| Chapter 55 |
1 |
Listen to my prayer, God. Don't hide yourself from my supplication. --
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2 |
Attend to me, and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and moan, --
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3 |
Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring suffering on me. In anger they hold a grudge against me. --
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4 |
My heart is severely pained within me. The terrors of death have fallen on me. --
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5 |
Fearfulness and trembling have come on me. Horror has overwhelmed me. --
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6 |
I said, 'Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then I would fly away, and be at rest. --
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7 |
Behold, then I would wander far off. I would lodge in the wilderness.' Selah. --
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8 |
'I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and tempest.' --
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9 |
Confuse them, Lord, and confound their language, For I have seen violence and strife in the city. --
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10 |
Day and night they prowl around on its walls. Malice and abuse are also within her. --
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11 |
Destructive forces are within her. Threats and lies don't depart from her streets. --
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12 |
For it was not an enemy who insulted me, Then I could have endured it. Neither was it he who hated me who raised himself up against me, Then I would have hid myself from him. --
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13 |
But it was you, a man like me, My companion, and my familiar friend. --
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14 |
We took sweet fellowship together. We walked in God's house with the throng. --
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15 |
Let death come suddenly on them. Let them go down alive into Sheol. For wickedness is in their dwelling, in the midst of them. --
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16 |
As for me, I will call on God. Yahweh will save me. --
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17 |
Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress. He will hear my voice. --
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18 |
He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, Although there are many who oppose me. --
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19 |
God, who is enthroned forever, Will hear, and answer them. Selah. They never change, Who don't fear God. --
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20 |
He raises his hands against his friends. He has violated his covenant. --
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21 |
His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. --
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22 |
Cast your burden on Yahweh, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved. --
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23 |
But you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, But I will trust in you. Psalm 56 For the Chief Musician. To the tune of 'Silent Dove in Distant Lands'. A poem by David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. --
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