The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
1 My God! Rescue me from my enemies, defend me from these mutineers.
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Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me.
2 Rescue me from their dirty tricks, save me from their hit men.
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Deliver me from evildoers and save me from those who are after my blood.
3 Desperadoes have ganged up on me, they're hiding in ambush for me. I did nothing to deserve this, God,
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See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, LORD.
4 crossed no one, wronged no one. All the same, they're after me, determined to get me.
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I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Arise to help me; look on my plight!
5 You're God, God of angel armies, Israel's God! Get on the job and take care of these pagans, don't be soft on these hard cases.
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You, LORD God Almighty, you who are the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors.
6 They return when the sun goes down, They howl like coyotes, ringing the city.
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They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.
7 Then suddenly they're all at the gate, Snarling invective, drawn daggers in their teeth. They think they'll never get caught.
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See what they spew from their mouths— the words from their lips are sharp as swords, and they think, “Who can hear us?”
8 But you, God, break out laughing; you treat the godless nations like jokes.
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But you laugh at them, LORD; you scoff at all those nations.
9 Strong God, I'm watching you do it, I can always count on you.
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You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress,
10 God in dependable love shows up on time, shows me my enemies in ruin.
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my God on whom I can rely. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me.
11 Don't make quick work of them, God, lest my people forget. Bring them down in slow motion, take them apart piece by piece.
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But do not kill them, Lord our shield,or my people will forget. In your might uproot them and bring them down.
12 Let all their mean-mouthed arrogance catch up with them, Catch them out and bring them down - every muttered curse - every barefaced lie.
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For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter,
13 Finish them off in fine style! Finish them off for good! Then all the world will see that God rules well in Jacob, everywhere that God's in charge.
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consume them in your wrath, consume them till they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob.
14 They return when the sun goes down, They howl like coyotes, ringing the city.
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They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.
15 They scavenge for bones, And bite the hand that feeds them.
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They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied.
16 And me? I'm singing your prowess, shouting at cockcrow your largesse, For you've been a safe place for me, a good place to hide.
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But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
17 Strong God, I'm watching you do it, I can always count on you - God, my dependable love.
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You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.