David, in confidence of his integrity, asketh defence of God, against his enemies: he sheweth their pride, craft, and eagerness: he prayeth against them in confidence of his hope.
A Prayer of David.
Title.— לדוד תפלה tephillah ledavid, a Prayer of David. The author, in this Psalm, earnestly prays for a deliverance from his enemies; whom he describes as just ready to swallow him up. In the 4th and 5th verses he justifies his innocence, and pictures his enemies in the 14th as persons intoxicated with prosperity. By the 3rd and 15th verses it seems to be a night-piece. Dr. Delaney supposes it to have been written after David's parting with Jonathan, and going into exile. See 1 Samuel 20:42.
Psalms 17:1. Hear the right, O Lord— Hear, O righteous Lord] Houbigant.