty, O God!
Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
for they have rebelled against you.
11
But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
12
Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.