Appeal Of An Upright Person

 "Hear a just cause, O YAHWEH,

listen to my complaint.

Give heed to my prayer,

for there is no deceit on my lips.

Let my defense come forth from YOU;

YOUR eyes see what is right.

YOU have probed my heart,

searched me at night,

tested me by fire,

and YOU have seen no wickedness in me.

I have not sinned by my words

as others do;

I have kept YOUR word

and followed YOUR ways.

Hold firm my steps upon YOUR path,

that my feet may not stumble.

I call on YOU, YOU will answer me, O GOD;

incline YOUR ear and hear my word.

For YOU do wonders for YOUR faithful,

YOU save those fleeing from the enemy

as they seek refuge at YOUR right hand."

- Psalm 17:1-7

(GOD is appealed to as a Judge.  Few would dare to do this but the psalmist is sure of his worthiness.  This assurance would be arrogant if there were no salutary self-mistrust--but there is.  Indeed, it is constant source of surprise for those who think of Judaism as a 'religion of works,' to find how often the responsibility is thrown to GOD.  From the earliest days this responsibility has been perceived on a national scale.  Only GOD could restore the fortunes of HIS people.  But in this individual lament, as in so many others, GOD is asked to do all the work, not for the nation but for the lonely psalmist.  We are very near to the true conception of what we call 'grace,' to the idea of a GOD without whom we can do nothing and in whose strength we can do everything.

The Psalmist in living in righteousness, justly asks GOD for HIS protection and the eternal reward of seeing GOD's face.  JESUS has assured us of a treasure in heaven in Matthew 19:12, when we follow all the commandments and become CHRIST-like.)

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