October 19, 2016 (Wednesday)
Soon after negotiating a treaty with Iran, the supreme leader of that nation made a speech in which he emphatically declared, “Death to America.” It was a disheartening threat for those of us who felt the treaty was a mistake in the first place. This seems to be the way David and his companions were feeling, beset by proud and pitiless enemies bent upon their destruction. As Saul pursued David through the wilderness, his thoughts were all about fleeing his persecutor and asking for God’s protection. He could not help thinking about his enemies much the same way as the song writer did: “Tempted and tried we’re oft made to wonder why it should be thus all the day long, while there are others living about us, never molested though in the wrong..”
Psalm 17
A Prayer of David
I. Appeal for Justice (1-5)
II. Prayer for Protection (6-12)
III.Choice of Commitment over Contentment (13-15)
Psalm 17
A prayer of David
New International Version (NIV)
1 Hear me, Lord, my plea is just;
listen to my cry.
Hear my prayer–
it does not rise from deceitful lips.
2 Let my vindication come from you;
may your eyes see what is right.
3 Though you probe my heart,
though you examine me at night and test me,
you will find that I have planned no evil;
my mouth has not transgressed.
4 Though people tried to bribe me,
I have kept myself from the ways of the violent
through what your lips have commanded.
5 My steps have held to your paths;
my feet have not stumbled.
6 I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
7 Show me the wonders of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
9 from the wicked who are out to destroy me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.
10 They close up their callous hearts,
and their mouths speak with arrogance.
11 They have tracked me down, they now surround me,
with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.
12 They are like a lion hungry for prey,
like a fierce lion crouching in cover.
13 Rise up, Lord, confront them, bring them down;
with your sword rescue me from the wicked.
14 By your hand save me from such people, Lord,
from those of this world whose reward is in this life.
May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies;
may their children gorge themselves on it,
and may there be leftovers for their little ones.
15 As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face;
when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
Here’s a little summary of the prayer of David in Psalm 17:
verses 1-5
I am a man of integrity; I deserve justice.
Verses 6-12
I trust you to answer me as I call upon you to hear me,
and show me your love by saving me from those who threaten
my life, tracking me down and surrounding me.
Verses 13-15
I don’t care if my enemies have more than they need; I just
want to see you and know you are with me.