A prayer of David.
The Hebrew word for “prayer” is תְּפִלָּ֗ה (tiphilah), meaning an intercessory prayer which is sung as a song. This was another song of David.
17:1 Lord, consider my just cause! Pay attention to my cry for help! Listen to the prayer I sincerely offer!
David was in a dangerous situation. In his prayer, he addressed God as יְהוָ֨ה (Jehovah), meaning the covenant-keeping-promise-keeping God. He asked Jehovah to consider his just cause. He asked Jehovah to pay attention to his cry for help. He asked Jehovah to listen to his prayer which was offered in sincerity.
17:2 Make a just decision on my behalf! Decide what is right!
David asked Jehovah to use his position as Judge of the universe to make a just decision on his case. David wanted the decision to benefit himself. He wanted Jehovah to decide in the case what was right.
17:3 You have scrutinized my inner motives; you have examined me during the night. You have carefully evaluated me, but you find no sin. I am determined I will say nothing sinful.
Jehovah is omniscient. He knows the inner motives of David. He has examined David’s motives and actions. He has carefully evaluated David. He knows that David has not sinned in this case which was brought before God. David will not say anything sinful against God.
17:4 As for the actions of people— just as you have commanded, I have not followed in the footsteps of violent men.
David did not follow the evil actions of violent men.
17:5 I carefully obey your commands; I do not deviate from them.
David followed the Mosaic Law to the best of his human ability.
17:6 I call to you for you will answer me, O God. Listen to me! Hear what I say!
The Hebrew word for “God” אֵ֑ל (El), meaning the strong and powerful unity of God. David called to the mighty God, because he knew that God would listen to him and hear his request.
17:7 Accomplish awesome, faithful deeds, you who powerfully deliver those who look to you for protection from their enemies.
God is omnipotent. He has the power to protect his children from their enemies.
17:8 Protect me as you would protect the pupil of your eye! Hide me in the shadow of your wings!
The pupil of the eye gives sight to the brain, but it is also the most sensitive organ of the human body. David asked Jehovah to protect him just as he would protect the pupil of his own eye. Mother birds hide their young in their wings. David asked Jehovah to hide him in his wings, just as a mother bird hides her young,
17:9 Protect me from the wicked men who attack me, my enemies who crowd around me for the kill.
The wicked men of the satanic world system were attempting to kill Jehovah’s anointed King. They had surrounded David. They were ready to come in for the kill.
17:10 They are calloused; they speak arrogantly.
These wicked men were calloused. Their sin no longer brought them to conviction. They were past the point of no return. They spoke arrogantly, meaning that they were placing their human opinions above the Word of God.
17:11 They attack me, now they surround me; they intend to throw me to the ground.
Once a man’s conscience is seared, then he will begin attacking men of God. He will think that he is doing good, but he is actually doing evil. It is evil to make an attempt on destroying a man of God who studies and applies Bible doctrine. Before Paul’s conversion, he killed Christians, thinking that he was serving God.
17:12 He is like a lion that wants to tear its prey to bits, like a young lion crouching in hidden places.
The men of the satanic world system were chasing David like a lion who wanted to tear its prey to bits. They were like young lions, hiding in bushes, and waiting to pounce on David and devour him.
17:13 Rise up, Lord! Confront him! Knock him down! Use your sword to rescue me from the wicked man!
David asked Jehovah to rise up and confront these evil men of the satanic world system. David asked God to knock these men down. David asked God to use his sword to rescue him from these men of the satanic world system.
17:14 Lord, use your power to deliver me from these murderers,
from the murderers of this world! They enjoy prosperity; you overwhelm them with the riches they desire. They have many children, and leave their wealth to their offspring.
David asked Jehovah to use his omnipotent power in order to deliver him from these murderers of the satanic world system. The people of the satanic world system enjoy their prosperity in this world. As a judgement, Jehovah overwhelms them with riches that they desire. Jehovah gives them many children. The wicked men of the satanic world system can leave their wealth to their children, but they cannot take it into eternity.
17:15 As for me, because I am innocent I will see your face; when I awake you will reveal yourself to me.
David was innocent, because he believed in Jehovah. Even when David dies, then he will be awakened to see the face of God.
Some of David’s psalm was recorded in 2 Samuel 22. Some of this song may have been used for public worship, but this theory cannot be proven.