Psalm 17:9

Modern

…from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

Traditional

From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.

Literal

…from wicked ones who would ruin me, my enemies in soul go around against me.

Latin

…a facie impiorum qui me afflixerunt. Inimici mei animam meam circumdederunt;

Hebrew

English

…from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

This prayer for God's care continues the request begun in Psalm 17:1–2 for redemption from evil.

The psalmist asks for God's protection and justice, affirms his own integrity, and prays for the Lord to defeat his strong enemies.

The psalms in this section emphasize integrity and purity (Psalms 17:15; 18:20–26; 19:13–14). They describe people as living in God’s presence (Psalms 16:9–11; 17:15) and remaining steadfast (15:5; 16:8).

Theme notes and profiles

Psalm 35:7
For without cause they laid their net for me; without reason they dug a pit for my soul.
Psalm 35:4
May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plan to harm me be driven back and confounded.
Psalm 35:12
They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul.
1 Samuel 24:11
See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life.
1 Chronicles 17:9
And I will provide a place for My people Israel and will plant them so that they may dwell in a place of their own and be disturbed no more. No longer will the sons of wickedness oppress them as they did at the beginning
Psalm 7:5
…then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah
Psalm 31:20
You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. You conceal them in Your shelter from accusing tongues.