Psalms 17:9-15

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.

13 Arise, O LORD ! Stand against them, and bring them to their knees! Rescue me from the wicked with your sword!

14 By the power of your hand, O LORD, destroy those who look to this world for their reward. But satisfy the hunger of your treasured ones. May their children have plenty, leaving an inheritance for their descendants.

15 Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.

Psalms 17:9-15 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.