Psalm 17

Prayer for Protection against Oppressors.

A Prayer of David.

17 Hear a just cause, Lord, give Your attention to my cry;
Listen to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips.
2 Let my [a]judgment come forth from Your presence;
Let Your eyes look with integrity.
3 You have put my heart to the test;
You have visited me by night;
You have sifted me and You find [b]nothing;
My intent is that my mouth will not offend.
4 As for the works of mankind, by the word of Your lips
I have kept from the ways of the violent.
5 My steps have held to Your [c]paths.
My feet have not slipped.

6 I have called upon You, for You will answer me, God;
Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech.
7 Show Your wonderful faithfulness,
Savior of those who take refuge [d]at Your right hand
From those who rise up against them.
8 Keep me as [e]the apple of the eye;
Hide me in the shadow of Your wings
9 From the wicked who deal violently with me,
My deadly enemies who surround me.
10 They have closed their [f]unfeeling hearts,
With their mouths they speak proudly.
11 They have now surrounded us in our steps;
They set their eyes to cast us down to the ground.
12 He is like a lion that is eager to tear,
And as a young lion lurking in secret places.

13 Arise, Lord, confront him, make him bow down;
Save my soul from the wicked with Your sword,
14 From people by Your hand, Lord,
From people [g]of the world, whose portion is in this life,
And whose belly You fill with Your treasure;
They are satisfied with children,
And leave their abundance to their babies.
15 As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness;
I shall be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 17:2 I.e., vindication
  2. Psalm 17:3 Or no shameful act in me; My mouth
  3. Psalm 17:5 Lit tracks
  4. Psalm 17:7 Or from those who rise up...at Your right hand
  5. Psalm 17:8 Lit the pupil, the daughter of the eye
  6. Psalm 17:10 Lit fat
  7. Psalm 17:14 Or whose portion in life is of the world