Psalms 17 - Meaning, Themes & Application

" [[A Prayer of David.]] Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips. "

Psalms 17:1 means David is asking God to listen because he is praying honestly, without pretending or hiding anything. He trusts that God hears sincere …

" Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal. "

Psalm 17:2 means David is asking God to be his fair judge. He wants God to examine his heart and situation and decide what is …

" Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. "

Psalms 17:3 means David knows God has searched his heart, especially in lonely, quiet moments at night, and found him sincere. He’s committed to not …

" Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. "

Psalm 17:4 means David chooses God’s way instead of copying sinful behavior around him. God’s words guide his decisions and keep him from destructive choices. …

" Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip "

Psalm 17:5 means the writer is asking God to keep him steady and faithful, especially when life is confusing or tempting. It’s a prayer for …

" I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. "

Psalm 17:6 means David is confident that God listens when he prays. He asks God to lean in and pay close attention to his words. …

" Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up "

Psalms 17:7 means David is asking God to clearly show His amazing love by powerfully protecting those who trust Him from people who want to …

" Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, "

Psalms 17:8 means David is asking God to protect and value him like something very precious and fragile. “Apple of the eye” pictures God watching …

" From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about. "

Psalms 17:9 means David is asking God to protect him from people who want to harm him and surround him with trouble. It shows we …

" They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly. "

Psalm 17:10 means David’s enemies had hard, stubborn hearts and spoke with arrogant, hurtful words. They were proud and unwilling to change. For us today, …

" They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth; "

Psalms 17:11 means David feels surrounded by enemies who closely track his every move, looking for a chance to attack. Their “eyes bowing down to …

" Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places. "

Psalms 17:12 uses the picture of a hungry lion hiding and waiting to attack to describe how David’s enemies were eager to harm him. It …

" Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword: "

Psalms 17:13 means David is asking God to step in, stop evil people, and protect his life. He trusts God to confront wrongdoers and bring …

" From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes. "

Psalms 17:14 contrasts people who live only for this life—money, comfort, family security—with those who seek God Himself. David is asking God to protect him …

" As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. "

Psalm 17:15 means real satisfaction comes from knowing God and becoming more like Him, not from money, success, or popularity. David says that when he …