Psalm 17
Psalms 17:1-15 Hear, O Lord, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer — it does not rise from deceitful lips. May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right. Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin. As for the deeds of men — by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent. My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped. I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me. 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. 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.
Psalm 17 is titled, “A Prayer of David.” Three psalms are titled “A Prayer of David” (17, 86, 142). The question is, “When was it written?” It seems to be a prayer that came out of his wilderness experience. It probably concerns the time when Saul and his men were almost upon him and came close to taking him. This psalm reveals David’s trust in God, but in the final analysis it speaks primarily of the Lord Jesus Christ. The psalm can also be a prayer for us today when we find ourselves in similar situations of trial, anxiety, or danger. As we study this psalm, keep in mind that we are studying a series of psalms which have the characteristic features of the class designated laments of individuals; included are Psalms 3, 4, 5, and 7. Another group of commentators include this psalm in a group of five identified as “prayers” (17, 86, 90, 102, 142).
When we do wrong and suffer for it, our own conscience tells us our punishment is just. But it is another story when our suffering is unrelated to anything we have done! This kind of suffering—the “suffering for righteousness sake,” as Peter calls it—is a perennial puzzle to the Child of God. David knew his share of it. But he also knew what to do about it. He took his case to the Righteous Judge. There he was confident of a fair trial. David is petitioning God for deliverance from enemies who want to take his life (vv. 10-12). They have made charges against him (vv. 1-2), of which he vigorously protests his innocence. It is not clear what the charges were, but from verses 4 and 5 it appears that he was accused of committing some act or acts tantamount to the crime of robbery or violence. His last court of appeal is God. In the temple (v. 8) he pleads for vindication.
We are not told how the answer was communicated, but it may be safe to assume that it came through divine revelation given by a prophet of God. The lament ends in the usual way for such psalms, on a note of confidence.
At times, David’s defense seems like it is coming from a man on a giant ego trip. He loudly declares his righteousness, integrity, and obedience. It almost sounds like he has reached a state of sinless perfection. But this is really not the case at all. David is not claiming guiltlessness in all areas of his life, but simply in the present circumstances. He is saying that he did not do anything to provoke the current hostility of his foes.
PRAY
Heavenly Father, help me to keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which I have been slandered, those who revile my good behavior in Christ will be put shame. Lord, help me to reflect Your light whilst darkness tries to persecute me.