Psalm 17

A Prayer for Protection

A Davidic prayer.

1 Lord, hear a just cause; l

pay attention to my cry;

listen to my prayer—

from lips free of deceit. m

2 Let my vindication come from You,

for You see what is right. n

3 You have tested my heart; o

You have examined me at night.

You have tried me and found nothing evil; p

I have determined that my mouth will not sin. q

4 Concerning what people do:

by the word of Your lips r

I have avoided the ways of the violent. s

5 My steps are on Your paths;

my feet have not slipped. t

6 I call on You, God,

because You will answer me; u

listen closely to me; hear what I say.

7 Display the wonders of Your faithful love, v

Savior of all who seek refuge w

from those who rebel against Your right hand. x

8 Protect me as the pupil of Your eye; y

hide me in the shadow of Your wings z

9 from a the wicked who treat me violently, b

my deadly enemies who surround me. c

10 They have become hardened; d e

their mouths speak arrogantly. f

11 They advance against me; g now they surround me. h

They are determined i

to throw me to the ground. j

12 They are k like a lion eager to tear,

like a young lion lurking in ambush. l

13 Rise up, Lord!

Confront him; bring him down. m

With Your sword, save me from the wicked. n

14 With 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. o

15 But I will see Your face in righteousness; p

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