Psalms 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.

(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.