Psalm 17 Continued…
Psalms 17:13-15 Rise up, O Lord, confront them, bring them down; rescue me from the wicked by your sword. O Lord, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children. And I — in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
“bring them down” can be translated “make him crouch down like a lion that has been subdued” (see verse 12). “Confront them, bring them down” indicates that David has singled out one of his enemies for God’s special attention, probably the leader. This man, as well as the rest of his enemies, lived for time, not for eternity, and for their own pleasures, and not for the glory of God. (See Luke 6:8, 25; James 5:5) He has in mind here that the Lord, in some decisive way, will answer him, deliver him from his enemies, and vindicate him.
David knew that nothing could happen that was not God’s will.
“From men of this world whose reward is in this life,” we understand that God was storing up judgment for David’s enemies (Matthew 23:32; 1 Thessalonians 2:16), and their only reward would be in this life, not in the afterlife. Most men look on the things of this world as the best things, and they don’t care to provide for another life. The most afflicted Christian doesn’t need to envy the most prosperous men of the world, who have their portion in this life. The “men of this world” were full, they had many children who lacked nothing, and they would leave their wealth to their descendants. But the consequences of their sins would also be inherited by their descendants (Exodus 34:7; Numbers 14:18).
David’s final petition is a passionate plea for vengeance: “Rescue me from the wicked with Your sword,” that is, counter their sword with Your sword.
The psalmist ends by expressing his conviction that the Lord has heard him, and by speaking of his glorious future: seeing God’s face and sharing God’s likeness. Obviously he is not setting his hope on the life after death, since at the moment he is hiding in a cave, and he calls out to God to deliver him in the life that now is. David knows that God is going to deliver him and that one day he will be in His presence.
Though David may have thought of spiritual blessings and God’s presence, the words lend themselves nicely to believers today, who with full New Testament revelation can anticipate a far more glorious prospect than they experience in this life. What a psalm to help those who are in trouble today—especially when we find we have enemies who are against us. Most of us who stand for God have enemies—we have enemies just like a dog has fleas! They seem to be part of a Christian’s life.
PRAY
Father thank you for the future hope we have that we will be with you and you will dwell with us!