Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

Ps 17 The psalmist pleads for God’s protection and vindication, affirms his own integrity, and prays that the Lord will prevail against his fierce enemies.

17:1 comes from honest lips: Deception characterizes the wicked. The godly reject such deceit as a failure of character and pray for rescue from such people (5:6; 43:1; 120:2). They love honesty, truth, and integrity (15:2-3; 24:4; 101:7).

Verse 3

17:3-5 The psalmist declares his innocence (17:1) and commits himself to integrity by being open to God’s examination.

17:3 Though he is not perfect, the psalmist commits himself to the Lord. He does not want to sin through deception, flattery, or gossip (see 10:7; 15:2-3; 17:1).

Verse 6

17:6-9 This prayer for God’s care returns to the petition begun in 17:1-2 for redemption from evil.

Verse 8

17:8 as you would guard your own eyes (literally as the pupil of your eye): This metaphor expresses God’s care and affection for the psalmist (see Deut 32:10). • The shadow of God’s wings is a place of his protection from enemies and adversity (Pss 36:7; 57:1; 61:4; 63:7; 91:4).

Verse 13

17:13-14 The psalmist confidently prays for the Lord’s victory, knowing that God possesses more power than the evildoers. The psalmist finds his joy in the Lord’s inheritance (16:5), whereas the wicked search for joy in this world.

Verse 15

17:15 see you face to face: The psalmist does not allow temporary concerns raised by adversaries to stand in the way of his experiencing a real and lasting relationship with the Lord.