1 From foes and all who threaten me,
O God, be my defence.
2 Save me from evildoers’ hands
and men of violence.
3 See how they lie in wait for me!
Ferocious men combine
Against me, LORD, for no offence
or sinful deed of mine.
4 I have not done them any wrong,
yet they prepare to fight.
Arise to help me in my need;
take notice of my plight.
5 LORD God Almighty, rouse yourself;
come, God of Israel,
To judge the nations, and spare none
who wickedly rebel.
6 At evening they return again;
they snarl like dogs at bay.
They prowl about the city gates,
still hungry for their prey.
7 See what they spew out from their mouths!
Look! from their lips come swords!
With evil mind they laugh and say,
“Who now can hear our words?”
8 But you, O LORD, will laugh at them;
those nations you deride.
9 I watch for you, my loving God,
my Strength, in whom I hide.
10 My God will come and give me help;
in triumph I will sing
Before all those who slander me,
O Lord, our shield and king.
11 But lest my people should forget,
slay not my foes outright.
Cause them to wander aimlessly;
defeat them by your might.
12 Reward the evil of their lips,
the words of their own mouths;
Let them be captured by their pride,
their curses and untruths.
13 Consume them till they are no more;
in anger lay them low.
That God rules over Israel
all distant lands will know.
14 At evening they return again;
like dogs they snarl and growl.
15 They roam about the town for food
and, finding none, they howl.
16 But in the morning I will praise
your strength and loving care,
Because you are my strong defence,
my refuge from despair.
17 O God, you are my only strength;
to you I will sing praise.
You are my fortress and my rock,
my loving God always.