A Miktam in Gath
For the director of music: according to "A Dove on Distant Oaks." Of David. A golden psalm, when the Philistines seized him in Gath.
Seized by the Philistines at Gath and trampled all day long, David asks that his tears be collected in a bottle and kept on record. Twice he repeats his own steadying line: in my Father I trust — what can mere mortals do to me?
56 1Be gracious to me, my Father, for men trample me; all day long an attacker presses against me. 2My adversaries trample me all day long; many fight against me in their pride. 3When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4In my Father, whose word I praise—in my Father I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 5All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts against me are evil. 6They band together, they lie in wait; they watch my steps, hoping to take my life.
7Will they escape for their wickedness? In anger bring down the peoples, my Father. 8You have kept count of my wanderings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your record?
9Then my enemies will turn back when I call. This I know: that my Father is for me. 10In my Father I praise his word; in my Father I praise his word.
11In my Father I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 12Your vows are upon me, my Father; I will offer thank offerings to you. 13For you have delivered my soul from death—yes, my feet from stumbling—that I may walk before my Father in the light of life.
