17:title of David See note on 3:title.

17:1 hear a just cause The psalmist petitions Yahweh to hear his case, which he describes using the Hebrew word tsedeq, meaning “just” or “righteous.” The psalmist believes he is innocent and asks Yahweh to hear him and respond. See note on 4:1.

17:2 from The Hebrew word used here, paneh, describes both the “face” and “presence” of God. Later the psalmist shows faith that he will look on God’s face. See note on 4:6.

my vindication The psalmist appeals to Yahweh, the righteous judge, to vindicate him (see 9:7–8 and notes). Like Job, the psalmist believes he is unjustly accused and cries out to God to clear him (Job 13:18).

fairness The Hebrew term mesharim can indicate integrity (see note on Psa 9:8).

17:3 you have tested me The Hebrew word tsaraph is also used to describe the refining of precious metals (12:6; 66:10; Mal 3:3).

you found nothing The psalmist declares his innocence. The psalmist does not declare himself morally perfect or free from sin. He proclaims his innocence in light of his enemies’ accusations (Ps 17:10–12). Compare Job 23:10–12; note on Psa 11:5.

17:4 the word of your lips In 1:1–2, the person who delights in the law of Yahweh avoids the way of sinners. The psalmist has avoided the violent ways of the wicked by following God’s commands.

17:5 in your path The psalmist declares that he has continued securely on Yahweh’s paths rather than following the ways of the violent.

17:6 you will answer me Already confident of His response, the psalmist calls on God to answer. His confidence is based on God’s justice in light of his assertions of innocence.

17:7 your acts of loyal love The Hebrew word used here, chesed, refers to God’s faithful, covenantal love; the psalms frequently appeal to this attribute of God when petitioning for help (5:7; 6:4; 13:5).

Chesed Word Study

those who take refuge Those who seek refuge in Yahweh are described as blessed and joyful (2:12; 5:11).

at your right hand God’s hand is often depicted in Psalms as a source of protection or blessing (119:173). It represents His powerful acts of creation (95:5; 102:25) as well as salvation (98:1; 109:27; 118:15–16).

17:8 the apple of your eye The psalmist asks Yahweh to keep him close and carefully watch over him. See note on Prov 7:2

the shadow of your wings A frequent image of God’s protection. See note on Ruth 2:12.

17:10 they speak arrogantly The psalmist describes his enemies as arrogant and callous. The reference to their speech—along with the psalmist’s desire for vindication—may indicate they have falsely accused him of wrongdoing.

17:11 They intend The psalmist’s enemies carefully wait for an opportunity to humiliate him.

17:12 a lion; he longs to tear apart See note on Psa 7:2.

17:13 Rise up, O Yahweh Finally, the psalmist petitions Yahweh to act. The terms the psalmist uses in his petition indicate the urgency of the situation. The psalmist asks Yahweh to act quickly to subdue his enemies and deliver him.

your sword The sword is often used as a symbol of divine judgment (Lev 26:25; Isa 66:16).

17:14 share is in this life Here, the psalmist is most likely saying that the portion (cheleq, see note on Ps 16:5) of the wicked is confined to this life.

you fill their stomach This idiomatic phrase is most likely meant as a contrast between the psalmist and the wicked. The psalmist will behold the face of Yahweh (v. 15), while the wicked and their offspring will receive their treasure as their portion in this life.

17:15 shall see your face The Hebrew word paneh is used to describe both the “face” and the “presence” of God. See note on 4:6 and note on 11:7.

in righteousness See note on 4:1.