This is a fervent prayer against the persecutors of the word, who lay plots against the lives of the good, and those that fear God, for the word of God’s sake; just like king Saul and the people of Ziph, who lay in wait for the life of David, on account of the name and word of God, by which Saul was to be dethroned and David made king in his stead. David, therefore, prays, that the vengeance of God might overtake such cruelty and malice. PSALM LV. _David in his prayer complaineth of his fearful case.—He prayeth against his enemies, of whose wickedness and treachery he complaineth.—He comforteth himself in God’s preservation of him, and confusion of his enemies._ To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil. _A Psalm_ of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. My heart is sore pained within me; and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! _for then_ would I fly away and be at rest. Lo _then_ would I wander far off, _and_ remain in the wilderness. Selah. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm _and_ tempest. Destroy, O LORD, _and_ divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof; mischief also and sorrow _are_ in the midst of it. Wickedness _is_ in the midst thereof; deceit and guile depart not from her streets. For _it was_ not an enemy _that_ reproached me: then I could have borne _it_: neither _was it_ he that hated me _that_ did magnify _himself_ against me; then I would have hid myself from him; But _it was_ thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, _and_ walked unto the house of God in company. Let death seize upon them, _and_ let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness _is_ in their dwellings, _and_ among them. As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud; and he shall hear my voice. He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle _that was_ against me: for there were many with me. God shall hear and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God. He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him; he hath broken his covenant. _The words_ of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war _was_ in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet _were_ they drawn swords. Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.