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17 (Tefillah of Dovid) Hear the tzedek (righteous plea of a just cause), Hashem, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my tefillah, that goeth not out of lips of mirmah (deceit).

Let my mishpat (right) come forth from Thy presence; let Thine eyes behold the things that are right.

Thou hast probed mine lev; Thou hast visited me in the lailah; Thou hast tested me and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

Concerning the works of men, by the Devar of Thy lips I have kept myself from the paths of the cruel.

Uphold my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps stumble not.

I have called upon Thee, for Thou wilt hear me, O El; incline Thine ear unto me, and hear my prayer.

Show Thy marvellous chesed, O Thou Moshi’a Who saves by Thy right hand them which put their trust in Thee from those that rise up against them.

Be shomer over me as the apple of Thy eye; hide me in the shadow of Thy wings,

From the resha’im that oppress me, from my deadly enemies threatening my nefesh, who surround me.

10 They have closed up callously and mercilessly against me; with their mouth they speak with ge’ut (pride).

11 At every step they have surrounded me; their purpose is to strike down to ha’aretz;

12 Like aryeh eager to tear his prey, and like a young lion lurking in ambush.

13 Arise, Hashem, confront him, cast him down; deliver my nefesh from the resha with Thy cherev;

14 From men with Thy yad, Hashem, from men of the world, whose portion is in this life, and with Thy treasures Thou fillest their belly; they are satisfied with children, and leave their abundance to their babes.

15 As for me, in tzedek I will behold Thy face; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy temunah (form; see Num 12:8).

Psalm 17

A prayer of David.

Hear me,(A) Lord, my plea is just;
    listen to my cry.(B)
Hear(C) my prayer—
    it does not rise from deceitful lips.(D)
Let my vindication(E) come from you;
    may your eyes see what is right.(F)

Though you probe my heart,(G)
    though you examine me at night and test me,(H)
you will find that I have planned no evil;(I)
    my mouth has not transgressed.(J)
Though people tried to bribe me,
    I have kept myself from the ways of the violent
    through what your lips have commanded.
My steps have held to your paths;(K)
    my feet have not stumbled.(L)

I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;(M)
    turn your ear to me(N) and hear my prayer.(O)
Show me the wonders of your great love,(P)
    you who save by your right hand(Q)
    those who take refuge(R) in you from their foes.
Keep me(S) as the apple of your eye;(T)
    hide me(U) in the shadow of your wings(V)
from the wicked who are out to destroy me,
    from my mortal enemies who surround me.(W)

10 They close up their callous hearts,(X)
    and their mouths speak with arrogance.(Y)
11 They have tracked me down, they now surround me,(Z)
    with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.
12 They are like a lion(AA) hungry for prey,(AB)
    like a fierce lion crouching in cover.

13 Rise up,(AC) Lord, confront them, bring them down;(AD)
    with your sword rescue me from the wicked.
14 By your hand save me from such people, Lord,
    from those of this world(AE) whose reward is in this life.(AF)
May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies;
    may their children gorge themselves on it,
    and may there be leftovers(AG) for their little ones.

15 As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face;
    when I awake,(AH) I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.(AI)