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For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A poem by David [Beloved], when he fled from Saul [Asked for], in the cave.
Context: King Saul [Asked for] is pursuing David [Beloved] to murder him. David [Beloved] comes from the mountain stronghold to show his respect to the King God established by taking evidence from David’s closeness to Saul [Asked for]’s bed. Saul [Asked for] makes a temporary peace promise. (1 Sam 23:24-24:22)
1 Be merciful to me, God, show favor to me,
for my soul takes refuge in you.
Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge,
until disaster has passed.
2 I cry out to El 'Elyon [God Most High],
to God who accomplishes my requests for me.
3 He will send from heaven, and save me,
he rebukes the one who is pursuing me.
Selah ·contemplation with musical interlude·.
God will send out his chesed ·loving-kindness· and his truth.
4 My soul is among lions.
I lie among those who are set on fire,
even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
and their tongue a sharp sword.
5 Be exalted, God, above the heavens!
Let your kavod ·weighty glory· be above all the earth!
6 They have prepared a net for my steps.
My soul is bowed down.
They dig a pit before me.
They fall into the middle of it themselves.
Selah ·contemplation with musical interlude·.
7 My heart is steadfast, God, my heart is steadfast.
I will sing, yes, I will sing zahmar ·musical praise·.
8 Wake up, my glory! Wake up, lute and harp!
I will wake up the dawn.
9 I will yadah ·extend hands in thankful praise· to you, Lord, among the peoples.
I will sing zahmar ·musical praise· to you among the nations.
10 For your great chesed ·loving-kindness· reaches to the heavens,
and your truth to the skies.
11 Be exalted, God, above the heavens.
Let your kavod ·weighty glory· be over all the earth.