Psalms 17:3-13

3 You have examined my heart; you have tested me all night. You questioned me without finding anything wrong; I have not sinned with my mouth.

4 I have obeyed your commands, so I have not done what evil people do.

5 I have done what you told me; I have not failed.

6 I call to you, God, and you answer me. Listen to me now, and hear what I say.

7 Your love is wonderful. By your power you save those who trust you from their enemies.

8 Protect me as you would protect your own eye. Hide me under the shadow of your wings.

9 Keep me from the wicked who attack me, from my enemies who surround me.

10 They are selfish and brag about themselves.

11 They have chased me until they have surrounded me. They plan to throw me to the ground.

12 They are like lions ready to kill; like lions, they sit in hiding.

13 Lord, rise up, face the enemy, and throw them down. Save me from the wicked with your 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.