For the musical director: a song[fn] by David written when some people from Zif went to King Shaul and told him that David was hiding in their area.[ref] To be accompanied by stringed instruments.

54 Use the strength that’s part of your reputation to rescue me, God,

≈ and use your power to declare me innocent.

2 Hear my prayer, God.

≈ Listen to what I’m saying

3 because strangers have acted against me,

≈ and pitiless men have tried to eliminate me.

They don’t have any respect for God. (Instrumental break.)

4 But yes, God is my helper.

≈ My master is the one who supports me.

5 He will repay my enemies with evil.

≈ In your faithfulness, destroy them.

6 I’ll sacrifice a freewill offering to you.

I’ll give thanks for your reputation, Yahweh, because it’s good,

7 because he’s rescued me from every trouble.

I’ve seen my enemies being defeated.