David asks God for mercy, trusting in Him for protection from his enemies, specifically Saul, and expresses gratitude for God's past kindness and deliverance. He describes the danger he faces from those who seek to harm him, but affirms his confidence in God's power to rescue him. David vows to praise and worship God among the nations, acknowledging His mercy and truth that reach to the heavens.
1 Unto the end. May you not destroy. Of David, with the inscription of a title, when he fled from Saul into a cave 2 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me. For my soul trusts in you. And I will hope in the shadow of your wings, until iniquity passes away 3 I will cry out to God Most High, to God who has been kind to me 4 He sent from heaven and freed me. He has surrendered into disgrace those who trampled me. God has sent his mercy and his truth 5 And he has rescued my soul from the midst of the young lions. I slept troubled. The sons of men: their teeth are weapons and arrows, and their tongue is a sharp sword 6 Be exalted above the heavens, O God, and your glory above all the earth 7 They prepared a snare for my feet, and they bowed down my soul. They dug a pit before my face, yet they have fallen into it 8 My heart is prepared, O God, my heart is prepared. I will sing, and I will compose a psalm 9 Rise up, my glory. Rise up, psaltery and harp. I will arise in early morning 10 I will confess to you, O Lord, among the peoples. I will compose a psalm to you among the nations 11 For your mercy has been magnified, even to the heavens, and your truth, even to the clouds 12 Be exalted above the heavens, O God, and your glory above all the earth