1. For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.
2. Attend unto me, and answer me: I am restless in my complaint, and moan;
3. Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked; for they cast iniquity upon me, and in anger they persecute me.
4. My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.
5. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.
6. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! then would I fly away, and be at rest.
7. Lo, then would I wander far off, I would lodge in the wilderness. Selah
8. I would haste me to a shelter from the stormy wind and tempest.
9. Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongue: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
10. Day and night they go about upon the walls thereof: iniquity also and mischief are in the midst of it.
11. Wickedness is in the midst thereof: oppression and guile depart not from her streets.