Psalms 17:2-12

2 When you hand down your sentence, may it be in my favor. May your eyes see what is right.
3 Look deep down into my heart. Study me carefully at night. Put me to the test. You won't find anything wrong. I have made up my mind that my mouth won't say sinful things.
4 I don't do the things other people do. By obeying your word I have kept myself from acting like those who try to hurt others.
5 My steps have stayed on your paths. My feet have not slipped.
6 God, I call out to you because you will answer me. Listen to me. Hear my prayer.
7 Show the wonder of your great love. By using your powerful right hand, you save those who go to you for safety from their enemies.
8 Take good care of me, just as you would take care of your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.
9 Save me from the sinful people who attack me. Save me from my deadly enemies who are all around me.
10 They make their hearts hard and stubborn. Their mouths speak with pride.
11 They have tracked me down. They are all around me. Their eyes watch for a chance to throw me to the ground.
12 They are like a hungry lion, waiting to attack. They are like a powerful lion, hiding in the bushes.

Psalms 17:2-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 17

\\<>\\. This prayer was put up by David either in his own person, on his own account, praying to God for the vindication of his cause, and for salvation and deliverance from his enemies; or in the person of the Messiah, whose type he was, and of the whole church, so Jerom of old interpreted it; and the title of it in the Arabic version is, ``a prayer in the person of a perfect man, and of Christ himself, and of everyone that is redeemed by him;'' in which preservation and protection are prayed for, and hope of eternal life is expressed. It was written, according to Theodoret, when David suffered persecution from Saul.

Holy Bible, New International Reader's Version® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998 by Biblica.   All rights reserved worldwide.