Psalms 17 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

The right — Regard my righteous cause.

Sentence — Judgment on my behalf. Come — From thy tribunal.

Proved — Or, searched or tried it, by many temptations and afflictions. Night — When mens minds being freed from the distraction of business, and from the society of men, they act more vigorously and freely, according to their several inclinations. Tried — As gold — smiths do metals. Nothing — Nothing of unrighteousness. Purposed — I have resolved, upon deliberation, as the word implies. Mouth — I am so far from practising against Saul's life, as they charge me, that I will not wrong him so much as in a word.

Concerning — Observing the works of the men of this age, how wicked they are, I was resolved to take more care in ordering my own actions. By — By the help of thy blessed word. Paths — The customs and practices. Destroyer — Or, of the violent man: such as Saul, and his courtiers and soldiers.

By — By thy great power.

They — They live in splendor and prosperity.

Steps — In all our ways. We go from place to place, to rocks, and caves, and woods; but wheresoever we go they are at hand, and ready to surround us. Eyes — They keep their eyes fixed upon us. Bowing — Couching down upon the earth, that they may watch the fittest opportunity to surprize us.

Sword — Thy instrument to execute vengeance upon thine enemies. Do not punish me with this rod: let me fall into thy hands, and not into the hands of men.

Thy hand — Wherewith thou dost correct me. World — Who set their hearts upon this world, and neither have, nor desire any other portion. Belly — Mind or appetite, as that word is used, Job 20:20. Proverbs 20:30. Treasure — With extraordinary wealth and glory. Children — When many of thy faithful servants are barren, these are blessed with a numerous posterity.

I will — I do not place my portion in earthly treasures, but in beholding God's face, in the enjoyment of God's presence and favour; which is enjoyed in part in this life, but not fully. Satisfied — The time is coming, wherein I shall be abundantly satisfied with beholding thy face. Awake — When I arise from he dead. Likeness — With the image of God stamped upon my glorified soul.