Psalms 53

A prayer for help in destress.

(Does this psalm differ from what you were expecting? Don't be confused. There are two systems for arranging the psalms: the Septuagint and the Masoretic. We use the Septuagint system here. In the Masoretic system, which is used in most modern Bible translations, this psalm is called Psalm 54, and the previous psalm is known as Psalm 53.)

1 Unto the end, in verses, understanding for David.

2 When the men of Ziph had come and said to Saul: Is not David hidden with us? [1 Samuel 23.19]

3 Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me in thy strength. 4 O God, hear my prayer: give ear to the words of my mouth. 5 For strangers have risen up against me; and the mighty have sought after my soul: and they have not set God before their eyes. 6 For behold God is my helper: and the Lord is the protector of my soul. 7 Turn back the evils upon my enemies; and cut them off in thy truth. 8 I will freely sacrifice to thee, and will give praise, O God, to thy name: because it is good: 9 For thou hast delivered me out of all trouble: and my eye hath looked down upon my enemies.