Psalm 17

Now we move onto the next Psalm. I have used the versions from The Message by Eugene Petersen and the ASV. Lets read and pray about this chapter and write what God reveals.

Psalm 17 from the Message


A David prayer. Listen while I build my case, GOD, the most honest prayer you'll ever hear.
Show the world I'm innocent-- in your heart you know I am.

Go ahead, examine me from inside out, surprise me in the middle of the night-- You'll find I'm just what I say I am. My words don't run loose.

I'm not trying to get my way in the world's way. I'm trying to get your way, your Word's way.
I'm staying on your trail; I'm putting one foot In front of the other. I'm not giving up.

I call to you, God, because I'm sure of an answer. So--answer! bend your ear! listen sharp!
Paint grace-graffiti on the fences; take in your frightened children who Are running from the neighborhood bullies straight to you.

Keep your eye on me; hide me under your cool wing feathers
From the wicked who are out to get me, from mortal enemies closing in.
Their hearts are hard as nails, their mouths blast hot air.
They are after me, nipping my heels, determined to bring me down,
Lions ready to rip me apart, young lions poised to pounce.

Up, GOD: beard them! break them! By your sword, free me from their clutches;
Barehanded, GOD, break these mortals, these flat-earth people who can't think beyond today.

I'd like to see their bellies swollen with famine food, The weeds they've sown harvested and baked into famine bread, With second helpings for their children and crusts for their babies to chew on.
And me? I plan on looking you full in the face. When I get up, I'll see your full stature and live heaven on earth.


Psalm 17 from ASV

Hear the right, O Jehovah, attend unto my cry; Give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.

Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; Let thine eyes look upon equity.

Thou hast proved my heart; thou hast visited me in the night; Thou hast tried me, and findest nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

As for the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the ways of the violent.

My steps have held fast to thy paths, My feet have not slipped.

I have called upon thee, for thou wilt answer me, O God: Incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.

Show thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them that take refuge 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 oppress me, My deadly enemies, that compass me about.

They are inclosed in their own fat: With their mouth they speak proudly.

They have now compassed us in our steps; They set their eyes to cast us down to the earth.

He is like a lion that is greedy of his prey, And as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.

Arise, O Jehovah, Confront him, cast him down: Deliver my soul from the wicked by thy sword;

From men by thy hand, O Jehovah, From men of the world, whose portion is in this life, And whose belly thou fillest with thy treasure: They are satisfied with children, And leave the rest of their substance to their babes.

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