Psalms 17

— thine Holy One] Meaning David in the literal sense, and in the spiritual the Messiah, in whom the prophecy was fulfilled. See it applied to Him by St. Peter, Acts ii. 25, &c. Green. We are here to observe the sentiments of the children of God, and their happiness. As to their sentiments, David teaches us, by his example, that they always trust in God; that they love and esteem the pious and virtuous above all; that they avoid the company and erreurs of the wicked, and adhere inviolably to the pure service of God. As to their happiness, this Psalm teaches us that it is very great; that God Himself is their portion and inheritance; that He is on their right hand that they may never be moved; that the sense of their happiness makes them rejoice and praise God continually; and that they are even convinced that God will not abandon them to the power of death. Lastly, this Psalm foretells that Christ should not see corruption, but be exalted to heaven, where He reigneth over all things, and has prepared for all true believers joys that never shall expire. Ostrevald. Psalm XVII. In this prayer David humbly represents to God his innocence in those things whereof he was accused, probably of seeking Saul’s life and the kingdom; and therefore beseeches Him to grant him deliverance from his persecutors and calumniators. Bp. Patrick.

Ver. 1. — out of feigned lips.] Deceitful dissembling lips. S. Clarke.

Psalms 17:2

2. Let my sentence come forth from thy presence;] Let me be tried and judged by Thee, to whom I make my appeal from the unjust accusations of men. S. Clarke.

Psalms 17:3

3. — in the night;] That is, when the heart is freest from disguise. Green. — shalt find nothing;] Canst find in me no wicked design. Such were the appeals of David to God, for his innocence under the persecution of Saul. And what stronger appeals can be made? Green. See the old translation.

Psalms 17:4

4. Concerning the works of men, &c.] Though as to what others are wont to do in like circumstances, I know it is usual not to scruple at means for self-preservation; yet from the respect I have to thy commands, I have kept me from following others in using violent and murderous practices for my safety. Dr. Wells.

Psalms 17:8

8. — as the apple of the eye.] By the apple of an eye is meant its pupil. Dr. Wells. See note at Deut. xxxii. 10.

Psalms 17:9

9. — who compass me about.] The allusion here is to huntsmen, who, spying game, go round to see how they may most advantageously pitch their nets to take it. Dr. Kennicott.

Psalms 17:10

10. — inclosed in their own fat:] That is, bloated, and puffed up with pride. Bp. Wilson. The meaning is, that pride is the child of plenty, begotten by selfindulgence; which hardens the hearts of men against the fear of God, and love of their neighbours: rendering them insensible to the judgments of the former, and the miseries of the latter. Bp. Horne.

10, 11. They are inclosed &c.] By changing the situation of a single letter in the original, which has probably been misplaced by the copyists, these verses may be explained thus: “They draw close their cords; with their mouth they speak exultingly. We have succeeded now. They come about me, they set their eyes, stooping down upon the earth.” The image here is