Psalms 17
Summary for Ps 17:1-15: Ps 17 a 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 b 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 c; 43:1 d; 120:2 e). They love honesty, truth, and integrity (15:2-3 f; 24:4 g; 101:7 h).Summary for Ps 17:3-5: 17:3-5 i The psalmist declares his innocence (17:1 j) and commits himself to integrity by being open to God’s examination. 17:3 k 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 l; 15:2-3 m; 17:1 n).
Summary for Ps 17:6-9: 17:6-9 o This prayer for God’s care returns to the petition begun in 17:1-2 p for redemption from evil.
17:8 q 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 r).
• The shadow of God’s wings is a place of his protection from enemies and adversity (Pss 36:7 s; 57:1 t; 61:4 u; 63:7 v; 91:4 w).
Summary for Ps 17:13-14: 17:13-14 x 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 y), whereas the wicked search for joy in this world.
17:15 z 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.
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