Psalm 17
Psalm 17 is a heartfelt prayer of David, seeking God’s protection and justice against his enemies. It expresses his confidence in his integrity and his trust in God’s ability to save. David calls for God’s intervention, asking to be delivered from those who act wickedly, and closes with hope in seeing God’s face and being satisfied by His presence.
Psalm 17:1-10 (NKJV)
1 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 tried me and have found 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 save those who trust in You
From those who rise up against them.
8 Keep me as the 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.
David begins by pleading with God to hear his prayer, confident that his request is just and his words sincere. He appeals to God’s justice, trusting that God sees his upright intentions. David reflects on his faithfulness, emphasizing how God has tested his heart and found no deceit in him. He describes avoiding the path of wickedness and staying on the righteous path through God’s guidance. Trusting in God’s lovingkindness, David prays for protection from his enemies, asking to be kept as precious as the “apple of God’s eye” and sheltered under His wings. His enemies are described as proud and heartless, a serious threat that surrounds him.
Psalm 17:11-15 (NKJV)
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.
David describes the intensity of his enemies’ pursuit, comparing them to a lion lying in wait for prey. Faced with such danger, he calls on God to confront and defeat the wicked. He contrasts his enemies, who are content with material things and earthly pleasures, with his own hope, which rests in God. While others seek fulfillment in worldly gains, David looks forward to the ultimate satisfaction of seeing God’s face and being transformed into His likeness. His closing words express deep faith that his true joy will come not from temporary blessings but from dwelling with God eternally.