Chapter 17

{A Prayer of David.} Hear the right, O Jehovah, attend unto my cry; give ear unto my prayer, which is not out of feigned lips.

Let my judgment come forth from thy presence, let thine eyes regard equity.

Thou hast proved my heart, thou hast visited me by night; thou hast tried me, thou hast found nothing: my thought goeth not beyond my word.

Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept from the paths of the violent [man].

When thou holdest my goings in thy paths, my footsteps slip not.

I have called upon thee, for thou answerest me, O ùGod. Incline thine ear unto me, hear my speech.

Shew wondrously thy loving-kindnesses, O thou that savest by thy right hand them that trust [in thee] from those that rise up [against them].

Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

From the wicked that destroy me, my deadly enemies, who compass me about.

They are enclosed in their own fat; with their mouth they speak proudly.

They have now encompassed us in our steps; their eyes have they set, bowing down to the earth.

He is like a lion that is greedy of its prey, and as a young lion lurking in secret places.

Arise, Jehovah, anticipate him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, thy sword;

From men [who are] thy hand, O Jehovah, from men of this age: their portion is in [this] life, and their belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]; they have their fill of sons, and leave the rest of their [substance] to their children.

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