The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Psalms 59

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Psalms chapter 59 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “For the Leader; Al-tashheth. A Psalm of David; Michtam; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.” — the complete text of all 18 verses is below, free to read online.

1For the Leader; Al-tashheth. A Psalm of David; Michtam; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.

2Deliver me from mine enemies, O my G-d; set me on high from them that rise up against me.

3Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from the men of blood.

4For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul; the impudent gather themselves together against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O HaShem.

5Without my fault, they run and prepare themselves; awake Thou to help me, and behold.

6Thou therefore, O HaShem G-d of hosts, the G-d of Israel, arouse Thyself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to any iniquitous traitors. Selah

7They return at evening, they howl like a dog, and go round about the city.

8Behold, they belch out with their mouth; swords are in their lips: 'For who doth hear?'

9But Thou, O HaShem, shalt laugh at them; Thou shalt have all the nations in derision.

10Because of his strength, I will wait for Thee; for G-d is my high tower.

11The G-d of my mercy will come to meet me; G-d will let me gaze upon mine adversaries.

12Slay them not, lest my people forget, make them wander to and fro by Thy power, and bring them down, O L-rd our shield.

13For the sin of their mouth, and the words of their lips, let them even be taken in their pride, and for cursing and lying which they speak.

14Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they be no more; and let them know that G-d ruleth in Jacob, unto the ends of the earth. Selah

15And they return at evening, they howl like a dog, and go round about the city;

16They wander up and down to devour, and tarry all night if they have not their fill.

17But as for me, I will sing of Thy strength; yea, I will sing aloud of Thy mercy in the morning; for Thou hast been my high tower, and a refuge in the day of my distress.

18O my strength, unto Thee will I sing praises; for G-d is my high tower, the G-d of my mercy.

18 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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