Psalm 17 – A Prayer for Vindication and Protection

Apr 27, 2025 | Pastor's Blog, Psalms

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.

  1. “Hear”: Believers may pray with assurance for Divine vindication when they are living in fellowship with God (17:1-5).
    1. Their appeal for vindication is justified (17:1-2).
    2. They declare with confidence their integrity (17:3-5).
  2. “Show”: Believers may pray with assurance that they be kept from evil because of the nature of evil people (17:6-11).
    1. They pray for protection from their oppressors (17:6-9).
    2. They pray urgently because their enemies are powerful (17:10-12).
  3. “Arise”: Believers pray with assurance anticipating a glorious future (17:13-15).
    1. Negative: They pray for God to destroy the wicked who live for this life only (17:13-14).
    2. Positive: They are confident of seeing the LORD (17:15).

Questions for Second Milers

  1. Read 1 Samuel 23:24-29 for a possible setting for this psalm.
  2. 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.
  3. 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?
  4. What is David asking God to do in verses 13-14?
  5. Is prayer an effective way to remove enemies?
  6. Contrast verses 13-14 with 15. What does this reveal about David?
  7. How much of verses 1-5 can you make your prayer? How does your assurance compares with David’s in verse 15?
  8. Give your own short title to this psalm.
The Bible Church of the Lakes