Psalm 17

Prayer for Protection against Oppressors.

A Prayer of David.

1 Hear a just cause, Lord, give Your attention to my cry;

Listen to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips.

2 Let my *17:2 I.e., vindicationjudgment 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 *17:3 Or no shameful act in me; My mouthnothing;

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 *17:5 Lit trackspaths.

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 *17:7 Or from those who rise up...at Your right handat Your right hand

From those who rise up against them.

8 Keep me as *17:8 Lit the pupil, the daughter of the eyethe 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 *17:10 Lit fatunfeeling 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 *17:14 Or whose portion in life is of the worldof 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.