Psalms Chapter 17
A Prayer of David
1 Yahveh, listen to my call for justice;
pay attention to my sincere prayer.
2 Declare me innocent
because you see that I’m righteous.
3 You’ve visited me at night and tested my heart;
you’ve put me on trial and found nothing wrong;
I’m determined not to say anything sinful.
4 Your word has kept me from following
the example of cruel people.
5 My steps have stayed on your path;
my feet haven’t slipped.
Ps 17:1-5
6 I’m calling on you, God,
because you answer me.
7 Demonstrate your amazing, enduring love
for the ones that take refuge in you
from people that rebel against you.
8 Keep me as the pupil of your eye;
hide me under your wings
9from sinners who plunder,
from deadly enemies that surround me,
10that have no mercy in their hearts,
and brag arrogantly.
11They’ve tracked me down and surrounded me,
and threaten to knock me to the ground.
12 They’re like lions eager to maul me,
like young lions lurking in ambush.
Ps 17:6-12
13 Confront them, Yahveh; knock them down;
deliver me from sinners with the sword
14that’s in your hand,
from people who’ve cast their lot in this life,
whose stomach you fill with your treasure.
They’re satisfied with having children
and leaving their wealth to their babies.
15 But because I’m righteous,
I’ll be satisfied by seeing you when I wake up.
Ps 17:13-15