Psalm 55 – Miserere mei, Deus.

A prayer of David in danger and distress.

[1] Unto the end, for a people that is removed at a distance from the sanctuary for David, for an inscription of a title (or pillar) when the Philistines held him in Geth. [2] Have mercy on me, O God, for man hath trodden me under foot; all the day long he hath afflicted me fighting against me. [3] My enemies have trodden on me all the day long; for they are many that make war against me. [4] From the height of the day I shall fear: but I will trust in thee. [5] In God I will praise my words, in God I have put my trust: I will not fear what flesh can do against me.

[6] All the day long they detested my words: all their thoughts were against me unto evil. [7] They will dwell and hide themselves: they will watch my heel. As they have waited for my soul, [8] For nothing shalt thou save them: in thy anger thou shalt break the people in pieces, O God, [9] I have declared to thee my life: thou hast set my tears in thy sight, As also in thy promise. [10] Then shall my enemies be turned back. In what day soever I shall call upon thee, behold I know thou art my God.

[11] In God will I praise the word, in the Lord will I praise his speech. In God have I hoped, I will not fear what man can do to me. [12] In me, O God, are vows to thee, which I will pay, praises to thee: [13] Because thou hast delivered my soul from death, my feet from falling: that I may please in the sight of God, in the light of the living.

Commentary

[4] “The height of the day”: That is, even at noonday, when the sun is the highest, I am still in danger.

[5] “My words”: The words or promises God has made in my favour.

[8] “For nothing shalt thou save them”: That is, since they lie in wait to ruin my soul, thou shalt for no consideration favour or assist them, but execute thy justice upon them.