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 Deliverance from Persecutors
A Prayer of David.
1Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry;
give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.
2From you let my vindication come;
let your eyes see the right.
3If you try my heart, if you visit me by night,
if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me;
my mouth does not transgress.
4As for what others do, by the word of your lips
I have avoided the ways of the violent.
5My steps have held fast to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.
6I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me, hear my words.
7Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O savior of those who seek refuge
from their adversaries at your right hand.
8Guard me as the apple of the eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings,
9from the wicked who despoil me,
my deadly enemies who surround me.
10They close their hearts to pity;
with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
11They track me down;#17.11 One Ms Compare Syr: MT Our steps now they surround me;
they set their eyes to cast me to the ground.
12They are like a lion eager to tear,
like a young lion lurking in ambush.
13Rise up, O Lord, confront them, overthrow them!
By your sword deliver my life from the wicked,
14from mortals—by your hand, O Lord—
from mortals whose portion in life is in this world.
May their bellies be filled with what you have stored up for them;
may their children have more than enough;
may they leave something over to their little ones.
15As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.
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New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.