Ps. 17 David being now grievously persecuted and distressed by Saul and other enemies, and being also bespattered with many calumnies, he appeals to the heart-searching God, makes a solemn protestation of his integrity, earnestly begs of God protection and deliverances; and being made weary of this…

The right, Heb. righteousness, i.e. me, who, notwithstanding all their accusations and slanders, am righteous. Or, my righteous cause; do thou take notice of it, and give sentence for me. Or, my righteous prayer.

My sentence, Heb. my right or judgment, i.e. judgment in my cause, or on my behalf. From thy presence, i.e. from thee, and from thy tribunal, to which I bring my cause. Do not suspend or delay it, but speedily examine my cause and give sentence in it. Things that are equal, or right.

Proved, or searched, or tried it, by many and sore temptations and afflictions, whereby the sincerity or hypocrisy of men’s hearts are easily and commonly discovered, and especially by thy all-seeing eye. And that is my great comfort, that thou art witness of my innocency.

Concerning the works of men: concerning my care and caution about my words, I have now spoken, Ps. 17:3, now I may say the like concerning my works. As for the works which men generally practise. Or, because of (as the prefix lamed is oft used, as Gen. 2:23, Num. 16:34, Jer. 4:31, Jer. 22:10, Jer.

As by thy word and grace thou hast hitherto kept me from the paths of evil men, and led me into thy paths; so, I pray thee, enable me by the same means to persevere in thy ways, and in mine abhorrency of wicked courses, that I may not fall into that sin of revenging myself upon Saul, to which I may…

I have called upon thee; it hath been, and still is, and shall be my constant course to apply myself to thee for assistance and for deliverance. For thou wilt hear me, O God; for though thou mayst delay for a season, I am well assured that thou wilt hear and answer me.

Thy marvellous loving-kindness, to wit, in preserving and delivering me; which, if thou dost, I must ever acknowledge it to be an act of kindness, or free grace, or undeserved bounty, yea, and of marvellous kindness, because of my extreme and pressing dangers, out of which nothing but a wonder of…

The apple of the eye; which God hath marvellously fenced on every side, and men use their utmost care and diligence to keep. Under the shadow of thy Wings; as a hen doth her chickens.

From the wicked; or, because of the wicked. From my deadly enemies; Heb. from those who are mine enemies in, or for, or against my (which pronoun is easily supplied out of the foregoing word, where it is expressed) soul or life, i.e. whom nothing but my blood and life will satisfy.

They live in great splendour and prosperity, whilst I am exercised with many and sore troubles. The like phrase we have Job 15:27, Ps. 73:7. They speak proudly; not only against us, whom they scorn, but even against God himself, whom they despise, boasting of their own power, and what great things…

In our steps, i. e. in all our ways. We go from place to place, to rocks, and caves, and woods; but wheresoever we go they are at hand, and ready to surround us; of which see an example, 1 Sam. 23:26. They have set their eyes, to wit, upon or against us, i.e.

Like a lion that is greedy of his prey; when he is hungry, and therefore cruel. See Ps. 7:2, Ps. 10:8–10.

Disappoint him, Heb. prevent his face, i.e. go forth against him, and meet and face him in battle, as enemies use to do. Or, prevent the execution of his mischievous designs against me; stop him in his attempt, and give him the first blow. Which is thy sword; or, thy hand, as it follows, Ps.

Which are thy hand, wherewith thou dost correct me. Men of the world, i. e. who prosper in and set their hearts upon this vain and transitory world, and neither have, nor choose, or desire any other portion or felicity, as it follows. Whose belly, i.e.

I do not envy this their felicity, but my hopes and happiness are of another nature. I do not place my portion in earthly and temporal treasures, as they do, but in beholding God’s face, i.e.