Psalms Chapter 17 (KJV)
Psalms 17
Divine JusticeGod's ProtectionRighteousness in AdversityTrust in GodSatisfaction in God's Presence
[A Prayer of David.] Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, {that goeth} not out of feigned lips. {the right: Heb. justice} {not...: Heb. without lips of deceit}
Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.
Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited {me} in the night; thou hast tried me, {and} shalt find nothing; I am purposed {that} my mouth shall not transgress.
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept {me from} the paths of the destroyer.
Hold up my goings in thy paths, {that} my footsteps slip not. {slip...: Heb. be not moved}
I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, {and hear} my speech.
Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust {in thee} from those that rise up {against them}. {by thy...: or, them which trust in thee from those that rise up against thy right hand}
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
From the wicked that oppress me, {from} my deadly enemies, {who} compass me about. {oppress: Heb. waste} {my...: Heb. my enemies against the soul}
They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;
Like as a lion {that} is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places. {Like...: Heb. The likeness of him (that is, of every one of them) is as a lion that desireth to ravin} {lurking: Heb. sitting}
Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, {which is} thy sword: {disappoint...: Heb. prevent his face} {which is: or, by}
From men {which are} thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, {which have} their portion in {this} life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid {treasure}: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their {substance} to their babes. {which are: or, by} {they...: or, their children are full}
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Context & Meaning
Psalm 17 is a passionate prayer of David where he appeals to God for justice and protection from his enemies. David asserts his innocence and unwavering trust in God, ultimately expressing his hope to see God's face and be satisfied with His presence.