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
Prayer for Rescue from Persecutors
1A prayer of David.
I
Hear, Lord, my plea for justice;
pay heed to my cry;
Listen to my prayer
from lips without guile.
2From you let my vindication come;
your eyes see what is right.
3You have tested my heart,
searched it in the night.#Ps 26:2; 139:23.
You have tried me by fire,
but find no malice in me.
My mouth has not transgressed
4as others often do.
As your lips have instructed me,
I have kept from the way of the lawless.
5My steps have kept to your paths;
my feet have not faltered.#Ps 18:36; Jb 23:11–12.
II
6I call upon you; answer me, O God.
Turn your ear to me; hear my speech.
7Show your wonderful mercy,
you who deliver with your right arm
those who seek refuge from their foes.
8#Apple of your eye…shadow of your wings: images of God’s special care, cf. Dt 32:10; Prv 7:2; Is 49:2.Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
9from the wicked who despoil me.#Ps 10:9; 22:14, 22; 35:17; 58:7; Jb 4:10–11.
III
My ravenous enemies press upon me;#Ps 36:8; 57:2; 61:5; 63:8; 91:4; Dt 32:10; Ru 2:12; Zec 2:12; Mt 23:37.
10#17:10–12, 14] An extended metaphor: the enemies are lions.they close their hearts,
they fill their mouths with proud roaring.
11Their steps even now encircle me;
they watch closely, keeping low to the ground,
12Like lions eager for prey,
like a young lion lurking in ambush.
13Rise, O Lord, confront and cast them down;
rescue my soul from the wicked.
14Slay them with your sword;
with your hand, Lord, slay them;
snatch them from the world in their prime.
Their bellies are being filled with your friends;
their children are satisfied too,
for they share what is left with their young.
15I am just—let me see your face;
when I awake, let me be filled with your presence.#Ps 4:7; 31:17; 67:2; 80:4; Nm 6:25; Dn 9:17.
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