Psalm 17:2

2 Let my judgment come forth from thy presence; let mine eyes behold righteousness.

Psalm 17:2 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 17:2

Let my sentence come forth from thy presence
Not of condemnation, such as came forth from God and passed on Adam and all his posterity, ( Romans 5:12 Romans 5:18 ) ; though such an one was executed on Christ, as he was the surety and representative of his people; but of justification, which came forth from God and passed on Christ, when he rose from the dead, and upon his people in him, ( 1 Timothy 3:16 ) ( Romans 4:25 ) . Here it chiefly designs the vindication of the innocence of the psalmist before men; and his request is, that as he was fully persuaded that he was clear of the things he was charged with in the sight of God, that he would openly and publicly make him appear so before men; that he would bring forth his righteousness as the light, and his judgment as the noonday, ( Psalms 37:6 ) ; and of which he made no doubt but he would; so Christ, though he was traduced by men, knew he should be justified by his Father, and by his children, ( Isaiah 50:8 ) ( Matthew 11:19 ) ;

let thine eyes behold the things that are equal;
which is not to be understood barely of the eyes of his omniscience; for these behold things both equal and unequal, good and evil, things which agree and disagree with the law of God, the rule of righteousness and equity; but of his approbation of them, and that he would some way or other testify that approbation; for the petition intends the favouring of his just and equal cause, and making it to appear to be so.

Psalm 17:2 In-Context

1 Hearken, O Lord of my righteousness, attend to my petition; give ear to my prayer not uttered with deceitful lips.

2 Let my judgment come forth from thy presence; let mine eyes behold righteousness.

3 Thou has proved mine heart; thou hast visited me by night; thou hast tried me as with fire, and unrighteousness has not been found in me: I am purposed that my mouth shall not speak amiss.

4 As for the works of men, by the words of thy lips I have guarded myself from hard ways.

5 Direct my steps in thy paths, that my steps slip not.

6 I have cried, for thou heardest me, O God: incline thine ear to me, and hearken to my words.

7 Shew the marvels of thy mercies, thou that savest them that hope in thee.

8 Keep me as the apple of the eye from those that resist thy right hand: thou shalt screen me by the covering of thy wings,

9 from the face of the ungodly that have afflicted me: mine enemies have compassed about my soul.

10 They have enclosed themselves with their own fat: their mouth has spoken pride.

11 They have now cast me out and compassed me round about: they have set their eyes so as to bow them down to the ground.

12 They laid wait for me as a lion ready for prey, and like a lion’s whelp dwelling in secret places.

13 Arise, O Lord, prevent them, and cast them down: deliver my soul from the ungodly: draw thy sword,

14 because of the enemies of thine hand: O Lord, destroy them from the earth; scatter them in their life, though their belly has been filled with thy hidden treasures: they have been satisfied with uncleanness, and have left the remnant of their possessions to their babes.

15 But I shall appear in righteousness before thy face: I shall be satisfied when thy glory appears.