For the music director; according to the tune of “Lilies;” by the Korahites, a well-written poem, a love song.
45:1 My heart is stirred by a beautiful song.
I say, “I have composed this special song for the king;
my tongue is as skilled as the stylus of an experienced scribe.”
For the music director; a psalm of David, written when Nathan the prophet confronted him after David’s affair with Bathsheba.
51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your loyal love!
Because of your great compassion, wipe away my rebellious acts!
For the music director; according to the yonath-elem-rechovim style; a prayer of David, written when the Philistines captured him in Gath.
56:1 Have mercy on me, O God, for men are attacking me!
All day long hostile enemies are tormenting me.
For the music director; according to the al-tashcheth style; a prayer of David, written when he fled from Saul into the cave.
57:1 Have mercy on me, O God! Have mercy on me!
For in you I have taken shelter.
In the shadow of your wings I take shelter
until trouble passes.
For the music director; according to the al-tashcheth style; a prayer of David, written when Saul sent men to surround his house and murder him.
59:1 Deliver me from my enemies, my God!
Protect me from those who attack me!
A psalm of David, written when he was in the Judean wilderness.
63:1 O God, you are my God! I long for you!
My soul thirsts for you,
my flesh yearns for you,
in a dry and parched land where there is no water.