Psalms 17:5-15

5 I have kept my feet in your ways, my steps have not been turned away.

6 My cry has gone up to you, for you will give me an answer, O God: let your ear be turned to me, and give attention to my words.

7 Make clear the wonder of your mercy, O saviour of those who put their faith in your right hand, from those who come out against them.

8 Keep me as the light of your eyes, covering me with the shade of your wings,

9 From the evil-doers who are violent to me, and from those who are round me, desiring my death.

10 They are shut up in their fat: with their mouths they say words of pride.

11 They have made a circle round our steps: their eyes are fixed on us, forcing us down to the earth;

12 Like a lion desiring its food, and like a young lion waiting in secret places.

13 Up! Lord, come out against him, make him low, with your sword be my saviour from the evil-doer.

14 With your hand, O Lord, from men, even men of the world, whose heritage is in this life, and whom you make full with your secret wealth: they are full of children; after their death their offspring take the rest of their goods.

15 As for me, I will see your face in righteousness: when I am awake it will be joy enough for me to see your form.

Psalms 17:5-15 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.