1 Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
2 Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.
3 Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
6 I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.
7 Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
9 From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.
10 They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
11 They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;
12 Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
13 Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:
14 From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Psalm 17, belonging to the Book of Psalms in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible, is a heartfelt prayer of David, the shepherd boy turned king. This psalm is a profound piece of spiritual literature that presents a plea for divine justice, protection, and vindication. It is a reflection of David's faith and trust in God, his reliance on God's righteousness, and his deep desire for God's intervention in his life. The psalm essentially revolves around the themes of divine justice, righteous living, God's protection, and the ultimate reward for the faithful.
Psalm 17 is a unique blend of lament, petition, and praise. David starts the psalm by appealing to God's justice. He pleads with God to hear his prayer, examine his heart, and vindicate him based on his integrity. This initial section of the psalm signifies David's confidence in his innocence and his belief in divine justice. It shows that David is not relying on his strength or wisdom, but on God's righteousness to deliver him from his adversaries.
In the opening verses of Psalm 17, David presents a plea for divine justice. He appeals to God to hear his righteous plea, give ear to his prayer that does not come from deceitful lips, and let his vindication come from God alone. Here, David is essentially asserting his innocence and righteousness, and is expressing his trust in God's justice. He is confident that God, being omniscient, will see his innocence and deliver justice. The theme of divine justice is thus central to this part of the psalm.
David's plea for divine justice is followed by his prayer for protection. He acknowledges that he is surrounded by enemies who are intent on harming him and that he is powerless to protect himself. Therefore, he turns to God, whom he recognizes as his protector and deliverer. He prays, "Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings". This metaphorical language signifies David's belief in God's protective and nurturing nature. It underscores the theme of divine protection, which is another major theme of this psalm.
David further asserts his commitment to righteous living in this psalm. He states that he has lived in accordance with God's laws and has not succumbed to the ways of the wicked. He declares, "Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer". This declaration affirms David's commitment to righteous living and his determination to avoid the ways of the wicked. The theme of righteous living is thus another significant theme of Psalm 17.
Towards the end of the psalm, David expresses his hope for the ultimate reward for the faithful. He states, "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness". This statement signifies David's hope for a divine reward in the afterlife. It reflects his belief in the resurrection and the life to come. The theme of the ultimate reward for the faithful is thus the concluding theme of this psalm.
Psalm 17, as a whole, can be seen as a reflection of David's deep faith in God and his reliance on God's righteousness. It demonstrates his belief in divine justice, his commitment to righteous living, his trust in God's protection, and his hope for the ultimate reward for the faithful. The psalm serves as a reminder that God is a righteous judge who hears the pleas of the innocent, protects those who take refuge in Him, and rewards those who live righteously.
Moreover, Psalm 17 highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and living righteously, even in the face of adversity. It encourages believers to turn to God in times of trouble, to trust in His justice, and to seek His protection. It also provides a sense of hope and assurance, reminding believers of the ultimate reward that awaits them in the afterlife.
In conclusion, Psalm 17 is a powerful prayer that encapsulates the essence of faith and trust in God. It is a testament to the power of prayer and the importance of righteousness. It serves as a guide for believers, providing them with a roadmap on how to navigate the trials and tribulations of life while maintaining their faith and integrity. Through its themes of divine justice, righteous living, divine protection, and the ultimate reward for the faithful, Psalm 17 offers timeless wisdom and spiritual guidance for believers of all generations.
Share this page