United Commentaries

Ps.15.1-19.14

The psalms in this section affirm integrity and purity (17:15; 18:20-26; 19:13-14). They refer to people as dwelling in God’s presence (16:9-11; 17:15) and as not being shaken (15:5; 16:8).

Ps.17.1-15

The psalmist pleads for God’s protection and vindication, affirms his own integrity, and prays that the Lord will prevail against his fierce enemies.

Ps.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).

Ps.17.3-5

The psalmist declares his innocence (17:1) and commits himself to integrity by being open to God’s examination.

Ps.17.3

Though he is not perfect, the psalmist commits himself to the Lord. He does not want to sin through deception, flattery, or gossip (see 10:7; 15:2-3; 17:1).

Ps.17.6-9

This prayer for God’s care returns to the petition begun in 17:1-2 for redemption from evil.

Ps.17.8

as you would guard your own eyes (literally as the pupil of your eye): This metaphor expresses God’s care and affection for the psalmist (see Deut 32:10).

The shadow of God’s wings is a place of his protection from enemies and adversity (Pss 36:7; 57:1; 61:4; 63:7; 91:4).

Ps.17.13-14

The psalmist confidently prays for the Lord’s victory, knowing that God possesses more power than the evildoers. The psalmist finds his joy in the Lord’s inheritance (16:5), whereas the wicked search for joy in this world.

Ps.17.15

see you face to face: The psalmist does not allow temporary concerns raised by adversaries to stand in the way of his experiencing a real and lasting relationship with the Lord.