Psalms 17 - Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments
  • Psalms 17:2 open_in_new

    My sentence] my judgment, in the favourable sense of 'vindication.' Let thine eyes, etc.] better, 'thine eyes look upon equity,' a confident assertion of God's justice.

  • Psalms 17:3 open_in_new

    Proved] tested.

    In the night] when man is alone with God, and conscience shows things in their true character. Shalt find, etc.] RM 'findest no evil purpose in me.'

  • Psalms 17:8 open_in_new

    The apple of the eye] The pupil of the eye, a specially important and delicate organ, with peculiarly sensitive arrangements for its protection: see Deuteronomy 32:10. Under the shadow of thy wings] as a mother-bird shelters her young.

  • Psalms 17:14 open_in_new

    From men which are, etc.] RV 'from men by thy hand.' From men of the world, etc.] RM 'from men whose portion in life is of the world,' whose ideal is animal gratification, a numerous offspring, and wealth to leave behind them. Full of children] RV 'satisfied with children.'

  • Psalms 17:15 open_in_new

    The Psalmist's satisfaction, present and future, lies in the fellowship of God. When I awake] either 'after each night's rest,' or 'after the night of trouble is past.' The thought of life after death may not have been clearly in the writer's mind, but his conviction and experience that true life is life in God involve the foundation of the Christian hope.

    With thy likeness] cp. Numbers 12:8; Psalms 139:18. The Psalmist seeks continual fellowship with God.