¶ Introduction to Psalm 17
Psalm 17
¶ David's Plea for Justice
A Prayer of David. Hear the right, O Lord, attend unto my cry, give ear unto that goeth not out of feigned lips. Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.
¶ Declaration of Innocence
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.
¶ Seeking Divine Protection
I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. 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
¶ Describing the Wicked
about. 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.
¶ Prayer for Deliverance
Arise, O Lord, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword: 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.
¶ Final Affirmation of Faith
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.