Psalms 17
Prayer for Protection against Oppressors.
1 Hear the just (righteous) cause, O Lord; listen to my loud [piercing] cry;
Listen to my prayer, that comes from guileless lips.
2 Let my verdict of vindication come from Your presence;
May Your eyes look with equity and behold things that are just.
3 You have tried my heart;
You have visited me in the night;
You have tested me and You find nothing [evil in me];
I intend that my mouth will not transgress.
4 Concerning the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips
I have kept away from the paths of the violent.
5 My steps have held closely to Your paths;
My feet have not staggered.
6 I have called upon You, for You, O God, will answer me;
Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech.
7 Wondrously show Your [marvelous and amazing] lovingkindness,
O Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand
From those who rise up against them.
8 Keep me [in Your affectionate care, protect me] as the [a]apple of Your eye;
Hide me in the [protective] shadow of Your wings
9 From the wicked who despoil and deal violently with me,
My deadly enemies who surround me.
10 They have closed their [b]unfeeling heart [to kindness and compassion];
With their mouths they speak proudly and make presumptuous claims.
11 They track us down and have now surrounded us in our steps;
They set their eyes to force us to the ground,
12 He is like a lion eager to tear [his prey],
And like a young lion lurking in hiding places.
13 Arise, O Lord, confront him, cast him down;
Save my soul from the wicked with Your sword,
14 From men with Your hand, O Lord,
From men of the world [these moths of the night] whose portion [of enjoyment] is in this life--idle and vain,
And whose belly You fill with Your treasure;
They are satisfied with children,
And they leave what they have left [of wealth] to their children.
15 As for me, I shall see Your face in righteousness;
I will be [fully] satisfied when I awake [to find myself] seeing Your likeness.
[a] v8: Lit the pupil, the daughter of the eye.
[b] v10: Lit fat.