Psalms 17
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
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. (Psa 17:1-15) sentence--acquitting judgment. from thy presence--Thy tribunal. things that are equal--just and right, do Thou regard.
Open source ↗Hear the right, O Lord,.... The psalmist appeals to the Lord as a Judge, sitting on the throne judging right, that he would hear his cause litigated between him and his adversaries, determine and give the decisive sentence about it; so Christ committed himself to him that judgeth righteously, Pe1 2:23; for by "right" may be meant his right and cause, or his righteous cause, as in Psa 9:4; unless rather his righteous prayer should be intended, so the Targum paraphrases it, "my prayer in righteousness"; not presented for the sake of his own righteousness, but on account of the righteousness of Christ, and for the vindication of his righteous cause before men: the Vulgate Latin, Ethiopic, and Arabic versions, render it "my righteousness", meaning his righteous cause; but rather the word may be rendered "righteousness" (z), or the "righteous one", and may design the psalmist himself, who was a righteous person, and such the Lord hears; or Christ, whose name is the Lord our righteousness, Jer 23:6; and who, as an advocate or intercessor for himself and for his people, is Jesus Christ the righteous, Jo1 2:1. The Septuagint version takes it to be an epithet of the Lord himself, translating it, "O Lord of my righteousness", as in Psa 4:1; and so the Syriac version, "hear, O holy Lord"; and in this manner does Christ address his father in prayer, Joh 17:11; and the consideration of the holiness and righteousness of God is of use in prayer to glorify God, and to command a proper awe and reverence of him; attend unto my cry; the word for "cry" signifies both a noise made in a way of joy and grief; wherefore the Chaldee paraphrase renders it, "attend to my praise", or hymn of praise, and which arises from sorrow and distress; and intends not mental prayer attended with groanings wh…
Open source ↗צדק is the accusative of the object: the righteousness, intended by the suppliant, is his own (Psa 17:15). He knows that he is not merely righteous in his relation to man, but also in his relation to God. In all such assertions of pious self-consciousness, that which is intended is a righteousness of life which has its ground in the righteousness of faith. True, Hupfeld is of opinion, that under the Old Testament nothing was known either of righteousness which is by faith or of a righteousness belonging to another and imputed. But if this were true, then Paul was in gross error and Christianity is built upon the sand. But the truth, that faith is the ultimate ground of righteousness, is expressed in Gen 15:6, and at other turning-points in the course of the history of redemption; and the truth, that the righteousness which avails before God is a gift of grace is, for instance, a thought distinctly marked out in the expression of Jeremiah צדקנוּ ה, "the Lord our righteousness." The Old Testament conception, it is true, looks more to the phenomena than to the root of the matter (ist mehr phnomenell als wurzelhaft), is (so to speak) more Jacobic than Pauline; but the righteousness of life of the Old Testament and that of the New have one and the same basis, viz., in the grace of God, the Redeemer, towards sinful man, who in himself is altogether wanting in righteousness before God (Psa 143:2). Thus there is no self-righteousness, in David's praying that the righteousness, which in him is persecuted and cries for help, may be heard. For, on the one hand, in his personal relation to Saul, he knows himself to be free from any ungrateful thoughts of usurpation, and on the other, in his personal relation to God free from מרמה, i.e., self-delusion and hypocrisy. The shrill cry f…
Open source ↗This psalm is a prayer. As there is a time to weep and a time to rejoice, so there is a time for praise and a time for prayer. David was now persecuted, probably by Saul, who hunted him like a partridge on the mountains; without were fightings, within were fears, and both urged him as a suppliant to the throne of mercy. He addresses himself to God in these verses both by way of appeal (Hear the right, O Lord! let my righteous cause have a hearing before thy tribunal, and give judgment upon it) and by way of petition (Give ear unto my prayer Psa 17:1, and again Psa 17:6, Incline thy ear unto me and hear my speech); not that God needs to be thus pressed with our importunity, but he gives us leave thus to express our earnest desire of his gracious answers to our prayers. These things he pleads with God for audience, 1. That he was sincere, and did not dissemble with God in his prayer: It goeth not out of feigned lips. He meant as he spoke, and the feelings of his mind agreed with the expressions of his mouth. Feigned prayers are fruitless; but, if our hearts lead our prayers, God will meet them with his favour. 2. That he had been used to pray at other times, and it was not his distress and danger that now first brought him to his duty: "I have called upon thee formerly (Psa 17:6); therefore, Lord, hear me now." It will be a great comfort to us if trouble, when it comes, find the wheels of prayer a-going, for then we may come with the more boldness to the throne of grace. Tradesmen are willing to oblige those that have been long their customers. 3. That he was encouraged by his faith to expect God would take notice of his prayers: "I know thou wilt hear me, and therefore, O God, incline thy ear to me." Our believing dependence upon God is a good plea to enforce our desires…
Open source ↗Ps 17 The psalmist pleads for God’s protection and vindication, affirms his own integrity, and prays that the Lord will prevail against his fierce enemies. 17:1 comes from honest lips: Deception characterizes the wicked. The godly reject such deceit as a failure of character and pray for rescue from such people (5:6; 43:1; 120:2). They love honesty, truth, and integrity (15:2-3; 24:4; 101:7).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
תְּפִלָּה (tᵉphillâh, H8605) — intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… צֶדֶק (tsedeq, H6664) — the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God קָשַׁב (qâshab, H7181) — to prick up the ears, i.e. hearken רִנָּה (rinnâh, H7440) — properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e. shout (of joy or grief) אָזַן (ʼâzan, H238) — to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e. (by implication) to listen לֹא (lôʼ, H3808) — not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles מִרְמָה (mirmâh, H4820) — fraud שָׂפָה (sâphâh, H8193) — the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a…
Open source ↗מִשְׁפָּט (mishpâṭ, H4941) — properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a… יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… עַיִן (ʻayin, H5869) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape) חָזָה (châzâh, H2372) — to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have… מֵישָׁר (mêyshâr, H4339) — evenness, i.e. (figuratively) prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e.…
Open source ↗בָּחַן (bâchan, H974) — to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate לֵב (lêb, H3820) — the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the… פָּקַד (pâqad, H6485) — to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care… לַיִל (layil, H3915) — properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e. night; figuratively, adversity צָרַף (tsâraph, H6884) — to fuse (metal), i.e. refine (literally or figuratively) מָצָא (mâtsâʼ, H4672) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or… זָמַם (zâmam, H2161) — to plan, usually in a bad sense פֶּה (peh, H6310) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech);… עָבַר (ʻâbar, H5674) — to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive,…
Open source ↗פְּעֻלָּה (pᵉʻullâh, H6468) — (abstractly) work אָדָם (ʼâdâm, H120) — ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.) דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause שָׂפָה (sâphâh, H8193) — the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a… שָׁמַר (shâmar, H8104) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to,… אֹרַח (ʼôrach, H734) — a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan פְּרִיץ (pᵉrîyts, H6530) — violent, i.e. a tyrant
Open source ↗תָּמַךְ (tâmak, H8551) — to sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep fast; figuratively, to help, follow close אָשֻׁר (ʼâshur, H838) — a step מַעְגָּל (maʻgâl, H4570) — a track (literally or figuratively); also a rampart (as circular) פַּעַם (paʻam, H6471) — a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow) מוֹט (môwṭ, H4131) — to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall
Open source ↗קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… עָנָה (ʻânâh, H6030) — properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond;… אֵל (ʼêl, H410) — strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity) נָטָה (nâṭâh, H5186) — to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used… אֹזֶן (ʼôzen, H241) — broadness. i.e. (concrete) the ear (from its form in man) שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… אִמְרָה (ʼimrâh, H565) — {something said}
Open source ↗פָּלָה (pâlâh, H6395) — to distinguish (literally or figuratively) חֵסֵד (chêçêd, H2617) — kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or… יָשַׁע (yâshaʻ, H3467) — properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to… יָמִין (yâmîyn, H3225) — the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more… חָסָה (châçâh, H2620) — to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in קוּם (qûwm, H6965) — to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
Open source ↗שָׁמַר (shâmar, H8104) — properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to,… אִישׁוֹן (ʼîyshôwn, H380) — the little man of the eye; the pupil or ball; hence, the middle (of night) בַּת (bath, H1323) — a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and… עַיִן (ʻayin, H5869) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape) סָתַר (çâthar, H5641) — to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively צֵל (tsêl, H6738) — shade, whether literal or figurative כָּנָף (kânâph, H3671) — an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or…
Open source ↗פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… רָשָׁע (râshâʻ, H7563) — morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person זוּ (zûw, H2098) — this or that שָׁדַד (shâdad, H7703) — properly, to be burly, i.e. (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by… נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in… אֹיֵב (ʼôyêb, H341) — hating; an adversary נָקַף (nâqaph, H5362) — to strike with more or less violence (beat, fell, corrode); by implication (of attack) to…
Open source ↗סָגַר (çâgar, H5462) — to shut up; figuratively, to surrender חֶלֶב (cheleb, H2459) — fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part פֶּה (peh, H6310) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech);… דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… גֵּאוּת (gêʼûwth, H1348) — {arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament}
Open source ↗סָבַב (çâbab, H5437) — to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively אָשֻׁר (ʼâshur, H838) — a step שִׁית (shîyth, H7896) — to place (in a very wide application) עַיִן (ʻayin, H5869) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape) נָטָה (nâṭâh, H5186) — to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
Open source ↗דִּמְיוֹן (dimyôwn, H1825) — resemblance אֲרִי (ʼărîy, H738) — a lion כָּסַף (kâçaph, H3700) — properly, to become pale, i.e. (by implication) to pine after; also to fear טָרַף (ṭâraph, H2963) — to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food (as in morsels) כְּפִיר (kᵉphîyr, H3715) — a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane) יָשַׁב (yâshab, H3427) — properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to… מִסְתָּר (miçtâr, H4565) — properly, a concealer, i.e. a covert
Open source ↗קוּם (qûwm, H6965) — to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God קָדַם (qâdam, H6923) — to project (one self), i.e. precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help) פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… כָּרַע (kâraʻ, H3766) — to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate פָּלַט (pâlaṭ, H6403) — to slip out, i.e. escape; causatively, to deliver נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in… רָשָׁע (râshâʻ, H7563) — morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person חֶרֶב (chereb, H2719) — drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or…
Open source ↗מַת (math, H4962) — properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural) יָד (yâd, H3027) — a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God חֶלֶד (cheled, H2465) — life (as a fleeting portion of time); hence, the world (as transient) חֵלֶק (chêleq, H2506) — properly, smoothness (of the tongue); also an allotment חַי (chay, H2416) — alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially… בֶּטֶן (beṭen, H990) — the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything מָלֵא (mâlêʼ, H4390) — to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively) צָפִין (tsâphîyn, H6840) — a treasure (as hidden) שָׂבַע (sâbaʻ, H7646) — to sate, i.e. fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively) בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… יָנַח (yânach, H3240) — to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay יֶתֶר (yether, H3499) — properly, an overhanging, i.e. (by implication) an excess, superiority, remainder; also a… עוֹלֵל (ʻôwlêl, H5768) — a suckling
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Listen to my cry, for I am brought quite low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me.
Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer.
The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth.
Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God,
‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.
Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.
Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; deliver me from deceitful and unjust men.
Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands.
The LORD judges the peoples; vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and integrity.