Psalm 17

In the Shadow of Your Wings

1. A Prayer of David. 1 Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry! 1 Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!

2. From your presence let my vindication come! 2 Let your eyes behold the right!

3. You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, 3 you have tested me, and you will find nothing; 3 I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.

4. With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips 4 I have avoided the ways of the violent.

5. My steps have held fast to your paths; 5 my feet have not slipped.

6. I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; 6 incline your ear to me; hear my words.

7. Wondrously show[a] your steadfast love, 7 O Savior of those who seek refuge 7 from their adversaries at your right hand.

8. Keep me as the apple of your eye; 8 hide me in the shadow of your wings,

9. from the wicked who do me violence, 9 my deadly enemies who surround me.

10. They close their hearts to pity; 10 with their mouths they speak arrogantly.

11. They have now surrounded our steps; 11 they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.

12. He is like a lion eager to tear, 12 as a young lion lurking in ambush.

13. Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him! 13 Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,

14. from men by your hand, O Lord, 14 from men of the world whose portion is in this life.[b] 14 You fill their womb with treasure;[c] 14 they are satisfied with children, 14 and they leave their abundance to their infants.

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

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 17:7: Or Distinguish me by
b. Psalm 17:14: Or from men whose portion in life is of the world
c. Psalm 17:14: Or As for your treasured ones, you fill their womb