Timeless Biblical Truth.
The godly may pray with assurance for vindication and protection from the wicked, knowing that they are living in fellowship with God and will enjoy a glorious future with Him.
- “Hear”: Believers may pray with assurance for Divine vindication when they are living in fellowship with God (17:1-5).
- Their appeal for vindication is justified (17:1-2).
- They declare with confidence their integrity (17:3-5).
- “Show”: Believers may pray with assurance that they be kept from evil because of the nature of evil people (17:6-11).
- They pray for protection from their oppressors (17:6-9).
- They pray urgently because their enemies are powerful (17:10-12).
- “Arise”: Believers pray with assurance anticipating a glorious future (17:13-15).
- Negative: They pray for God to destroy the wicked who live for this life only (17:13-14).
- Positive: They are confident of seeing the LORD (17:15).
Questions for Second Milers
- Read 1 Samuel 23:24-29 for a possible setting for this psalm.
- In verses 1-7 on what two grounds does David base his plea? Cf. 1 Jn 3:21-22. For other reasons see Ps 86:1, 4-5; John 16:23-24.
- How does David describe himself to the LORD (knowing that he is not claiming sinless perfection)? How does he describe God? How does he describe the wicked?
- What is David asking God to do in verses 13-14?
- Is prayer an effective way to remove enemies?
- Contrast verses 13-14 with 15. What does this reveal about David?
- How much of verses 1-5 can you make your prayer? How does your assurance compares with David’s in verse 15?
- Give your own short title to this psalm.
Lanny Tanton is the Pastor at The Bible Church of the Lakes in Horseshoe Bay, Texas – just outside of Marble Falls. Pastor Tanton welcomes you to our website and hopes that you’ll enjoy reading these insightful blog posts. Please contact us if you have further questions!!



