Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Psalms Chapter 17 mean?

Psalm 17 shares several phrases and themes with Psalm 16. A key difference is this psalm’s sense of urgency. David’s prayer here seems more desperate than the pensive words of Psalm 16. This is one of the psalms specifically labeled as a “prayer,” also including psalms 86, 90, 102, and 142. Likely, this was composed when David was being hunted and persecuted by the evil king Saul (1 Samuel 20:32–33).

David begins with an intense plea for deliverance. Much of this revolves around a profession of innocence. Knowing that God is not inclined to grant requests from evil people (Psalm 66:18–19), David points out that he is sincerely and consistently following God. This includes both David’s outward actions and his inner thoughts (Psalm 17:1–5).

The next section focuses on the nature of God’s protection. David expresses deep trust that God not only hears, but also that He will answer when David prays. David asks to be held with tender protection, using two phrases famous even outside of Scripture. What English translators often render as “the apple of your eye” is literally a reference to the pupil: the central spot of the eyeball. This is arguably the most closely protected part of our body, guarded from even the slightest touch. In a similar way, David appeals to the image of a mother bird using her wings to shield her children (Psalm 17:6–8).

Those whom David seeks to escape are depicted as arrogant and merciless, like predatory animals. In this segment, David shifts to asking for “our” deliverance, likely including his companions (1 Samuel 22:1–2). At the same time, his prayer shifts to mention a singular enemy, likely Saul. While David sees his “portion” as God (Psalm 16:5–6), he knows those who reject God have nothing to look forward to beyond this life. Their “portion” is only in this temporary world. David, on his part, expects to see God’s face and be satisfied (Psalm 17:9–15).

Chapter Context
This is another psalm in which David appeals to God to deliver him from his enemy, likely Saul (1 Samuel 20:32–33). It shares themes and even Hebrew phrases with Psalm 16. This is one of several psalms identified as direct prayers, along with psalms 86, 90, 102, and 142.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry!Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!

This psalm follows a structure resembling Psalm 16, but with a distinctly more urgent emphasis. David refers to his need as a “just cause.” He was not hypocritical; he was sincere and righteous in pleading his case. Unlike his enemies who leveled false charges against him, David was free of deceit. He had not lied about others or his situation.

David believed the Lord would not hear his prayers if his heart harbored sin. It may have been David who writes in Psalm 66:18–19: “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer.” The apostle Paul also called for purity of life as essential when praying. He writes: “I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling” (1 Timothy 2:8).

Despite what Saul and his men had falsely said about David, David had not spoken a word to defame Saul. Although he had occasion to kill Saul, he refused to do so because he believed Saul was God’s chosen leader of the nation (1 Samuel 24; 26).

Context Summary
Psalm 17:1–5 begins David’s prayer for deliverance. He asks God to intervene in a dangerous situation, pleading and making note of his own faithfulness to the Lord. David is confident that his life proves loyalty to God and obedience to His commands. This might have been written during David’s time of persecution under king Saul.

Verse 2. From your presence let my vindication come!Let your eyes behold the right!

David’s desire, expressed in his prayer, is for affirmation and victory. He pleads with God to take notice of justice: to work out David’s need into something righteous and just. The ultimate source of this goodness is God alone: from His “presence” is where rescue can be expected.

Throughout David’s trials in the wilderness, when Saul pursued him, David did not blame God. Instead, he trusted in the Lord and regarded Him as a refuge in time of trouble (Psalm 16:1). Because he honored God, David fully trusted the Lord to be close and active (Psalm 16:8). Therefore, David can be bold in asking the Lord for justice.

Job was another Old Testament man of faith. The Lord allowed the Devil to launch numerous trials, including the severe trials of losing his sons and daughters and his personal health. But the Lord knew Job was righteous, and Job was determined to submit to the testing. Like David, Job knew his hardship was not the result of personal sin. In Job 23:10–11 he states: “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside.”

Verse 3. You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night,you have tested me, and you will find nothing;I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.

It is natural, but not rational, to complain or blame God when trials add up. David did neither of these. He believed the trials he encountered were intended, by God, for a reason. That purpose, he felt, was to test the spiritual quality of his life. From that perspective, David confidently claims that God’s testing turned up nothing amiss. David was aware of his own sin (Psalm 143:2). Still, he knew sin was not the typical pattern of his life (Deuteronomy 18:13; Proverbs 29:10). Among the commitments David had made to God, one was to guard his words. In this context, this means he would not complain nor blame the Lord for what befell him.

The Lord tests believers today, too, but how believers respond to the discipline is extremely important. Tested believers should regard the disciplining as the Father’s way of correcting His children and improving their character. Hebrews 12:5–6 advises believers to “not be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” The same passage tells us why God the Father tests His children: “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).

Verse 4. With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lipsI have avoided the ways of the violent.

Here, David describes the efforts of human beings as violent. The Bible overflows with evidence of human violence. From Cain who killed his brother (Genesis 4:8) to the reign of terror in the tribulation period (Matthew 24:22) violence has marked and will mark man’s downward path away from God. Of course, the epitome of evil violence occurred when sinful mankind crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:8).

David testifies that he has avoided the ways of the violent by heeding God’s Word. Psalm 119 points out that love for God’s Word keeps a person from sin (Psalm 119:11), and later writes: “I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me” (Psalm 119:30). Obeying God and avoiding sin involves a choice, and David made the right choice. So did Joshua, who commanded Israel: “Choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). He added: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

A distinction should be made here between David’s experience with combat (Psalm 144:1) and the “violence” he denounces here. This verse uses the Hebrew word pā’ris, which implies someone savage, animalistic, and uncontrolled (Ezekiel 18:10; Daniel 11:14; Isaiah 35:9). The modern English term “violence” is broad enough to include things like war or self-defense, but David’s terminology refers to something more specific. Later in this psalm, David will again compare his enemies to predators (Psalm 17:11–12).

Verse 5. My steps have held fast to your paths;my feet have not slipped.

David confidently proclaims that he has consistently followed God. Using common biblical symbols, such as that of a path, he declares that he has been obedient to God’s will. Scripture uses the imagery of walking along a path as a parallel for obedience to God’s will (Psalm 119:105). Those who obey God can see the safest, most correct way forward. Staying on that path prevents stumbles and failures (Proverbs 4:12, 26).

Although David wandered in the wilderness as Saul and his men pursued him, he never drifted from the Lord’s paths. Following in the steps of the Lord Jesus is the mark of a faithful believer. Jesus announced in John 10:4, “When he [the sheep’s Good Shepherd] has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” Peter writes: “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). The Christian life involves following Jesus one step at a time. Sometimes He leads over rough ground, but His way is always the best way (John 16:33).

Verse 6. I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;incline your ear to me; hear my words.

This verse starts with a simple point: David prays to God because he expects the Lord to answer. He prays in faith (James 1:5–6), trusting and expecting God to do what is right (Psalm 17:1). His prayers are not mere gestures, or hollow traditions. David sincerely, truly believes the Lord is listening—that God will symbolically “give ear” to him.

David addresses the Lord as ‘ēl, which is a word literally meaning “power,” but which is also used in reference to God. In this context, there is an expectation that God will hear David’s prayer, and that He can respond. David’s enemies were powerful, but God is all powerful (Genesis 14:18; 17:1). No foe can stand against Him. This psalm might have been written when David was pursued by Saul (1 Samuel 20:32–33), but those enemies were facing a losing battle—they were opposed to God.

Believers today may be confident that they are more than conquerors through Jesus (Romans 8:37). Nothing can separate believers from “the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39). The apostle John was keenly aware of the Lord’s invincible power. He writes in 1 John 4:4: “Little children, you are from God and have overcome [false prophets], for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Like David, every believer can confidently call upon the Lord for His grace and strength in the heat of spiritual battle (Jeremiah 33:3; 1 Peter 5:6–11).

Context Summary
Psalm 17:6–12 is David’s prayer for the Lord’s protection. He expresses confidence that the Lord will keep him safe. Surrounded by his bloodthirsty enemies, David knows he is helpless without the Lord’s intervention. He describes the enemy as dangerous and deadly as a lion.

Verse 7. Wondrously show your steadfast love,O Savior of those who seek refugefrom their adversaries at your right hand.

David appeals to the Lord to reveal His goodness to him. The Hebrew phrasing here most literally means “distinguish.” It either means for God to miraculously demonstrate His favor of David, or for God to show His love through David. The word translated “steadfast love,” or “lovingkindness,” is the term he’sed, implying a loyal, devoted love and benefit. The word suggests an ongoing relationship, which corresponds to David’s confidence that God both hears and answers prayer (Psalm 17:6).

This verse also addresses God as the Savior of those who seek safety from enemies. This echoes comments made elsewhere in the psalms (Psalm 16:1; 46:1; 62:7). The “right hand” is a reference to strength and power. Those who look for eternal safety and absolute goodness find it only in God (Psalm 16:2).

David was certain the God who provided a refuge for His people at the Red Sea could provide a refuge for him and for all who seek His protection. In a mighty display of His love for His people, the Hebrews, God caused the waters of the Red Sea to pile up, allowing the Hebrews to tread safely across the river. However, when the Egyptians attempted to pursue the Hebrews, God brought the waters together, causing the Egyptians to drown (Exodus 14). In his praise of God after the historic event, Moses called God “majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders” (Exodus 15:11). He spoke of God’s stretched out right hand (Exodus 15:12) and His “steadfast love” (Exodus 15:13).

Verse 8. Keep me as the apple of your eye;hide me in the shadow of your wings,

The language in this verse contains two images, both of which are significant; both are frequently used even outside of Scripture. These two phrases combine into a beautiful expression of God’s caring love.

In Hebrew, the word i’son most simply refers to “blackness” or “darkness.” The phrase i’son bat ā’yin literally means “the blackness of the eye.” This means the pupil: the dark circle at the center of the human eyeball. This is arguably the most closely protected part of the body: something we take great pains to protect and which we never allow to be struck or scratched. David’s plea, then, is for God to protect him with that level of care and tenderness. At some point, the term “apple of the eye” became the English idiom referring to the pupil, and so many translations use that phrase when referring to this idea.

Other scholars suggest the Hebrew word ‘iysh, meaning “man,” can be rendered as a diminutive, “tiny man,” using the word i’son. In a context of protection, this refers to the fact that one can sometimes see themselves reflected in the pupil of the other’s eye. Interestingly, the English term “pupil” developed from terms related to orphans, which was then applied to “students.” At almost the same time, words related to precious things like children and infants, reflected in the eyes, inspired the use of the word “pupil” for the dark center of the eyeball.

The second image, “the shadow of your wings,” evokes a mother bird pulling her young close to protect them (Matthew 23:37). Deuteronomy 32:11 employs this image to recall God’s gracious care of Israel. Chickens, among the earliest domesticated birds, are famous for tucking their children under their wings for warmth and safety. Other birds cover their young to shield them from sun, rain, or the eyes of predators (Psalm 17:9). So, too, does David want God to hold him close and keep him safe.

Verse 9. from the wicked who do me violence,my deadly enemies who surround me.

The prior verse used two phrases related to God’s loving care which have been widely used even outside of Scripture (Psalm 17:8). Here, David explains why he so desperately seeks God’s watchful protection. Other men were seeking to harm and murder David. It’s possible this psalm was written during David’s persecution by king Saul (1 Samuel 20:32–33). David was surrounded by those who wanted to kill him. Only the Lord could protect him and deliver him from the enemies’ ruthless hands.

Believers have always been the target of the Devil and his followers. Near the beginning of time wicked Cain killed his brother, righteous Abel (Genesis 4:8). Pharaoh tried to kill all the Hebrew male infants (Exodus 1:15–16). Haman tried to destroy Mordecai and all the Jews in the nation (Esther 3:8–11). Seeking to kill a recently-born Jesus, Herod ordered the slaughter of Jewish boys under the age of two in an entire town (Matthew 2:16). Wicked men conspired to crucify Jesus (Matthew 26:3–5; John 19:12–16). Christ’s early followers suffered the wrath of unsaved Jews and Gentiles (Acts 5:40; 8:3; 16:19–24). In the tribulation, the beast and the false prophet will conduct a terrorist campaign against all who refuse the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:15–17). However, Jesus said, “Take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”

Verse 10. They close their hearts to pity;with their mouths they speak arrogantly.

David reports that his enemies (Psalm 17:9) purposely withhold sympathy from their victims. They are heartless and boastful about their criminal activity. Their continual refusal to obey God (Psalm 16:4) while leading a violent lifestyle (Psalm 17:4) had given them callous hearts and seared consciences (1 Timothy 4:2). Proverbs 29:1 offers a stern warning to such hard-hearted people: “He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.”

The decline into a heartless condition is both gradual and a conscious choice. King Saul started out with humility, but gradually became arrogant and disobeyed the Lord. Ultimately, he resorted to hatred and an insatiable desire to kill David (1 Samuel 20:32–33). Paul predicts in 2 Timothy 3:1–4 that evil men will emerge who are proud, arrogant, unholy, heartless, slanderous, brutal, treacherous, and reckless. He advises Timothy to avoid such people (2 Timothy 3:5). David’s enemies and the men Paul describes, demonstrate the truth of Jeremiah 17:9 that the heart is “deceitful above all things, and desperately sick.”

Verse 11. They have now surrounded our steps;they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.

Enemies have surrounded David. This might be a reference to his experiences with the evil king, Saul (1 Samuel 20:32–33). David is praying for God’s protection from these foes (Psalm 17:8–9). Earlier, he condemned those involved in “violence,” using a term referring to savagery or animalism (Psalm 17:4). Here, David makes a similar comparison. Like pack animals, these murderous enemies have encircled David and others who honor God. Continuing the metaphor, David pictures the enemies as predators who lock eyes on their prospective victims before pouncing on them to drag them down to the earth.

Close attention to the text sees that the psalm has shifted, subtly, from speaking of David himself to plural references: the enemy is now said to be a threat to “our” safety. David was not alone when Saul and his men pursued him. A faithful band of men were with him (1 Samuel 22:1–2), David was concerned not only for himself but also for his faithful companions. It is a mark of noble character to be concerned about others who face trouble. Although the apostle Paul was under house arrest, like David, he was concerned about others. He writes in Philippians 1:7: “I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.” He counseled the Philippian believers: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).

Verse 12. He is like a lion eager to tear,as a young lion lurking in ambush.

Concerned about danger in the prior verse, David shifted from speaking about himself (Psalm 17:8–9) to speaking of a group (Psalm 17:11). These were probably the men who fought beside him (1 Samuel 22:1–2) when he was persecuted by Saul (1 Samuel 20:32–33). In another shift, David changes from speaking of his enemies—plural (Psalm 17:9–10)—to a single person, saying “he” is a threat. Most likely, this person is Saul.

David compares Saul to a ferocious lion eager to surprise prey and rip its victim apart. Saul was certainly bloodthirsty and eager to ambush David and kill him. When David served in Saul’s court, Saul demonstrated his savage side. At least twice he threw his spear at David, hoping to pin David to the wall (1 Samuel 18:11; 19:10). He sent soldiers four times to capture David (1 Samuel 19:11–23). Finally, he personally led the search for David in the wilderness (1 Samuel 23:24–25).

Today, believers face a ferocious enemy: Satan. The apostle Peter depicts him as a roaring lion that prowls around in search of someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). The way to escape is to be sober-minded, watchful, and strong in the faith (1 Peter 5:8–9).

Verse 13. Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him!Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,

In a rapid-fire series of requests, David urges the Lord to do four things. These are all part of his prayer for safety and security (Psalm 17:1, 8–9).

First, David asks the Lord to “arise.” In Numbers 10:35 we learn that Moses offered a similar prayer when the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness: “And whenever the ark set out, Moses said, ‘Arise, O LORD, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you.” Asking the Lord to “arise” is a call for forceful action against the enemy.

Second, David asks the Lord to confront the enemy. “Confront” comes from a Hebrew phrase literally meaning prevent his face. It is an appeal for the Lord to meet David’s enemy directly in battle.

Third, David asks the Lord to subdue this foe. Defeating Saul (1 Samuel 20:32–33) was not something David would choose to do himself. This was a matter for the Lord to handle. In fact, even when given the chance to kill Saul, David chose to show restraint, instead (1 Samuel 24:1–7; 26:4–12).

Fourth, David asks the Lord to deliver him from his wicked enemy. In Psalm 18:2 David calls Lord his rock, his fortress, and his deliverer. These ideas all involve God as a source of security and safety.

Context Summary
Psalm 17:13–15 closes the prayer as David asks the Lord to execute judgment on his enemy. He also echoes his earlier pleas for deliverance. David knows those who hate God have a bleak future, whereas he sees his future as glorious. He is confident he will behold God’s face.

Verse 14. from men by your hand, O Lord,from men of the world whose portion is in this life.You fill their womb with treasure;they are satisfied with children,and they leave their abundance to their infants.

As part of his praise in another psalm, David referred to his “portion” in God (Psalm 16:5–6). This came in the context of an eternal relationship with the Lord (Psalm 16:10–11). Here, David refers to those enemies who reject God as those who have their “portion in this life.” A “portion,” in Old Testament imagery, is a reference to someone’s allotted destiny, with a specific sense of God’s choice. Those with a portion only in earthly life are those whose success and happiness will end, dramatically, when their lives end (Proverbs 10:28; 14:32; 1 Corinthians 15:19).

These foes are men of the world, in the spiritual sense. They have nothing to look forward to in eternity (Hebrews 10:27–31). All they have is what they accumulate in this life. That earthly wealth may be considerable, even if their spirits are not right with God (Luke 12:13–20). The Lord might give them children, and whatever possessions and wealth they obtain they leave behind to those descendants. But in eternity, they will have nothing but torment (Mark 9:47–48).

The Bible differentiates between people of the world and followers of Christ (1 John 2:15). The only enjoyment people of the world have they derive from worldly treasure. Eternity holds only judgment and anguish for them. However, followers of Christ have treasures in heaven. When the apostle Paul faced the possibility of execution, he wrote, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). The apostle John draws a contrast between the emptiness of worldly lusts and the reward that comes from doing God’s will. He writes in 1 John 2:17: “And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

Verse 15. As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.

David presents a vivid contrast between the future of the men of the world and his own future. He has described the future of the men who have no eternal hope through faith in God as empty (Psalm 17:14). Now he describes his own future as glorious. He anticipates seeing God’s face. He uses the words, “when I awake,” to refer to his resurrection. This parallels the end of Psalm 16, where David rejoiced in knowing his eternal fate was secure (Psalm 16:10–11).

Daniel 12:2 also refers to “awake” as a depiction of resurrection. This verse tells us: “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” The Christian’s future is also glorious. It includes the promise of resurrection (John 11:25) and the prospect of seeing the Lord face to face and being like Him (1 John 3:2). It is tragic that a person may gain the whole world but lose his own soul (Mark 8:36), but it is glorious if a person believes on Jesus as his Savior and “awakes” to a blissful eternity (1 Corinthians 15:51).

End of Psalm 17

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