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The Lord, the Psalmist’s Portion in Life and Deliverer in Death.

A [a]Mikhtam of David [probably intended to record memorable thoughts].

16 Keep and protect me, O God, for in You I have placed my trust and found refuge.

I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good besides You.”

As for the saints (godly people) who are in the land,
They are the majestic and the noble and the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.

The sorrows [pain and suffering] of those who have chosen another god will be multiplied [because of their idolatry];
I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood,
Nor will I take their names upon my lips.


The Lord is the portion of my inheritance, my cup [He is all I need];
You support my lot.

The [boundary] lines [of the land] have fallen for me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.


I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;
Indeed, my heart (mind) instructs me in the night.

I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my glory [my innermost self] rejoices;
My body too will dwell [confidently] in safety,
10 
For You will not abandon me to Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead),
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.(A)
11 
You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.(B)

Prayer for Protection against Oppressors.

A Prayer of David.

17 Hear the just (righteous) cause, O Lord; listen to my loud [piercing] cry;
Listen to my prayer, that comes from guileless lips.

Let my verdict of vindication come from Your presence;
May Your eyes look with equity and behold things that are just.

You have tried my heart;
You have visited me in the night;
You have tested me and You find nothing [evil in me];
I intend that my mouth will not transgress.

Concerning the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips
I have kept away from the paths of the violent.

My steps have held closely to Your paths;
My feet have not staggered.


I have called upon You, for You, O God, will answer me;
Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech.

Wondrously show Your [marvelous and amazing] lovingkindness,
O Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand
From those who rise up against them.

Keep me [in Your affectionate care, protect me] as the [b]apple of Your eye;
Hide me in the [protective] shadow of Your wings

From the wicked who despoil and deal violently with me,
My deadly enemies who surround me.
10 
They have closed their [c]unfeeling heart [to kindness and compassion];
With their mouths they speak proudly and make presumptuous claims.
11 
They track us down and have now surrounded us in our steps;
They set their eyes to force us to the ground,
12 
He is like a lion eager to tear [his prey],
And like a young lion lurking in hiding places.

13 
Arise, O Lord, confront him, cast him down;
Save my soul from the wicked with Your sword,
14 
From men with Your hand, O Lord,
From men of the world [these moths of the night] whose portion [of enjoyment] is in this life—idle and vain,
And whose belly You fill with Your treasure;
They are satisfied with children,
And they leave what they have left [of wealth] to their children.
15 
As for me, I shall see Your face in righteousness;
I will be [fully] satisfied when I awake [to find myself] seeing Your likeness.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 16:1 Meaning uncertain; perhaps a poem.
  2. Psalm 17:8 Lit the pupil, the daughter of the eye.
  3. Psalm 17:10 Lit fat.

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