55:001

For the Leader; with string-music. Maschil of David

55:002

Give ear, O G-d, to my prayer; and hide not Thyself from my supplication

55:003

Attend unto me, and hear me; I am distraught in my complaint, and will moan

55:004

Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked; for they cast mischief upon me, and in anger they persecute me

55:005

My heart doth writhe within me; and the terrors of death are fallen upon me

55:006

Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me

55:007

And I said: 'Oh that I had wings like a dove! then would I fly away, and be at rest

55:008

Lo, then would I wander far off, I would lodge in the wilderness. Sela

55:009

I would haste me to a shelter from the stormy wind and tempest.

55:010

Destroy, O L-rd, and divide their tongue; for I have seen violence and strife in the city

55:011

Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof; iniquity also and mischief are in the midst of it

55:012

Wickedness is in the midst thereof; oppression and guile depart not from her broad place

55:013

For it was not an enemy that taunted me, then I could have borne it; neither was it mine adversary that did magnify himself against me, then I would have hid myself from him

55:014

But it was thou, a man mine equal, my companion, and my familiar friend

55:015

We took sweet counsel together, in the house of G-d we walked with the throng

55:016

May He incite death against them, let them go down alive into the nether-world; for evil is in their dwelling, and within them

55:017

As for me, I will call upon G-d; and HaShem shall save me

55:018

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I complain, and moan; and He hath heard my voice

55:019

He hath redeemed my soul in peace so that none came nigh me; for they were many that strove with me

55:020

G-d shall hear, and humble them, even He that is enthroned of old, Selah, such as have no changes, and fear not G-d

55:021

He hath put forth his hands against them that were at peace with him; he hath profaned his covenant

55:022

Smoother than cream were the speeches of his mouth, but his heart was war; his words were softer than oil, yet were they keen-edged swords

55:023

Cast thy burden upon HaShem, and He will sustain thee; He will never suffer the righteous to be moved

55:024

But Thou, O G-d, wilt bring them down into the nethermost pit; men of blood and deceit shall not live out half their days; but as for me, I will trust in Thee