Psalms 17:1 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

PSALM 17 David being now grievously persecuted and distressed by Saul and other enemies, and being also bespattered with many calumnies, he appeals to the heart-searching God, makes a solemn protestation of his integrity, earnestly begs of God protection and deliverances; and being made weary of this life by his pressing and manifold calamities, he comforts himself with the contemplation and hope of a happier life. David, in confidence of his integrity, Psalms 17:1-6, prayeth to God for defence against his enemies, Psalms 17:7-9. He showeth their pride, craft, and eagerness to make a prey of the innocent, Psalms 17:10-12; and prayeth against them in confidence of his hope, Psalms 17:13-15. The right, Heb. righteousness, i.e. me, who, notwithstanding all their accusations and slanders, am righteous. Or, my righteous cause; do thou take notice of it, and give sentence for me. Or, my righteous prayer. I desire nothing that is unreasonable or unjust, but that thou wouldst judge righteously between me and mine enemies, and vindicate thine own honour and faithfulness in making good thy promise to me; which thy righteousness obliges thee to do. My cry, i.e. my fervent prayer attended with strong cries. Not out of feigned lips, Heb. not with deceitful lips, which speak one thing, when my heart knoweth and designeth another. And this profession of his sincerity in his words doth fitly make way for his solemn appeal to God in the following verses.