1 <A Prayer. Of David.> Let my cause come to your ears, O Lord, give attention to my cry; give ear to my prayer which goes not out from false lips.
2 Be my judge; for your eyes see what is right.
3 You have put my heart to the test, searching me in the night; you have put me to the test and seen no evil purpose in me; I will keep my mouth from sin.
4 As for the works of men, by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.
5 I have kept my feet in your ways, my steps have not been turned away.
6 My cry has gone up to you, for you will give me an answer, O God: let your ear be turned to me, and give attention to my words.
7 Make clear the wonder of your mercy, O saviour of those who put their faith in your right hand, from those who come out against them.
8 Keep me as the light of your eyes, covering me with the shade of your wings,
9 From the evil-doers who are violent to me, and from those who are round me, desiring my death.
10 They are shut up in their fat: with their mouths they say words of pride.
11 They have made a circle round our steps: their eyes are fixed on us, forcing us down to the earth;
12 Like a lion desiring its food, and like a young lion waiting in secret places.
13 Up! Lord, come out against him, make him low, with your sword be my saviour from the evil-doer.
14 With your hand, O Lord, from men, even men of the world, whose heritage is in this life, and whom you make full with your secret wealth: they are full of children; after their death their offspring take the rest of their goods.
15 As for me, I will see your face in righteousness: when I am awake it will be joy enough for me to see your form.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 17
Commentary on Psalms 17 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 17
Ps 17:1-15. This Psalm is termed a prayer because the language of petition is predominant. With a just cause, sincerely presented, the writer prays for a just decision and help and protection. Pleading former mercies as a ground of hope, he urges his prayer in view of the malice, pride, rapacity, and selfishness of his foes, whose character is contrasted with his pious devotion and delight in God's favor.
2. sentence—acquitting judgment.
from thy presence—Thy tribunal.
things that are equal—just and right, do Thou regard.
3. proved … visited … tried—His character was most rigidly tested, at all times, and by all methods, affliction and others (Ps 7:10).
purposed that, &c.—or, my mouth does not exceed my purpose; I am sincere.
4. works of men—sinful practices.
by the word of thy lips—as a guide (Ps 119:9, 11, 95).
destroyer—violent man.
5. May be read as an assertion "my steps or goings have held on to Thy paths."
6. wilt hear me—that is, graciously (Ps 3:4).
7. Show—set apart as special and eminent (Ex 8:18; Ps 4:3).
thy right hand—for Thy power.
8. Similar figures, denoting the preciousness of God's people in His sight, in De 32:10, 11; Mt 23:37.
9. compass me—(compare Ps 118:10-12).
10. enclosed … fat—are become proud in prosperity, and insolent to God (De 32:15; Ps 73:7).
11. They pursue us as beasts tracking their prey.
12. The figure made more special by that of a lion lurking.
13-15. disappoint—literally, "come before," or, "encounter him." Supply "with" before "sword" (Ps 17:13), and "hand" (Ps 17:14). These denote God's power.
14. men … world—all men of this present time. They appear, by fulness of bread and large families, to be prosperous; but (Ps 17:15) he implies this will be transient, contrasting his better portion in a joyful union with God hereafter.