Psalm 17

William Helder, 1980 ©

1. O LORD, hear Thou my righteous cause;
   I come with fervent pleas before Thee.
   With blameless lips do I implore Thee
   To rescue one who loves Thy laws.
   I look to Thee for vindication;
   Show forth Thy judgment, heed my plight,
   And let Thine eye see what is right.
   O listen to my supplication!
   
2. LORD, Thou hast probed and tried my heart,
   And Thou by night dost test and weigh me.
   Thou findest when Thou dost as say me
   That I in evil take no part;
   My mouth does not commit transgression.
   As for the works of wick ed men,
   Thy word has kept me far from sin,
   From ways of violence and oppression.
   
3. I took the paths marked out by Thee
   So that I would not slip or waver.
   I call on Thee, I seek Thy favor,
   For Thou, O God, wilt answer me;
   Incline Thy ear to me and hear me.
   Show forth, O LORD, from heaven above,
   The wonders of Thy steadfast love,
   Thou Shield of all who trust and fear Thee.
   
4. LORD, as the apple of Thine eye
   Keep Thou me, with Thy care provide me.
   Beneath Thy wings, O Savior, hide me
   From deadly foes when they draw nigh.
   They close their hearts to all compassion
   And utter boastful vanity.
   They track me down, surrounding me
   Till I should yield to their oppression.
   
5. They like the lion crave their prey.
   Arise, O LORD! Thy power show them
   And draw Thy sword to overthrow them;
   With Thy right hand snatch me away.
   Save me from those whose only measure
   Is this life’s portion, nothing more.
   O gorge them with Thy ample store
   And let their offspring share such treasure.
   
6. But I, when I awake, shall see
   Thy face in righteousness and glory;
   O with Thy likeness then before me,
   How rich and full my joy shall be!