3-27-07 Psalms 17:10-12

Psalms 17:10-12 (KJ21)
They are enclosed in their own fat; with their mouth they speak proudly. They have now encompassed us in our steps; they have set their eyes, bowing down to the earth, like a lion that is greedy for his prey, even as a young lion lurking in secret places

Psalms 17:10-12 (NAS)
They have closed their unfeeling heart; With their mouth they speak proudly. They have now surrounded us in our steps; They set their eyes to cast us down to the ground. He is like a lion that is eager to tear, And as a young lion lurking in hiding places.

Psalms 17:10-12 (NIVUS)
They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance. They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground. They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a great lion crouching in cover.

Psalms 17:10-12 (NLT)
They are without pity. Listen to their boasting. They track me down, surround me, and throw me to the ground. They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart—like young lions in hiding, waiting for their chance.

You are probably familiar with the expression that someone is set in his ways. This person is so stubborn about what he believes and does that he is totally unwilling to change. His mind is closed and his heart is hard.

There are certain people who feel this way about Adonai, the Most High God. They have closed their hearts tight against Him, which proves they are thick and stupid. Even though their hearts are sealed shut, their mouths are constantly open in pride and arrogance. They haughtily boast of the increase that they believe they have achieved in their own strength and power. They do not realize that the Almighty is the one who gave them life and enables them to work.

You may feel that you are surrounded and besieged with these foolish people. Perhaps they seem to prevent you from moving forward. Your steps are continually impeded. They crouch and lie in wait for you, as a lion waits for its prey. These enemies want to afflict and oppress you, for you have a humble and contrite heart before the Lord. In their conceit, they desire to join in battle against you. They want to lead you away in bonds to prison. They see you as food to be rent in pieces.

You need not fear those who hide in secret, for the Lord your God has concealed you from their sight. They do not have the power to hinder your steps; your steps have been ordered of the Lord. You will complete your course in God's power and might.