Psalm 17

Overview

David implores the succor of God against his enemies; and professes his integrity and determination to live to God’s glory, Psalm 17:1. He prays for support, and expresses strong confidence in God, Psalm 17:5-9; describes the malice and cruelty of his enemies, and prays against them, Psalm 17:10-14; receives a strong persuasion of support and final victory, Psalm 17:15.

Adam Clarke Commentary

Prayer with Confidence in Final Salvation

A Prayer of David.

Hear a just cause, O Lord,
Attend to my cry;
Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.
² Let my vindication come from Your presence;
Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright.

³ You have tested my heart;
You have visited me in the night;
You have ^[a]tried me and have found ^[b]nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
⁴ Concerning the works of men,
By the word of Your lips,
I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer.
⁵ Uphold my steps in Your paths,
That my footsteps may not slip.

⁶ I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God;
Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.
⁷ Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand,
O You who ^[c]save those who trust in You
From those who rise up against them.
⁸ Keep me as the ^[d]apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,
⁹ From the wicked who oppress me,
From my deadly enemies who surround me.

¹⁰ They have closed up their fat hearts;
With their mouths they speak proudly.
¹¹ They have now surrounded us in our steps;
They have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth,
¹² As a lion is eager to tear his prey,
And like a young lion lurking in secret places.

¹³ Arise, O Lord,
Confront him, cast him down;
Deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword,
¹⁴ With Your hand from men, O Lord,
From men of the world who have their portion in this life,
And whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure.
They are satisfied with children,
And leave the rest of their possession for their babes.

¹⁵ As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness;
I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.

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Poetry by Isaac Watts based on Psalm 17

V. 13-15 — Portion of saints and sinners; or, Hope and despair in death.

Arise, my gracious God,
And make the wicked flee;
They are but thy chastising rod,
To drive thy saints to thee.

Behold, the sinner dies,
His haughty words are vain;
Here in this life his pleasure lies,
And all beyond is pain.

Then let his pride advance,
And boast of all his store;
The Lord is my inheritance,
My soul can wish no more.

I shall behold the face
Of my forgiving God;
And stand complete in righteousness,
Washed in my Savior’s blood.

There’s a new heav’n begun,
When I awake from death,
Dressed in the likeness of thy Son,
And draw immortal breath.

Meditation