Psalm 17

Commonplace –

“Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings” (Psalm 17:8a).

Calling on the Lord

Psalm 17 opens with David beseeching the Lord three times to heed his prayer using three synonymic verbs: hear, attend, give ear to. In the second half of verse 1, David emphasizes that his prayer “goeth not out of feigned lips” (v.1b), meaning his prayer comes from a sincere heart. David supports his use of multiple apposite verbs with the evidence that his earnest appeal is pouring forth from his devoted heart.

Why should the Lord listen

David then supports his claim that his heart is devoted by listing the following evidence:

1. His heart has been proven.
2. The Lord has tried him and found nothing wanting.
3. He is steadfast in not allowing sin to come from his lips.
4. He has been obedient to God’s words.
5. He has kept to the right path.

Petition

Only then does he put forth his petition: that God would keep him on the right path and not allow him to fall into evil ways.

Call on the Lord

At this point, he once again asks God to hear his words.

Why should the Lord listen

Once again he supports his request with proof of his devotion: he has put his trust in God.

Petition

Then, he puts forth three more petitions:

1. “Keep me as the apple of the eye” – prayer to be a cherished one of God
2. “hide me under the shadow of thy wings” – prayer for God’s protection

State the problem

David then brings forth the reason for this prayer: he is being oppressed by his wicked enemy. He is surrounded by them. They hide, waiting for an opportunity to kill him.

Evidence to support the validity of the claim

The evidence of their wickedness:

1. They speak pridefully.
2. They bow down to the earth and not God.

Petition

David brings forth two more petitions:

1. Disappoint the wicked.
2. Cast the wicked down.
3. Deliver him from the wicked.

More evidence to support the claim

Davide supplies more evidence of their wickedness:

1. Men that have their portion in this life.
2. Men who fill their bellies with God’s treasure.
3. Men who propagate children just like themselves.

Confidence in God’s Help

David ends in confidence that his righteousness will have a reward: He will behold God’s face.

Matthew Henry notes the following in his summary:

“David being in great distress and danger by the malice of his enemies, does, in this psalm, by prayer address himself to God, his tried refuge, and seeks shelter in him” (237).

and further

“Some make [David], in this, a type of Christ, who was perfectly innocent, and yet was hated and persecuted, but, like David, committed himself and his cause to him that judgeth righteously” (237).

In the same way, in our own struggles, we can commit ourselves and our causes to God, when we are innocent and yet hated and persecuted.

Works Cited

Henry, Matthew. “Psalm 17.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.

Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.

© 2025 Angela Hormberg