Psalm 17 Continued…
Psalms 17:10-12 They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance. They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground. They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a great lion crouching in cover.
In verses 10-12 there is a third reason given for God’s intervention and action against the psalmist’s enemies. He has already (v. 9) described them as ungodly, violent, bloodthirsty men from whom there is no hope of escape. He now goes on to say that they cannot be touched by any appeal for pity for “They close up their callous hearts,” that is, their hearts are numb to the perception and feeling of pity, that is, hearts that were callous from repeated disobedience to the Lord. In Scripture, “callousness” is sometimes associated with a selfish and worldly lifestyle (73:1-9; 119:70; Isaiah 6:10). These people were morally and spiritually insensitive to what was right and weren’t upset when they did something wrong. Paul called this a “seared conscience” (1 Timothy 4:2).
“Their mouths speak with arrogance” (pride) because they are confident of their strength. Their mouths spew out the most frightening boasts of what they are going to do to David. They stealthily track him down. They now “surround me” (v. 11), and intently “with eyes alert” on me they intend to deliver the final knockout blow (vv. 11-12). Savage as a “lion” (v. 12) that is ravenously hungry, and sly as a young lion lurking in the brush, they are ready to “tear” me to shreds (v. 12). David’s enemies were not only prosperous and proud, they were persistent. They live in great splendor and prosperity, while David must hide in a cave, live off the charity of those who have remained loyal to him, and experience many and severe troubles.
David is not that concerned about God’s enduring protection, because he is convinced that God will help him. But the question is, when that protection will be made manifest, when the accusations will be proved false.
“Crouching in cover” suggests that they lay down on the ground so they will not be discovered, while always watching and waiting for the best time to surprise.
David is crying out to God for protection from their leader who is pursuing him like a lion tracking its prey, ready to tear him apart. He is surrounded (v. 11) by his enemies—they are closing in, eager to thrust him down to the ground, their hostile eyes upon him—poised like a lion before he leaps.
PRAY
Father surround me and protect me and preserve me from trouble.