1
Ps 17:1-15.
2
無標題
2. sentence--acquitting judgment.
from thy presence--Thy tribunal.
things that are equal--just and right, do Thou regard.
3
無標題
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
無標題
4. works of men--sinful practices.
by the word of thy lips--as a guide
(Ps 119:9, 11, 95).
destroyer--violent man.
5
無標題
5. May be read as an assertion "my steps or goings have held on to Thy paths."
6
無標題
6. wilt hear me--that is, graciously
(Ps 3:4).
7
無標題
7. Show--set apart as special and eminent
(Ex 8:18; Ps 4:3).
thy right hand--for Thy power.
8
無標題
8. Similar figures, denoting the preciousness of God's people in His sight, in
De 32:10, 11; Mt 23:37.
9
無標題
9. compass me--(compare
Ps 118:10-12).
10
無標題
10. enclosed . . . fat--are become proud in prosperity, and insolent to God
(De 32:15; Ps 73:7).
11
無標題
11. They pursue us as beasts tracking their prey.
12
無標題
12. The figure made more special by that of a lion lurking.
13
無標題
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
無標題
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.
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.