(To the choir-master. Melody: Yonat Elem Rehoqim. Of David. A miktam. When the Philistines had him in their hands at Gath.)

Have mercy on me, O God, downtrodden evermore by man’s cruel oppression;

evermore my enemies tread me under foot, so many there are to make war upon me.

In thee, the most High, I will put my trust when peril overtakes me.

I claim God’s promise; my trust is in God, no mortal threat can daunt me.

Evermore they traduce me, have no thought but for my undoing;

conspire in secret, watching my steps as they plot against my life!

O God, requite their treachery; trample on the Gentiles in thy anger.

My wandering life none knows as thou; no tear of mine but thou dost hoard and record it.

One cry raised to thee, and my enemies are driven back; shall I doubt God is on my side?

I claim God’s promise; my trust is in God, man’s threats cannot daunt me.

The vows which thou claimest from me, O God, my sacrifice of praise shall fulfil;

hast thou not saved my life from every peril, my feet from every slip? And shall I not enjoy God’s favour, while the light of life is with me?