Psalm 17

1. This psalm teaches us something about asking God for things. It contains about 17 petitions from David to God covering several similar topics. Just from that fact we can learn that there is nothing wrong with asking God for things, and asking Him several times.

2. Verses 1 and 2 sound much like the book of Job, due to the legal language being used. These verses sound almost like some sort of opening statement from a lawyer.

3. In verse 3 it seems as if David is bragging about his pure life, but then, at the end of the verse, he reveals the reason why he could be so pure: “I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.” Living a pure, righteous life must be a decision.

4. Verse 6 reminds us that, even if the answer is “no,” God still hears us.

5. Verse 7 reminds us of God’s patience. Many today forget how patient God is, and nearly everyone needs that lesson at one time or another.

6. Verse 8 is a beautifully poetic prayer for God’s protection. As our society and world becomes more and more evil, we need often to pray for God’s protection.

7. Verse 10 describes the heart of those who are evil as “unfeeling.” Literally, their heart is “fat.” This concept is much like the New Testament teaching about the conscience being seared, or those of Jeremiah’s day who could no longer blush. We can get so evil that we are beyond feeling. Let’s be very careful!

8. Verse 13 continues a common theme in the psalms of God as some type of Divine Warrior. Notice these phrases: “confront him,” “Your sword.”

9. The final verse (15) shows David’s satisfaction is with the Lord. Sinners can be proud and arrogant, but not satisfied. With God, we should be totally satisfied.