Bible Commentaries
Psalms 17

Introduction

PSALM 17

:-. 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.

Verse 2

2. sentence—acquitting judgment.

from thy presence—Thy tribunal.

things that are equal—just and right, do Thou regard.

Verse 3

3. proved . . . visited . . . tried—His character was most rigidly tested, at all times, and by all methods, affliction and others ( :-).

purposed that, c.—or, my mouth does not exceed my purpose I am sincere.

Verse 4

4. works of men—sinful practices.

by the word of thy lips—as a guide (Psalms 119:9; Psalms 119:11; Psalms 119:95).

destroyer—violent man.

Verse 5

5. May be read as an assertion "my steps or goings have held on to Thy paths."

Verse 6

6. wilt hear me—that is, graciously (Psalms 3:4).

Verse 7

7. Show—set apart as special and eminent (Exodus 8:18; Psalms 4:3).

thy right hand—for Thy power.

Verse 8

8. Similar figures, denoting the preciousness of God's people in His sight, in Deuteronomy 32:10; Deuteronomy 32:11; Matthew 23:37.

Verse 9

9. compass me—(compare :-).

Verse 10

10. enclosed . . . fat—are become proud in prosperity, and insolent to God (Deuteronomy 32:15; Psalms 73:7).

Verse 11

11. They pursue us as beasts tracking their prey.

Verse 12

12. The figure made more special by that of a lion lurking.

Verse 13

13-15. disappoint—literally, "come before," or, "encounter him." Supply "with" before "sword" ( :-), and "hand" ( :-). These denote God's power.

Verse 14

14. men . . . world—all men of this present time. They appear, by fulness of bread and large families, to be prosperous; but ( :-) he implies this will be transient, contrasting his better portion in a joyful union with God hereafter.

Verse 15

13-15. disappoint—literally, "come before," or, "encounter him." Supply "with" before "sword" ( :-), and "hand" ( :-). These denote God's power.