Psalms 17:1–5
David appeals to the Righteous Judge to hear His just cause, inviting an inspection of His heart and paths as evidence of His integrity.
1 Hear, Yahweh, my righteous plea; Give ear to my prayer, that doesn’t go out of deceitful lips.
2 Let my sentence come out of your presence. Let your eyes look on equity.
3 You have proved my heart. You have visited me in the night. You have tried me, and found nothing. I have resolved that my mouth shall not disobey.
4 As for the deeds of men, by the word of your lips, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.
5 My steps have held fast to your paths. My feet have not slipped.
David appeals to the Righteous Judge to hear his just cause, inviting an inspection of his heart and paths as evidence of his integrity.
To petition for divine justice based on a thoroughly tested life of integrity, appealing to God’s omniscience to vindicate the petitioner against false accusations.
Vindication, Refuge, and Satisfaction in God’s Face
The righteous entrust vindication and protection to the LORD, because their final satisfaction is not this world’s portion but seeing God’s face.