Psalms 17

A Prayer for Protection

1Lord , hear a just cause;[#Ps 9:4]

pay attention to my cry;

listen to my prayer —

from lips free of deceit.

2Let my vindication come from You,

for You see what is right.

3You have tested my heart;[#Ps 66:10; Zch 13:9]

You have examined me at night.

You have tried me and found nothing evil;

I have determined that my mouth will not sin.

4Concerning what people do:

by the word of Your lips

I have avoided the ways of the violent.

5My steps are on Your paths;

my feet have not slipped.

6I call on You, God,

because You will answer me;

listen closely to me; hear what I say.

7Display the wonders of Your faithful love,[#Ps 85:7]

Savior of all who seek refuge

from those who rebel against Your right hand.

8Protect me as the pupil of Your eye;[#Pr 7:2]

hide me in the shadow of Your wings

9from the wicked who treat me violently,[#Lit from the presence of; #Or who plunder me]

my deadly enemies who surround me.

10They have become hardened;[#Lit have closed up their fat; #Ps 119:70]

their mouths speak arrogantly.

11They advance against me; now they surround me.[#Vg; one Hb ms, LXX read They cast me out ; MT reads Our steps; #Ps 88:17]

They are determined

to throw me to the ground.

12They are like a lion eager to tear,[#Lit He is]

like a young lion lurking in ambush.

13Rise up, Lord !

Confront him; bring him down.

With Your sword, save me from the wicked.

14With Your hand, Lord , save me from men,

from men of the world

whose portion is in this life:

You fill their bellies with what You have in store;

their sons are satisfied,

and they leave their surplus to their children.

15But I will see Your face in righteousness;[#Ps 11:7; Rv 22:4]

when I awake, I will be satisfied with Your presence.

© 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved.
Published by: LifeWay Christian Resources