Psalms 17
17
A Cry for Justice
A priestly prayer # 17 This is the Hebrew word tephillah, and it is found in the titles of five Psalms (17; 86; 90; 102; 142). of David
Hear Me!
1Listen to me, Lord.
Hear the passionate prayer of this honest man.
My cause is just and my need is real.
I’ve done what’s right and my lips speak truth.
2Examine and exonerate me.
Vindicate me and show the world I’m innocent.
3For in a visitation of the night
you inspected my heart and refined my soul in fire
until nothing vile was found in me.
I will not sin with my words.
4Following your word has kept me from wrong.
Your ways have molded my footsteps, keeping me
from going down the paths of the violent.
5My steps follow in the tracks of your chariot wheels,
always staying in their path,
never straying from your way.
6You will answer me, God; I know you always will.
Hear my words like you always do as you listen to my every prayer.
Hide Me!
7Magnify the marvels of your mercy to all who seek you. # 17:7 As translated from the Septuagint.
You are the loving Savior of all who turn aside
to hide themselves in you.
8Protect me from harm;
keep an eye on me as you would a child # 17:8 Or “daughter.”
who is reflected in the twinkling of your eye.
Yes, hide me within the shelter of your embrace,
under your outstretched wings. # 17:8 This could also be a reference to the mercy seat, where sacred blood was sprinkled in the Holy of Holies. There the golden cherubim overshadowed all who entered the divine chamber (Ex. 25:18–20).
9Protect me there from all my foes.
For there are many who surround my soul
to completely destroy me.
10They are pitiless, heartless—hard as nails,
swollen with pride and filled with arrogance!
11See how they close in on me,
waiting for the chance to throw me to the ground. # 17:11 This is also what the soldiers did to Jesus. They threw him to the ground and nailed him to the cross.
12They’re like lions eager to tear me apart,
like young and fearless lions lurking in secret,
so ferocious and cruel—ready to rip me to shreds.
Help Me!
13Arise, God, and confront them!
Challenge them with your might! # 17:13 The word used here is “sword.” An alternative translation would be “Rescue my soul from the wicked one, who is your sword.” The wicked are sometimes God’s tools to execute his judgments (Isa. 10:5; Jer. 51:20).
Free me from their clutches and rescue me from their rage.
14Throw them down to the ground,
those who live for only this life on earth.
Thrust them out of their prosperity
and into their portion in eternity,
leaving their wealth and wickedness behind!
15As for me, because I am innocent, I will see # 17:15 The Hebrew word for “see,” chaza, means “to see a vision.” your face
until I see you for who you really are.
I will be satisfied in an awakening of your likeness in me!
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Psalms 17: TPT
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Learn More About The Passion TranslationPsalm 17
17
A Prayer of David.
1 HEAR THE right (my righteous cause), O Lord; listen to my shrill, piercing cry! Give ear to my prayer, that comes from unfeigned and guileless lips.
2 Let my sentence of vindication come from You! May Your eyes behold the things that are just and upright.
3 You have proved my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tried me and find nothing [no evil purpose in me]; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent (the paths of the destroyer).
5 My steps have held closely to Your paths [to the tracks of the One Who has gone on before]; my feet have not slipped.
6 I have called upon You, O God, for You will hear me; incline Your ear to me and hear my speech.
7 Show Your marvelous loving-kindness, O You Who save by Your right hand those who trust and take refuge in You from those who rise up against them.
8 Keep and guard me as the pupil of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings
9 From the wicked who despoil and oppress me, my deadly adversaries who surround me.
10 They are enclosed in their own prosperity and have shut up their hearts to pity; with their mouths they make exorbitant claims and proudly and arrogantly speak.
11 They track us down in each step we take; now they surround us; they set their eyes to cast us to the ground,
12 Like a lion greedy and eager to tear his prey, and as a young lion lurking in hidden places.
13 Arise, O Lord! Confront and forestall them, cast them down! Deliver my life from the wicked by Your sword,
14 From men by Your hand, O Lord, from men of this world [these poor moths of the night] whose portion in life is idle and vain. Their bellies are filled with Your hidden treasure [what You have stored up]; their children are satiated, and they leave the rest [of their] wealth to their babes.
15 As for me, I will continue beholding Your face in righteousness (rightness, justice, and right standing with You); I shall be fully satisfied, when I awake [to find myself] beholding Your form [and having sweet communion with You].
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