Psalm 17
A Prayer of David

David had a problem. Some really evil and dangerous people we after him. It seemed to be the story of his life, and indeed it was for a while for sure. But even after he ascended to the throne and became the king God had ordained him to be he still had enemies, and these were more powerful and dangerous than any he had encountered so far.

It seems that in this Psalm he felt the need to build a case for himself rather than simply cry for help. Notice how he dealt with God over this petition.

1 Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.

He began by affirming the integrity with which he was praying.

Ps 17:1  Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea;
    listen to my cry.
    Give ear to my prayer--
    it does not rise from deceitful lips. 
    (from New International Version)

God, of course, always knows the attitude and disposition with which we come to Him. But, it is good for us to always do a ‘gut check,’ especially when things are desperate, to make sure that our motives are godly when we ask Him for such protection.

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

Again, David was certain that God always disposes of every request in absolute Justice and integrity, but it is always good for us to ask for what we need even when sure that He will give it. (“give me this day my daily bread”) God does not withhold His blessings from His people.

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

He knows and affirms that God has all of his secrets and has blessed him personally and privately times without number. He reminds himself before God of the testings he has successfully endured. And, he knew that he was continually under the examining eye of God. At this point in his life his conscience was clear. There was no place where he was guilty of an active rebellion against Him. And, his purpose to be godly, the same one that every saint makes over and over, was in place and uncompromised.

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

He was committed to the Law of God in the same way he affirmed in Ps 119. He had kept his paths from sin. The attack of the wicked was not a result of his sin against God.

So, he felt confident to ask for Sustaining Grace and the following verses paint the picture of what that looked like to him.

5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. 6 I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. 7 Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. 8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

Then, he set himself to describe his enemies.

9 From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about. 10 They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly. 11 They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth; 12 Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places. 13 Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:

The KJV does not word it well but David affirmed his confidence that God protects His people.

14 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. 

Ps 17:14 You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons
have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children. 
(from  New International Version)

And, he was sure of that for himself.

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

15  And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I 
will be satisfied with seeing your likeness. (from New International Version)

— April 19, 2020