KJV

KJV

Click to Change

Return to Top

Return to Top

Printer Icon

Print

Prior Book Prior Chapter Back to Commentaries Author Bio & Contents Next Chapter Next Book
The Blue Letter Bible

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown :: Commentary on Psalm 17

toggle collapse
Choose a new font size and typeface

The Book of Psalms

Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET

PSALM 17

Psa 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.

      2. sentence--acquitting judgment.
      from thy presence--Thy tribunal.
      things that are equal--just and right, do Thou regard.

      3. proved. . . visited. . . tried--His character was most rigidly tested, at all times, and by all methods, affliction and others ( Psa 7:10 ).
      purposed that, &c.--or, my mouth does not exceed my purpose; I am sincere.

      4. works of men--sinful practices.
      by the word of thy lips--as a guide ( Psa 119:9, 11, 95 ).
      destroyer--violent man.

      5. May be read as an assertion "my steps or goings have held on to Thy paths."

      6. wilt hear me--that is, graciously ( Psa 3:4 ).

      7. Show--set apart as special and eminent ( Exd 8:18 Psa 4:3 ).
      thy right hand--for Thy power.

      8. Similar figures, denoting the preciousness of God's people in His sight, in Deu 32:10, 11 Mat 23:37.

      9. compass me--(compare Psa 118:10-12 ).

      10. enclosed. . . fat--are become proud in prosperity, and insolent to God ( Deu 32:15 Psa 73:7 ).

      11. They pursue us as beasts tracking their prey.

      12. The figure made more special by that of a lion lurking.

      13-15. disappoint--literally, "come before," or, "encounter him." Supply "with" before "sword" ( Psa 17:13 ), and "hand" ( Psa 17:14 ). These denote God's power.

      14. men. . . world--all men of this present time. They appear, by fulness of bread and large families, to be prosperous; but ( Psa 17:15 ) he implies this will be transient, contrasting his better portion in a joyful union with God hereafter.

Introduction to Job ← Prior Book
Introduction to Proverbs Next Book →
Commentary on Psalm 16 ← Prior Chapter
Commentary on Psalm 18 Next Chapter →
BLB Searches
Search the Bible
KJV
 [?]

Advanced Options

Other Searches

Multi-Verse Retrieval
x
KJV

Daily Devotionals
x

Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness.

Daily Bible Reading Plans
x

Recognizing the value of consistent reflection upon the Word of God in order to refocus one's mind and heart upon Christ and His Gospel of peace, we provide several reading plans designed to cover the entire Bible in a year.

One-Year Plans

Two-Year Plan

CONTENT DISCLAIMER:

The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry.