Psalm 17

Prayer For Protection Against Oppressors.

A Prayer of David. 1Hear the just (righteous) cause, O LORD; listen to my loud [piercing] cry;
Listen to my prayer, that comes from guileless lips. 2Let my verdict of vindication come from Your presence;
May Your eyes look with equity and behold things that are just. 3You 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. 4Concerning the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips
I have kept away from the paths of the violent. 5My steps have held closely to Your paths;
My feet have not staggered. 6I have called upon You, for You, O God, will answer me;
Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech. 7Wondrously show Your [marvelous and amazing] lovingkindness,
O Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand
From those who rise up against them. 8Keep me [in Your affectionate care, protect me] as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me in the [protective] shadow of Your wings 9From the wicked who despoil and deal violently with me,
My deadly enemies who surround me. 10They have closed their unfeeling heart [to kindness and compassion];
With their mouths they speak proudly and make presumptuous claims. 11They track us down and have now surrounded us in our steps;
They set their eyes to force us to the ground, 12He is like a lion eager to tear [his prey],
And like a young lion lurking in hiding places. 13Arise, O LORD, confront him, cast him down;
Save my soul from the wicked with Your sword, 14From men with Your hand, O LORD,
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. 15As for me, I shall see Your face in righteousness;
I will be [fully] satisfied when I awake [to find myself] seeing Your likeness.