1
For the leader. With stringed instruments. A maskil of David: Listen, God, to my prayer! Don't hide yourself from my plea!
2
Pay attention to me, and answer me! I am panic-stricken as I make my complaint, I shudder
3
at how the enemy shouts, at how the wicked oppress; for they keep heaping trouble on me and angrily tormenting me.
4
My heart within me is pounding in anguish, the terrors of death press down on me,
5
fear and trembling overwhelm me, horror covers me.
6
I said, "I wish I had wings like a dove! Then I could fly away and be at rest.
7
Yes, I would flee to a place far off, I would stay in the desert. (Selah)
8
I would quickly find me a shelter from the raging wind and storm."
9
Confuse, Adonai, confound their speech! For I see violence and fighting in the city.
10
Day and night they go about its walls; within are malice and mischief.
11
Ruin is rife within it, oppression and fraud never leave its streets.