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 TranslationPsalms 17
17
Psalm 17
A Prayer for Protection
A prayer of David.
1 Lord, hear a just cause;#Ps 9:4
pay attention to my cry;
listen to my prayer —
from lips free of deceit.#Jb 27:4; Ps 34:13; 1Pt 3:10
2Let my vindication come from you,
for you see what is right.#Ps 26:1; 43:1
3You have tested my heart;#Ps 66:10; Zch 13:9
you have examined me at night.
You have tried me and found nothing evil;#Jb 23:10; Ps 26:2
I have determined that my mouth will not sin.#17:3 Or evil; my mouth will not sin
4Concerning what people do:
by the words from your lips
I have avoided the ways of the violent.#Pr 4:14–15
5My steps are on your paths;
my feet have not slipped.#Jb 23:11
6I call on you, God,
because you will answer me;#Ps 86:7
listen closely to me; hear what I say.
7Display the wonders of your faithful love,#Ps 85:7
Savior of all who seek refuge#Ps 7:1
from those who rebel against your right hand.#17:7 Or love, you who save with your right hand those seeking refuge from adversaries
8Protect me as the pupil of your eye;#Pr 7:2
hide me in the shadow of your wings#Ps 36:7; 57:1; 63:7; 91:1,4
9from#17:9 Lit from the presence of the wicked who treat me violently,#17:9 Or who plunder me
my deadly enemies who surround me.#Ps 18:48
10They are uncaring;#17:10 Lit have closed up their fat#Ps 119:70
their mouths speak arrogantly.#Ps 31:18
11They advance against me;#17:11 Vg; MT reads Our steps now they surround me.#Ps 88:17
They are determined#17:11 Lit They set their eyes
to throw me to the ground.#Ps 37:14; 62:4
12They are#17:12 Lit He is like a lion eager to tear,
like a young lion lurking in ambush.#Ps 7:2; 10:9
13Rise up, Lord!
Confront him; bring him down.#Ps 55:23
With your sword, save me from the wicked.#Ps 7:12
14With 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.#Ps 73:3–7
15But I will see your face in righteousness;#Ps 11:7; Rv 22:4
when I awake, I will be satisfied with your presence.#17:15 Lit form#Ps 16:11; 21:6; 73:28
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