Psalms 17:2-12

2 Declare me innocent, for you see those who do right.

3 You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say.

4 I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people.

5 My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you.

6 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.

7 Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies.

8 Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.

9 Protect me from wicked people who attack me, from murderous enemies who surround me.

10 They are without pity. Listen to their boasting!

11 They track me down and surround me, watching for the chance to throw me to the ground.

12 They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart— like young lions hiding in ambush.

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Hebrew as the pupil of your eye.