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