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55:1 [For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Maskil of David]. Give ear to my prayer, O God; And do not hide Thyself from my supplication. 55:2 Give heed to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted, 55:3 Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the pressure of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me, And in anger they bear a grudge against me. 55:4 My heart is in anguish within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. 55:5 Fear and trembling come upon me; And horror has overwhelmed me. 55:6 And I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. 55:7 "Behold, I would wander far away, I would lodge in the wilderness. Selah. 55:8 "I would hasten to my place of refuge From the stormy wind [and] tempest." 55:9 Confuse, O Lord, divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city. 55:10 Day and night they go around her upon her walls; And iniquity and mischief are in her midst. 55:11 Destruction is in her midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from her streets. 55:12 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me, Then I could bear [it]; Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, Then I could hide myself from him. 55:13 But it is you, a man my equal, My companion and my familiar friend. 55:14 We who had sweet fellowship together, Walked in the house of God in the throng. 55:15 Let death come deceitfully upon them; Let them go down alive to Sheol, For evil is in their dwelling, in their midst. 55:16 As for me, I shall call upon God, And the LORD will save me. 55:17 Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, And He will hear my voice. 55:18 He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle [which is] against me, For they are many [who strive] with me. 55:19 God will hear and answer them-- Even the one who sits enthroned from of old-- Selah. With whom there is no change, And who do not fear God. 55:20 He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has violated his covenant. 55:21 His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. 55:23 But Thou, O God, wilt bring them down to the pit of destruction; Men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in Thee. 55:24