Psalms 17:3-13

3 (16-3) Thou hast proved my heart, and visited it by night, thou hast tried me by fire: and iniquity hath not been found in me.

4 (16-4) That my mouth may not speak the works of men: for the sake of the words of thy lips, I have kept hard ways.

5 (16-5) Perfect thou my goings in thy paths: that my footsteps be not moved.

6 (16-6) I have cried to thee, for thou, O God, hast heard me: O incline thy ear unto me, and hear my words.

7 (16-7) Shew forth thy wonderful mercies; thou who savest them that trust in thee.

8 (16-8) From them that resist thy right hand keep me, as the apple of thy eye. Protect me under the shadow of thy wings.

9 (16-9) From the face of the wicked who have afflicted me. My enemies have surrounded my soul:

10 (16-10) They have shut up their fat: their mouth hath spoken proudly.

11 (16-11) They have cast me forth, and now they have surrounded me: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth.

12 (16-12) They have taken me, as a lion prepared for the prey; and as a young lion dwelling in secret places.

13 (16-13) Arise, O Lord, disappoint him and supplant him; deliver my soul from the wicked one; thy sword

Psalms 17:3-13 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.