O LORD, my God, I come to you for protection; rescue me and save me from all who pursue me,

or else like a lion they will carry me off where no one can save me, and there they will tear me to pieces.

from the attacks of the wicked. Deadly enemies surround me;

They are around me now, wherever I turn, watching for a chance to pull me down.

Come, LORD! Oppose my enemies and defeat them! Save me from the wicked by your sword;

May those who try to kill me be defeated and disgraced! May those who plot against me be turned back and confused!

Proud people are coming to attack me; cruel people are trying to kill me--- those who do not care about God.

Listen to my cry for help, for I am sunk in despair. Save me from my enemies; they are too strong for me.

then let my enemies pursue me and catch me, let them cut me down and kill me and leave me lifeless on the ground!

Once more Abner said to him, "Stop chasing me! Why force me to kill you? How could I face your brother Joab?"

Joab answered, "If you saw him, why didn't you kill him on the spot? I myself would have given you ten pieces of silver and a belt."

Everyone has forgotten me, as though I were dead; I am like something thrown away.

I hear many enemies whispering; terror is all around me. They are making plans against me, plotting to kill me.

I am like all others who are about to die; all my strength is gone.

You have thrown me into the depths of the tomb, into the darkest and deepest pit.

God said to me, "Mortal man, the people of Israel are like these bones. They say that they are dried up, without any hope and with no future.