Psalms 17:2-12

2 From you let my vindication come; let your eyes see the right.

3 If you try my heart, if you visit me by night, if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me; my mouth does not transgress.

4 As for what others do, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.

5 My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.

6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words.

7 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.

8 Guard me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,

9 from the wicked who despoil me, my deadly enemies who surround me.

10 They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly.

11 They track me down; now they surround me; they set their eyes to cast me to the ground.

12 They are like a lion eager to tear, like a young lion lurking 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]. One Ms Compare Syr: MT [Our steps]