Revelation Public Library

Psalm 17 - Prayer for Deliverance from Persecutors

A Prayer of David.

Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry;
 
give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.
 
From you let my vindication come;
 
let your eyes see the right.

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.
 
As for what others do, by the word of your lips
 
I have avoided the ways of the violent.
 
My steps have held fast to your paths;
 
my feet have not slipped.

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
 
incline your ear to me, hear my words.
 
Wondrously show your steadfast love,
 
O savior of those who seek refuge
 
from their adversaries at your right hand.

Guard me as the apple of the eye;
 
hide me in the shadow of your wings,
 
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;[a] 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.

13 Rise up, O Lord, confront them, overthrow them!
 
By your sword deliver my life from the wicked,
 
14 from mortals—by your hand, O Lord—
 
from mortals whose portion in life is in this world.
 
May their bellies be filled with what you have stored up for them;
 
may their children have more than enough;
 
may they leave something over to their little ones.

15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
 
when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.

Footnotes
 

a. Psalm 17:11 One Ms Compare Syr: MT Our steps

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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