1 PSALM 17 Prayer for Protection against Oppressors. A Prayer of David. Hear the just (righteous) cause, O L; 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 equityandbehold 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 lipsI 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 handFrom those who rise upagainst them.
8 Keep me [in Your affectionate care, protect me] as theLit the pupil, the daughter of the eye.apple of Your eye;Hide me in the [protective] shadow of Your wings
9 From the wicked who despoilanddeal violently with me,My deadly enemies who surround me.
10 They have closed theirLit fat.unfeelingheart[to kindness and compassion];With their mouths they speak proudlyandmake presumptuous claims.
11 They track us downandhave 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 L, confront him, cast him down;Save my soul from the wicked with Your sword,
14 From men with Your hand, O L,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.