Chapter 17

A Prayer of David.

1

Hear, O Jehovah, righteousness, attend my cry, Give ear to my prayer, without lips of deceit.

2

From before thee my judgment doth go out; Thine eyes do see uprightly.

3

Thou hast proved my heart, Thou hast inspected by night, Thou hast tried me, Thou findest nothing; My thoughts pass not over my mouth.

4

As to doings of man, Through a word of Thy lips I have observed The paths of a destroyer;

5

To uphold my goings in Thy paths, My steps have not slidden.

6

I -- I called Thee, for Thou dost answer me, O God, incline Thine ear to me, hear my speech.

7

Separate wonderfully Thy kindness, O Saviour of the confiding, By Thy right hand, from withstanders.

8

Keep me as the apple, the daughter of the eye; In shadow of Thy wings thou dost hide me.

9

From the face of the wicked who spoiled me. Mine enemies in soul go round against me.

10

Their fat they have closed up, Their mouths have spoken with pride:

11

'Our steps now have compassed him;' Their eyes they set to turn aside in the land.

12

His likeness as a lion desirous to tear, As a young lion dwelling in secret places.

13

Arise, O Jehovah, go before his face, Cause him to bend. Deliver my soul from the wicked, Thy sword,

14

From men, Thy hand, O Jehovah, From men of the world, their portion is in life, And with Thy hidden things Thou fillest their belly, They are satisfied with sons; And have left their abundance to their sucklings.

15

I -- in righteousness, I see Thy face; I am satisfied, in awaking, with Thy form!