Psalm 56^[a]

For the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David. A miktam.^[b] When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.

¹⁷ “Therefore say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again.’^(A)

¹⁸ “They will return to it and remove all its vile images^(B) and detestable idols.^{(C) 19} I will give them an undivided heart^(D) and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone^(E) and give them a heart of flesh.^{(F) 20} Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.^(G) They will be my people,^(H) and I will be their God.^(I)

³¹ Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria^(A) enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.^(B)

²⁴ “‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land.^{(A) 25} I will sprinkle^(B) clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse^(C) you from all your impurities^(D) and from all your idols.^{(E) 26} I will give you a new heart^(F) and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone^(G) and give you a heart of flesh.^{(H) 27} And I will put my Spirit^(I) in you and move you to follow my decrees^(J) and be careful to keep my laws.^(K)