Psalms 17:2

2 When you hand down your sentence, may it be in my favor. May your eyes see what is right.

Psalms 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.

Psalms 17:2 In-Context

1 Lord, hear me when I ask you to treat me fairly. Listen to my cry for help. Hear my prayer. It doesn't come from lips that tell lies.
2 When you hand down your sentence, may it be in my favor. May your eyes see what is right.
3 Look deep down into my heart. Study me carefully at night. Put me to the test. You won't find anything wrong. I have made up my mind that my mouth won't say sinful things.
4 I don't do the things other people do. By obeying your word I have kept myself from acting like those who try to hurt others.
5 My steps have stayed on your paths. My feet have not slipped.
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