Psalm 17:1-15

  • A prayer for protection

    • “You have examined my heart” (3)

    • “In the shadow of your wings” (8)

A prayer of David. 17  Hear my plea for justice, O Jehovah;Pay attention to my cry for help;Listen to my prayer spoken without deceit.+  2  May you make a just decision in my behalf;+May your eyes see what is right.  3  You have examined my heart, you have inspected me by night;+You have refined me;+You will find that I have not schemed anything bad,And my mouth has not transgressed.  4  As for the activities of men,In accord with the word of your lips, I avoid the paths of the robber.+  5  Let my steps stay on your tracksSo that my feet will not stumble.+  6  I do call on you, because you will answer me,+ O God. Incline your ear* to me. Hear my words.+  7  Show your loyal love in a wonderful way,+O Savior of those seeking refuge at your right handFrom those who rebel against you.  8  Guard me like the pupil of your eye;+Conceal me in the shadow of your wings.+  9  Guard me from the wicked who attack me,From my mortal enemies* who surround me.+ 10  They have become insensitive;*With their mouth they speak arrogantly; 11  Now they hem us in;+They watch for the chance to cause our downfall.* 12  He is like a lion eager to tear its prey to pieces,Like a young lion crouching in ambush. 13  Rise up, O Jehovah, to confront him+ and bring him down;Rescue me* from the wicked with your sword; 14  Rescue me with your hand, O Jehovah,From men of this world,* whose share is in this life,+Those whom you fill with the good things you provide+And who leave an inheritance to their many sons. 15  But as for me, in righteousness I will see your face;I am satisfied to awaken in your presence.*+

Footnotes

^ Or “Bend down and listen.”
^ Or “my enemies against the soul.”
^ Or “They are enclosed in their own fat.”
^ Or “throw us down to the ground.”
^ Or “my soul.”
^ Or “system of things.”
^ Or “to see your form.”