Psalms — Chapter 17

A prayer of David.Hear, O ETERNAL One, what is just;heed my cry, give ear to my prayer,uttered without guile.

My vindication will come from You;Your eyes will behold what is right.

You have visited me at night, probed my mind,You have tested me and found nothing amiss;I determined that my mouth should not transgress.

As for mortals’ dealings,in accord with the command of Your lips,aI determined … lips Meaning of Heb. uncertain. I have kept in view the fatebfate Cf. Prov. 1.19; lit. “paths.” of the lawless.

My feet have held to Your paths;my legs have not given way.

I call on You;You will answer me, God;turn Your ear to me,hear what I say.

Display Your faithfulness in wondrous deeds,You who deliver with Your right handthose who seek refuge from assailants.

Guard me like the apple of Your eye;hide me in the shadow of Your wings

from the wicked who despoil me,my mortal enemies whocmy mortal enemies who Or “from my enemies who avidly.” encircle me.

Their hearts are closed to pity;dTheir hearts are closed to pity Meaning of Heb. uncertain. they mouth arrogance;

now they hem in our feet on every side;they set their eyes roaming over the land.

They areeThey are Heb. “He is.” like a lion eager for prey,a king of beasts lying in wait.

Rise, O ETERNAL One! Go forth to meet my enemies.fmy enemies Heb. “him.” Bring them down;rescue me from the wicked with Your sword,

from mortals, O ETERNAL One, with Your hand,from mortals whose share in life is fleeting.But as to Your treasured ones,fill their bellies.gfrom mortals, O ETERNAL ONE, … fill their bellies Meaning of Heb. uncertain. Their children too shall be satisfied,and have something to leave over for their young.

Then I, justified, will behold Your face;awake, I am filled with the vision of You.