Psalms 17:1-11

1 Listen while I build my case, God, the most honest prayer you'll ever hear.

2 Show the world I'm innocent - in your heart you know I am.

3 Go ahead, examine me from inside out, surprise me in the middle of the night - You'll find I'm just what I say I am. My words don't run loose.

4 I'm not trying to get my way in the world's way. I'm trying to get your way, your Word's way.

5 I'm staying on your trail; I'm putting one foot In front of the other. I'm not giving up.

6 I call to you, God, because I'm sure of an answer. So - answer! bend your ear! listen sharp!

7 Paint grace-graffiti on the fences; take in your frightened children who Are running from the neighborhood bullies straight to you.

8 Keep your eye on me; hide me under your cool wing feathers

9 From the wicked who are out to get me, from mortal enemies closing in.

10 Their hearts are hard as nails, their mouths blast hot air.

11 They are after me, nipping my heels, determined to bring me down,

Psalms 17:1-11 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.