View Psalms 17 in the note window.
David appealing to God for his integrity, begs for defence against
his enemies, ver. 1 - 9.
Describes their wickedness, ver. 10 - 12.
Prays for deliverance from them, and rests in hope, ver. 13 - 15.
A prayer of David.
1: The right - Regard my righteous cause.
2: Sentence - Judgment on my behalf. Come - From thy tribunal.
3: Proved - Or, searched or tried it, by many temptations and
afflictions. Night - When mens minds being freed from the distraction
of business, and from the society of men, they act more vigorously and
freely, according to their several inclinations. Tried - As gold - smiths
do metals. Nothing - Nothing of unrighteousness. Purposed - I have
resolved, upon deliberation, as the word implies. Mouth - I am so far
from practising against Saul's life, as they charge me, that I will
not wrong him so much as in a word.
4: Concerning - Observing the works of the men of this age, how
wicked they are, I was resolved to take more care in ordering my own
actions. By - By the help of thy blessed word. Paths - The customs and
practices. Destroyer - Or, of the violent man: such as Saul, and his
courtiers and soldiers.
7: By - By thy great power.
10: They - They live in splendor and prosperity.
11: Steps - In all our ways. We go from place to place, to rocks,
and caves, and woods; but wheresoever we go they are at hand, and ready
to surround us. Eyes - They keep their eyes fixed upon us.
Bowing - Couching down upon the earth, that they may watch the fittest
opportunity to surprize us.
13: Sword - Thy instrument to execute vengeance upon thine enemies.
Do not punish me with this rod: let me fall into thy hands, and not into
the hands of men.
14: Thy hand - Wherewith thou dost correct me. World - Who set
their hearts upon this world, and neither have, nor desire any other
portion. Belly - Mind or appetite, as that word is used, (Job 20:20).(Pr 20:30).
Treasure - With extraordinary wealth and glory. Children - When many of
thy faithful servants are barren, these are blessed with a numerous
posterity.
15: I will - I do not place my portion in earthly treasures, but in
beholding God's face, in the enjoyment of God's presence and favour;
which is enjoyed in part in this life, but not fully. Satisfied - The time
is coming, wherein I shall be abundantly satisfied with beholding thy face.
Awake - When I arise from he dead. Likeness - With the image of God
stamped upon my glorified soul.
