Psummer of Psalms: Psalm 17

Main Idea: The LORD Will Hear and Attend to a Just Cause

Text: Psalm 17

Outline:

1. Foundation of True Innocence (vv. 1–5)

2. God’s Lovingkindness (vv. 6–9)

3. Our True Enemy (vv. 10–12)

4. The Victory of Faith (vv. 13–15)

Psalm 17

A Prayer of David.

[1] Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry!

Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!

[2] From your presence let my vindication come!

Let your eyes behold the right!

[3] You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night,

you have tested me, and you will find nothing;

I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.

[4] With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips

I have avoided the ways of the violent.

[5] My steps have held fast to your paths;

my feet have not slipped.

[6] I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;

incline your ear to me; hear my words.

[7] Wondrously show your steadfast love,

O Savior of those who seek refuge

from their adversaries at your right hand.

[8] Keep me as the apple of your eye;

hide me in the shadow of your wings,

[9] from the wicked who do me violence,

my deadly enemies who surround me.

[10] They close their hearts to pity;

with their mouths they speak arrogantly.

[11] They have now surrounded our steps;

they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.

[12] He is like a lion eager to tear,

as a young lion lurking in ambush.

[13] Arise, O LORD! Confront him, subdue him!

Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,

[14] from men by your hand, O LORD,

from men of the world whose portion is in this life.

You fill their womb with treasure;

they are satisfied with children,

and they leave their abundance to their infants.

[15] As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;

when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness. (ESV)