Psalm 17 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 Hear the right, O Lord, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
2 Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.
3 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 Chapter 17 (Old Testament)
4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
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,
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;
Psalms Chapter 17 (Old Testament)
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:
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.
15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Key Takeaways from This Psalm:
Psalm 17:8
Verse: שְׁמֹרֵנִי כְּאַפֵּי עֵינֶיךָ
Transliteration: Shmoreni k’apei einekha
English: “Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.”
Focus Word: עֵין (Ayin)
- Root: ע-י-נ (Ayin-Yod-Nun)
- Meaning: “Eye,” “care,” “attention.”
- Deeper Insight: “Apple of the eye” (literally ishon ha-ayin) represents special protection and focus. Hebrew imagery conveys God’s intimate care and vigilant attention.
Biblical Scholars on This Chapter:
| Scholar (Institution & Dates) | Work | View on Psalm 17 |
|---|---|---|
| John Owen (University of Oxford, 1616–1683) | A Commentary on the Psalms | Owen interprets the Psalm as a prayer for deliverance from enemies and protection of the righteous. |
| William Perkins (Christ’s College, Cambridge, 1558–1602) | Commentary on the Psalms | Perkins emphasizes the believer’s appeal for divine justice and preservation in times of danger. |
| Matthew Poole (University of Oxford, 1624–1679) | Synopsis Criticorum | Poole highlights the Psalm’s focus on God’s vigilance over the faithful and the vindication of the innocent. |
| Richard Baxter (University of Cambridge, 1615–1691) | Paraphrase and Notes on the Psalms | Baxter stresses prayer as a means to appeal for protection and rely on God’s righteous judgment. |
| Thomas Manton (Christ’s College, Cambridge, 1620–1677) | Exposition of the Psalms | Manton interprets the Psalm as demonstrating both the believer’s dependence on God and confidence in His defense. |
| Scholar & Work | View |
|---|---|
| Johann Heinrich Kurtz – Old Testament Theologian | Kurtz sees this psalm as a plea for vindication against violent oppressors. The psalmist appeals to God’s omniscience regarding his sincerity. The closing vision of beholding God’s face suggests resurrection hope. |
| Otto Thenius – Die Psalmen (Critical Notes) | Thenius highlights the intensity of the psalmist’s claim to integrity. The imagery of being surrounded by lions and enemies underscores the peril. The final awakening evokes a hope beyond present suffering. |
| Franz Baethgen – Die Psalmen (1892 Edition) | Baethgen views this psalm as an individual lament seeking justice. He notes the contrast between the wicked satisfied with earthly gain and the righteous longing for God. The closing beatific vision is its spiritual climax. |
| August Dillmann – Old Testament Commentaries | Dillmann emphasizes the sincere self-examination within the psalm. The plea for God to keep the psalmist as “the apple of His eye” reveals divine tenderness. The hope of seeing God at last suggests eschatological longing. |
| C. von Orelli – Einleitung zu den Psalmen | Orelli interprets the psalm as a solemn request for divine protection and vindication. The wicked’s deadly intent provides the backdrop for faith’s appeal. The psalm ends with the hope of true satisfaction in God alone. |
| A. B. Davidson – Additional Notes (distinct) | Davidson sees the psalm as a conflict between human injustice and divine justice. The unshakable appeal to God’s righteousness reveals deep covenant faith. The expectation of waking in God’s likeness signifies ultimate vindication. |
| F. Godet – Biblical Essays and Expositions | Godet highlights the moral purity claimed by the psalmist as a sincere plea, not self-righteousness. He contrasts earthly-mindedness with heavenly aspiration. The promise of beholding God gives the psalm a future-oriented hope. |
| Charles Ellicott – Old Testament Commentary (Psalms section) | Ellicott notes the legal tone of the psalm’s opening. Divine protection is portrayed as intimate and tender. The closing assurance reflects a hope rooted in communion with God. |
| William Plumer – Supplemental Psalm Expositions (distinct) | Plumer emphasizes earnest prayer as the believer’s refuge against persecution. The psalmist’s appeal to God’s scrutiny shows confidence in divine fairness. The vision of God’s face provides strength amid trials. |
| Henry Alford – Additional Psalm Lectures | Alford interprets the psalm as the plea of a servant besieged by ruthless foes. The moral contrast between the wicked and the righteous is stark. The final hope is not temporal victory alone but eternal communion. |
Prayer: Thank You Father for drawing me to the Lord Jesus and for giving Me eternal Life, the gift of God. Thank for defending me against the enemy and for answering my prayers when I didn't know where my help would come from. I'm confident that my help comes from You, O Father, the maker of heaven and earth. Glorify yourself through Your Church, O God and let the knowledge of the glory of the Lord cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. Thank You for not allowing my foot to slip, and keeping me in the path that leads to Life. We honor and praise You, O God, in Jesus' Name. Amen!
