Psalms 17:8-15

8 Keep me as the apple, the daughter of the eye; In shadow of Thy wings thou dost hide me.

9 From the face of the wicked who spoiled me. Mine enemies in soul go round against me.

10 Their fat they have closed up, Their mouths have spoken with pride:

11 `Our steps now have compassed [him];' Their eyes they set to turn aside in the land.

12 His likeness as a lion desirous to tear, As a young lion dwelling in secret places.

13 Arise, O Jehovah, go before his face, Cause him to bend. Deliver my soul from the wicked, Thy sword,

14 From men, Thy hand, O Jehovah, From men of the world, their portion [is] in life, And [with] Thy hidden things Thou fillest their belly, They are satisfied [with] sons; And have left their abundance to their sucklings.

15 I -- in righteousness, I see Thy face; I am satisfied, in awaking, [with] Thy form!

Psalms 17:8-15 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 17

\\<>\\. This prayer was put up by David either in his own person, on his own account, praying to God for the vindication of his cause, and for salvation and deliverance from his enemies; or in the person of the Messiah, whose type he was, and of the whole church, so Jerom of old interpreted it; and the title of it in the Arabic version is, ``a prayer in the person of a perfect man, and of Christ himself, and of everyone that is redeemed by him;'' in which preservation and protection are prayed for, and hope of eternal life is expressed. It was written, according to Theodoret, when David suffered persecution from Saul.