Psalms 17:4-14

4 as others do; I have obeyed your command and have not followed paths of violence.

5 I have always walked in your way and have never strayed from it.

6 I pray to you, O God, because you answer me; so turn to me and listen to my words.

7 Reveal your wonderful love and save me; at your side I am safe from my enemies.

8 Protect me as you would your very eyes; hide me in the shadow of your wings

9 from the attacks of the wicked. Deadly enemies surround me;

10 they have no pity and speak proudly.

11 They are around me now, wherever I turn, watching for a chance to pull me down.

12 They are like lions, waiting for me, wanting to tear me to pieces.

13 Come, Lord! Oppose my enemies and defeat them! Save me from the wicked by your sword;

14 save me from those who in this life have all they want. Punish them with the sufferings you have stored up for them; may there be enough for their children and some left over for their children's children!

Psalms 17:4-14 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.