Psalms 17 Commentary: A Prayer for Deliverance and Vindication
Hear the right, O Lord, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.
Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.
Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.
They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;
Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
Arise, O Lord, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:
From men which are thy hand, O Lord, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Psalms 17 is a powerful and deeply personal prayer of David, a plea for God's intervention and protection amidst persecution. Sharing thematic elements with Psalms 16, this psalm carries a unique sense of urgency, reflecting David's desperate situation as he was relentlessly pursued by his enemies, most likely King Saul (1 Samuel 20:32–33). Alongside Psalms 86, 90, 102, and 142, it's specifically identified as a "prayer," highlighting its direct and heartfelt nature. This commentary seeks to unpack the layers of this psalm, offering insights for both in-depth study and personal reflection.
A Plea for Justice and a Declaration of Innocence (Psalms 17:1-5)
David initiates his prayer with an earnest appeal to God, urging Him to hear his cry and attend to his supplication. He emphasizes the integrity of his heart and the sincerity of his words, stating that his lips are free of deceit (Psalms 17:1-2). This declaration of innocence isn't arrogance but a vital foundation for his request. David understands that God is not inclined to answer the prayers of those who harbor wickedness (Psalms 66:18-19). Therefore, he confidently asserts that he has consistently followed God's path, both in his outward actions and inward thoughts.
David highlights that he has submitted to divine discipline. He invites God to examine and test him, confident that no hidden sin remains that would hinder God's response (Psalms 17:3). He knows that his steps have followed God's paths (Psalms 17:5). This emphasizes a life lived in obedience and alignment with God's will, strengthening his plea for deliverance.
Seeking Refuge Under God's Wings (Psalms 17:6-8)
Turning from his declaration of innocence, David expresses his profound trust in God's protection. He believes that God not only hears his prayers but will also answer them. He longs for God to reveal His faithful love to him and show Himself to be the true Savior of all who seek refuge in Him (Psalms 17:6-7).
He then employs vivid imagery to illustrate the depth of his desire for divine safeguarding: "Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings" (Psalms 17:8). The "apple of your eye" (literally, the pupil) represents the most precious and carefully guarded part of the body. Similarly, the image of a mother bird sheltering her young under her wings evokes a sense of tender and unwavering protection. David seeks this intimate and all-encompassing care from the Lord. Just as one is zealous to shield his own eye from danger, so God shelters His servants. As a mother bird lovingly protects her chicks, so the Lord overshadows his own.
Facing the Arrogance of the Wicked (Psalms 17:9-12)
David identifies those he seeks to escape as arrogant and merciless, comparing them to predatory animals. They are violent enemies who surround him (Psalms 17:9-12). In this section, the prayer subtly shifts from a personal plea to include others, as David asks for "our" deliverance, possibly referring to his companions who were with him in hiding (1 Samuel 22:1-2). He wisely seeks God's covering.
Eternal Satisfaction vs. Earthly Riches (Psalms 17:13-15)
While the wicked may prosper and enjoy earthly benefits (Psalms 17:14), David contrasts their fleeting satisfaction with the enduring joy of knowing God. He recognizes that their "portion" is limited to this temporary world, while his hope lies in an eternal relationship with God.
David expresses his confidence in God's ultimate justice, even if judgment on evildoers is delayed. He chooses to find his ultimate satisfaction in the presence of his God (Psalms 17:15). He anticipates seeing God's face and being fully satisfied in His presence. This speaks to a deep longing for communion with God and a hope that transcends earthly circumstances. Though the wicked continued to reap benefits in the world (Psalms 17:14), David is confident in God. Though the judgment on evildoers might be delayed, it would come.
Psalms 17 offers a timeless example of how to approach God in prayer during times of distress. It reminds us to examine our hearts, seek refuge in His unwavering protection, and find our ultimate satisfaction in His presence. David's prayer is a testament to the power of faith and the hope that sustains us even in the darkest of times.
Hear the right, O Lord, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.
Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.
Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.
They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;
Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
Arise, O Lord, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:
From men which are thy hand, O Lord, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Psalms 17 is a powerful and deeply personal prayer of David, a plea for God's intervention and protection amidst persecution. Sharing thematic elements with Psalms 16, this psalm carries a unique sense of urgency, reflecting David's desperate situation as he was relentlessly pursued by his enemies, most likely King Saul (1 Samuel 20:32–33). Alongside Psalms 86, 90, 102, and 142, it's specifically identified as a "prayer," highlighting its direct and heartfelt nature. This commentary seeks to unpack the layers of this psalm, offering insights for both in-depth study and personal reflection.
A Plea for Justice and a Declaration of Innocence (Psalms 17:1-5)
David initiates his prayer with an earnest appeal to God, urging Him to hear his cry and attend to his supplication. He emphasizes the integrity of his heart and the sincerity of his words, stating that his lips are free of deceit (Psalms 17:1-2). This declaration of innocence isn't arrogance but a vital foundation for his request. David understands that God is not inclined to answer the prayers of those who harbor wickedness (Psalms 66:18-19). Therefore, he confidently asserts that he has consistently followed God's path, both in his outward actions and inward thoughts.
David highlights that he has submitted to divine discipline. He invites God to examine and test him, confident that no hidden sin remains that would hinder God's response (Psalms 17:3). He knows that his steps have followed God's paths (Psalms 17:5). This emphasizes a life lived in obedience and alignment with God's will, strengthening his plea for deliverance.
Seeking Refuge Under God's Wings (Psalms 17:6-8)
Turning from his declaration of innocence, David expresses his profound trust in God's protection. He believes that God not only hears his prayers but will also answer them. He longs for God to reveal His faithful love to him and show Himself to be the true Savior of all who seek refuge in Him (Psalms 17:6-7).
He then employs vivid imagery to illustrate the depth of his desire for divine safeguarding: "Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings" (Psalms 17:8). The "apple of your eye" (literally, the pupil) represents the most precious and carefully guarded part of the body. Similarly, the image of a mother bird sheltering her young under her wings evokes a sense of tender and unwavering protection. David seeks this intimate and all-encompassing care from the Lord. Just as one is zealous to shield his own eye from danger, so God shelters His servants. As a mother bird lovingly protects her chicks, so the Lord overshadows his own.
Facing the Arrogance of the Wicked (Psalms 17:9-12)
David identifies those he seeks to escape as arrogant and merciless, comparing them to predatory animals. They are violent enemies who surround him (Psalms 17:9-12). In this section, the prayer subtly shifts from a personal plea to include others, as David asks for "our" deliverance, possibly referring to his companions who were with him in hiding (1 Samuel 22:1-2). He wisely seeks God's covering.
Eternal Satisfaction vs. Earthly Riches (Psalms 17:13-15)
While the wicked may prosper and enjoy earthly benefits (Psalms 17:14), David contrasts their fleeting satisfaction with the enduring joy of knowing God. He recognizes that their "portion" is limited to this temporary world, while his hope lies in an eternal relationship with God.
David expresses his confidence in God's ultimate justice, even if judgment on evildoers is delayed. He chooses to find his ultimate satisfaction in the presence of his God (Psalms 17:15). He anticipates seeing God's face and being fully satisfied in His presence. This speaks to a deep longing for communion with God and a hope that transcends earthly circumstances. Though the wicked continued to reap benefits in the world (Psalms 17:14), David is confident in God. Though the judgment on evildoers might be delayed, it would come.
Psalms 17 offers a timeless example of how to approach God in prayer during times of distress. It reminds us to examine our hearts, seek refuge in His unwavering protection, and find our ultimate satisfaction in His presence. David's prayer is a testament to the power of faith and the hope that sustains us even in the darkest of times.