What is the background of Psalm 27?
This psalm is ascribed to David. The psalm addresses the issues of fear and faith and waiting on the Lord in the midst of life’s difficulties.

---

27:1  The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the defense of my life;
Whom shall I dread?

David acknowledged that God was his light, salvation, and defense and so was able to face his fears with courage and confidence. He knew that God alone could give him what he needed to face his fears and problems. Danger, trouble, and anxiety suggest darkness. David however, had the light of God’s presence to help him face the darker issues of life. David also referred to God as his “salvation,” a term denoting deliverance. He was assured that God would indeed deliver him from that which threatened to undo him. David further referred to God as the “defense” of his life, a word suggesting strength. David, weak and feeble, found strength in God to firmly face the things that threatened him. The word “fear” means “to be anxious.” The word “dread” is a stronger term that means “to tremble” or “to be terrified.”

Practical Consideration: We must think more about God than about our problems. When David was surrounded by problems he did not focus on the problems. He focused on God. He focused on the adequacy of God to help him deal with his problems. David did not cry out, “What am I going to do?” Instead, he cried out, “What is God able to do?” David understood that God was bigger than his problems. What we think about God will determine what we do with our problems.

27:2  When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh,
My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.

David was under real pressure from his “adversaries” and “enemies” who were devouring his flesh, an expression that refers to slanderous speech. His faith in God was forged in the furnace of difficult experiences. His adversaries and enemies were not able to prevail against him. This nourished his confidence.

27:3  Though a host encamped against me,
My heart will not fear;
Though war arise against me,
In spite of this I shall be confident.

These verses express David’s confidence in the Lord. His confidence was grounded in the Lord’s deliverances in the past (verse 2) as well as his present commitment to the Lord. Someone has said, “Where there is no confidence in God, there will be no continuance with God.” Regardless of how formidable or serious a threat might be, David resolved to trust in God.

27:4  One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to meditate in His temple.

This verse expresses the deepest desire of David’s heart. It defines his priority (“one thing”), petition (“I have asked”), and preoccupation (“that I shall seek”). He wanted to live his life in close fellowship to the Lord. He wanted to constantly enjoy God’s presence. There is security in the presence of the Lord.

Note: See also Luke 10:38-42 regarding the one thing chosen by Mary.

Practical Consideration: Problems should drive us to God.
David’s problems drove him to God rather than away from Him. He earnestly desired fellowship with the Lord when he encountered problems and pressures. Someone has said that problems either make us bitter or better. David’s problems certainly made him better as they drove him to depend on and have faith in God.

27:5  For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle;
In the secret place of His tent He will hide me;
He will lift me up on a rock.

Someone has noted that God gives the best of shelter in the worst of danger. David was confident that God would give him the same gracious protection a host offered to his guests. He was confident that God would lift him “up on a rock,” that is, a place of security beyond the reach of his enemies.

27:6  And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me;
And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

The phrase “my head will be lifted up” continues the figure from the previous verse of being lifted up on a rock. David’s gratitude for the Lord’s protection found expression in “shouts of joy” and singing praises to the Lord. Gratitude should find expression in praise and thanksgiving.

27:7  Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice,
And be gracious to me and answer me.
27:8  When Thou didst say, “Seek My face,” my heart said to Thee,
“Thy face, O Lord, I shall seek.”

We do not have to be alone in the midst of life’s problems and pressures. We do not have to face them alone. The Lord invites us to seek Him (see also Jeremiah 33:3 and Psalm 50:15), especially in the midst of life’s difficulties. Like David, we should readily respond to such a divine invitation. These verses express David’s commitment to the Lord and his resolve to depend on the Him.

Practical Consideration: We should seek God’s face so that we can face our problems.
God invited David to seek His face. God calls us to do the same. He calls us to seek Him before we call on Him. When we find ourselves surrounded by problems we should be silent and listen for His voice: “Seek My face.” We should seek God’s face in the face of danger, trials, and problems. In God alone will we find the comfort, protection, perspective, guidance, and strength to go on. We should seek God’s face so that we can face our problems.

27:9  Do not hide Thy face from me,
Do not turn Thy servant away in anger;
Thou hast been my help;
Do not abandon me nor forsake me,
O God of my salvation!
27:10  For my mother and my father have forsaken me,
But the Lord will take me up.

While others may forsake us, God never will abandon us (see also Hebrews 13:5). The reference to being forsaken by his parents can be understood to mean that David’s parents had died. God however, continued to love him past his parent’s lifetime. Some scholars translate the word “for” in verse 10 as “if.” Even if forsaken by family and friends, God’s love and presence would remain.

27:11  Teach me Thy way, O Lord,
And lead me in a level path,
Because of my foes.

David asked God to teach him His way and to lead him “in a level path,” that is, a right and ethical path, that he might continue to make progress. He felt that his foes were vigilantly watching for him to slip along life’s path.

27:12  Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries;
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.

David’s foes were a real threat. David’s destruction was a top priority (“desire”) on the agenda of his adversaries. These “false witnesses” slandered him openly among the people and panted violence.

27:13  I would have despaired unless I had believed
that I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.

Hope is an important factor in life. Without it men easily fall victim to despair. David would have despaired and been destroyed apart from faith and confidence in the Lord.

27:14  Wait for the Lord;
Be strong, and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord.

David, speaking to himself, resolved to “wait for the Lord.” Waiting is a difficult thing for us to do in our fast-paced society. We do not like to wait. But in our spiritual lives, waiting is important. We cannot hurry-up waiting! And because it is easy to lose heart when we must wait, verse 14 encourages us to be strong and not lose heart, and then to continue waiting. We must trust God’s timing and expect His intervention when we face life’s trials.

Note: Charles H. Spurgeon comments, “Wait at His door with prayer; wait at His foot with humility; wait at His table with service; wait at His window with expectancy.” J. H. Jowett comments, “To wait for the Lord is to make the Lord the clinging place of the soul, and therefore the resting place, and therefore the growing place.”

New American Standard Bible

Note: This psalm is an alphabetic acrostic. Every verse starts (with a few exceptions) with each successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

---

A. Prayer for Deliverance and Guidance

25:1 [this psalm begins and ends with a reference to trust in the Lord; cf. v. 21] To You, O Lord [Yahweh], I lift up my soul.


25:2 [notice the two petitions phrased in negative terms…] O my God [reference to the psalmist’s intimate relationship with the Lord], in You I trust [the psalmist was utterly dependent on God; “Faith is the cable which binds our boat to the shore…” CH Spurgeon], [1] Do not let me be ashamed [shame would lead to exultation on the part of the psalmist’s enemies]; [2] Do not let my enemies exult over me.

25:3 Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed; Those who deal treacherously [those who have no regard for he Lord] without cause will be ashamed [the reward for acting treacherously].

B. Prayer for Guidance and Forgiveness

25:4 [notice the petitions that are stated in positive terms…] [1] Make me know Your ways [cf. Ps. 103:7; understanding how to trust God even when there is no evidence of His acts], O Lord; [2] Teach me [“David knew much, but he felt his ignorance and desired to be still in the Lord’s school…” CH Spurgeon] Your paths [how to live life consistent with God’s Word].

25:5 [3] Lead me in Your truth [the manner in which we are to walk (in faithfulness)] and [4] teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.

25:6 Remember, O Lord, Your compassion and Your lovingkindnesses [God’s mercy and commitment to love], For they have been from of old [or, from eternity].

25:7 Do not remember [please forget] the sins [both of omission and commission] of my youth or my transgressions; According to Your lovingkindness remember me, For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.

Note: A simple chiasmus within verses 6-7.

Remember your compassion and Your lovingkindness

   Do not remember my sins

Remember me according to your lovingkindness

C. Assurance of God’s Guidance

25:8 Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.

25:9 He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way.

25:10 All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth To those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.

D. Prayer for Forgiveness

25:11 For Your name’s sake, O Lord, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great [David understood the scope and weight of his iniquity, he did not try to excuse it or minimize it].

E. Assurance of God’s Guidance

25:12 Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.

25:13 His soul will abide in prosperity, And his descendants will inherit the land.

25:14 The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, And He will make them know His covenant.

F. Prayer for Deliverance and Protection

25:15 My eyes are continually toward the Lord [the psalmist trusted in God], For He will pluck my feet out of the net.

25:16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, For I am lonely and afflicted.

25:17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged; Bring me out of my distresses.

25:18 Look upon my affliction and my trouble, And forgive all my sins.

25:19 Look upon my enemies, for they are many, And they hate me with violent hatred.

25:20 Guard my soul and deliver me; Do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You.

25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You.

25:22 [delivery, redemption, and salvation are for God’s glory and our good; a general prayer for the redemption of Israel] Redeem Israel, O God, Out of all his troubles.

New American Standard Bible

The King of Glory Entering Zion.
A Psalm of David.

---

A. The Extent of God’s Vast Domain

24:1 [God owns everything] The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, The world, and those [Jew and Gentile] who dwell in it.

24:2 [God made everything] For He has founded it upon the seas And established it upon the rivers.

B. Examination for Participation on Worship at Jerusalem

24:3 [the question; the question and answer motif in verses 3-5, 8, and 10 suggests the psalm was sung antiphonally] Who may ascend into the hill [a reference to Mount Zion; “It is uphill work for the creature to reach the Creator.” CH Spurgeon] of the Lord [in order to worship Him]? And who may stand in His holy place?

24:4 [the answer] [A] He who has clean [faultless] hands [action; deeds; must have purity; “clean hands” are expressive of a “pure heart”] and [B] a pure heart [intention; motives; a symbol of a right attitude; must have sincerity; cf. Ps. 73:1], [C] Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood [must have humility] [D] And has not sworn deceitfully [must be honest and keep his word; must have integrity].

24:5 [the individual who passes the tests of verse 4 is accepted into the Lord’s presence] He shall receive a blessing from the Lord And righteousness from the God of his salvation.

24:6 This [those who pass the tests of verse 4] is the generation of those who seek [we must be seekers; “an internal desire to please Him” and “an expression of a sincere desire to live in accordance with God’s standards” (Expositor’s Vol. 5)] Him, Who seek Your face—even Jacob. Selah.

C. A Triumphal March

24:7 [similar to verse 9] Lift up your heads, O gates [along with “doors” this is likely a symbolic reference to God’s people collectively], And be lifted up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in [may foreshadow the Messiah’s coming to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday]!

24:8 [similar to verse 10] [the question] Who is the King of glory? [the answer] The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.

24:9 [similar to verse 7] Lift up your heads, O gates, And lift them up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in!

24:10 [similar to verse 8] [the question] Who is this King of glory? [the answer] The Lord of hosts [or “of armies”], He is the King of glory. Selah.

What is the background of Psalm 23?
Psalm 23 has been called the psalm of psalms. It is one of the best-known passages in the Bible. David, who was familiar with the role and responsibility of a shepherd, wrote the psalm. Psalm 23 has been called the pearl of the Psalms.

---

23:1   The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.

David acknowledged that the Lord was his shepherd. He confidently stated, “The Lord is my shepherd.” He had no other shepherd. He had no other master. His allegiance was to God alone. Shepherd is an intimate metaphor. A shepherd lives with his flock. He serves as protector, provider, and physician to his flock. The word “want” means “to lack” or “suffer need.” Only the Lord can satisfy the deepest needs in the lives of men. Only the Lord, the Shepherd who is always alert to the needs of His flock, can correctly and adequately shepherd the lives of His own so that they can proclaim, “I shall not want.”

Note: Phillip Keller, in his book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, comments: “It is a tragic truth that many people who really have never come under His direction or management claim that ‘The Lord is my shepherd.’ They seem to hope that by merely admitting that He is their Shepherd somehow they will enjoy the benefits of His care and management without paying the price of forfeiting their own fickle and foolish way of life.”

Practical Consideration: We need the Good Shepherd. We cannot successfully live life and face its many situations without the leadership of the Good Shepherd. We need the wisdom of the Shepherd to guide us, His strength to protect us, His hand to feed us, His presence to assure us, His rod to protect us, His staff to guide us.

23:2   He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.

David also acknowledged the guidance of God. Sheep are known to be among nature’s most helpless (and stupid) animals. Sheep desperately need the guidance, assistance, provision, and protection of the shepherd. God gives His people rest and resources to sustain them.

Note: Phillip Keller comments that it is almost impossible to make sheep lie down until four requirements are met. They must sense a freedom from [A] fear, [B] tension with other sheep, [C] aggravation from flies or parasites, and [D] hunger. Only the Shepherd can see to it that these needs are met. The presence of the Shepherd dispels fear. The Shepherd stops the fighting and rivalry within the flock. The Shepherd administers agents to repel annoying insects and parasites. The Shepherd works to clear land and develop lush pasture for the sheep and knows where water can be obtained. Sheep become restless when they are thirsty and will drink from any polluted hole unless they are led to pure waters.

Practical Consideration: We must look to the Good Shepherd for rest, refreshment, and nourishment. We live lives filled with pressure and pain. We live lives that are so busy that we are kept out of breath by incessant hustling. We live lives that offer little or no rest and escape from the weight of pressures and demands. We have day-timers filled with appointments that leave us with little time for quiet. We have schedules that drain us of the strength to go on. We are surrounded by speed and noise. We cannot survive without rest, refreshment, and nourishment. Only the Good Shepherd can guide us into the rest we need to survive. Only the Good Shepherd can provide us with the peace and resources to go on. We must look to the Good Shepherd for rest, refreshment, and nourishment.

23:3   He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

As the needs of the sheep are satisfied with green pastures and cool waters, so David was refreshed and restored by God’s beneficent provision. The word “restores” may be understood in two senses. First, in the sense of retrieving a straying sheep. Second, in the sense of renewing and reviving those who have grown weary or stumbled. In addition, God guides His own “in the paths of righteousness,” or along right moral/ethical paths, “for His name’s sake” (the Lord’s reputation as a Shepherd is at stake). Phillip Keller comments, “No other class of livestock requires more careful handling, more detailed direction, than do sheep.” God always guides along right paths, whether we realize it or not (refer to Practical Considerations Item 3 on page 40).

Note: Phillip Keller comments on a “cast” or “cast down” sheep. A cast sheep is one that has turned over on its back and is unable to get up again by itself. This condition is not uncommon among pregnant sheep. Unless the shepherd keeps diligent watch over his flock, a cast sheep will die or fall victim to predators. The shepherd must “restore” such sheep. He must help the cast sheep to get back on its feet again and regain its equilibrium.

Practical Consideration: The Good Shepherd can help us get up after we have fallen. We are all subject to stumbling and falling in life. When we are down we are the most vulnerable to the deadly attacks of the enemy. When we are down we are vulnerable to attack from despair and despondency. When we are down we often find it difficult to get back up. That’s why we need the Good Shepherd. He knows when we fall. He knows when we are in danger of attack because of our helpless posture. He can help us to get back on our feet and regain our equilibrium.

23:4   Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil; for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.

Notice that the language changes in verse 4. David now speaks directly to his Shepherd. The Lord guides us through dark valleys of distress and trouble just as through green pastures. His presence with us, through dark valleys where we find ourselves in death’s shadow, helps us to overcome our fear. On these occasions the shepherd serves as our personal escort. David also acknowledged the comfort and protection of God. The shepherd’s rod (a club worn at the belt) was used for beating off animals that threatened the welfare of the sheep. The staff was used to gently guide, and discipline, the sheep along the right path. These implements represent protection and provision. We must remember that the Shepherd knows the  path better than we do.

Note: Phillip Keller comments that during the summer months, shepherds lead their sheep up the mountains via deep ravines and valleys to alpine meadows. Then, as autumn approaches, he leads them back into the lower elevations via the same gulches and draws. A shepherd chooses this route for several reasons. First, to lead his flock to adequate meadows for grazing. Second, because it is a well-watered route with rivers, streams, springs, and pools along the way. Third, because the richest feed and best forage is found by the way of the valleys.

Practical Consideration: We do not walk alone. The Good Shepherd leads (verse 2), guides (verse 3), and escorts (verse 4) us through life. When we journey through the valleys He walks beside us. He never leaves nor forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5). He knows the right way whether we realize it or not. He will never lead us wrong.

23:5   Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
Thou hast anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
23:6   Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

These verses speak of abundant (overflowing) provision and triumph even in the midst of threatening circumstances. David pictured God as the host and himself as a guest. A host was responsible for the welfare of his guests. An intruder had to first deal with the host before he could deal with the guest. The host also anointed his guests with oil, a symbol of great joy and richness. The phrase “my cup overflows” paints a picture of abundance. The word “follow” in verse 6 means to pursue. David was assured (“surely”) that the twin blessings of “goodness and lovingkindness” would pursue him all the days of his life in every varying circumstance of life. David acknowledged the gracious provision of God and looked forward to dwelling with Him forever.

Note: Phillip Keller comments that the “table” referred to here was actually the entire high summer range on the “mesa” or high tablelands. Keller also comments on a practice among shepherds of anointing a sheep’s head and nose with oil as an antidote to the flies and parasites that trouble the sheep.

Practical Consideration: The Good Shepherd is interested in our present as well as our future. The Good Shepherd is interested in our present estate. He meets our needs with abundant provision. He makes it possible for goodness and lovingkindness to follow us as we journey through life. He blesses us with the assurance of a wonderful future with Him forever.

New American Standard Bible

A Cry of Anguish [this psalm describes physical illness, spiritual despair, and the sense of being abandoned by God] and a Song of Praise [the psalm ends in words of faith and praise].
For the choir director; upon Aijeleth Hashshahar [may be translated as “deer of the morning” which may have been the name of a tune to which this psalm was sung].

A Psalm of David.

---

22:1 [vv. 1-2 are a complaint] My [the use of this personal pronoun indicates that the psalmist still held on to his faith although he felt the absence of God’s presence] God, my God, why [a key word that reminds the redeemed to consider the reason Jesus was crucified] have [when Jesus spoke these words from the cross he felt the full weight of being forsaken] You [it is one thing to be forsaken by our enemies and even our friends, but to be forsaken by God is the worst of all] forsaken [the saddest of all states] me [the innocent One]? [these are the fourth words Christ spoke from the cross (cf. Matt. 27:46) these words are the “saddest of all utterances” (Spurgeon)] Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning.

22:2 O my God, I cry [the righteous sufferer pleaded to God for a hearing] by day, but You do not answer [feeling as though our prayers are not heard can be most agonizing]; And by night [the righteous sufferer cried out to God even through the night], but I have no rest.

22:3 [vv. 3-6 are an argument from history; the psalmist reminded God of His past faithfulness in hope of forcing Him to act] Yet [in spite of feeling forsaken] You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.


22:4 [the psalmist acknowledged that God had delivered his forefathers] In You our fathers trusted [note that the word “trusted” is used 3 times in this verse and the next]; They trusted and You delivered them.

22:5 To You they cried out and were delivered; In You they trusted and were not disappointed.

22:6 [vv. 6-8 are a complaint] But [in spite of the fact that God had delivered the psalmist’s forefathers, he still felt worthless and despised] I am a worm [far below human status; a worm is a symbol of the weakest of all creatures] and not a man, A reproach of men and despised by the people.

22:7 All who see me sneer at me; They separate with the lip [akin to sticking one’s tongue out at another], they wag the head [read Matt. 27:39 and Mark 15:29 re the behavior of those at Christ’s crucifixion], saying,

22:8 [the crowd at the crucifixion of Jesus taunted Him with these words] “Commit yourself to the Lord; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him [these words are also similar to those spoken by Satan to Christ during the wilderness temptation (cf. Matt. 4:6)].”

22:9 [the psalmist reflected on God’s love and concern for him from childhood] Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; You made me trust when upon my mother’s breasts.

22:10 Upon You I was cast from birth; You have been my God from my mother’s womb.

22:11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near [when trouble is near we need and want for God to be nearer still]; For there is none to help.

22:12 [vv. 12-18 are a complaint] Many bulls [in regard to the Passion this is likely a reference to Judaism and the Roman government, both of which look for an opportunity to gore Christ] have surrounded me; Strong bulls of Bashan [area across the Jordan River known for its fat cattle (cf. Deut. 32:14; Amos 4:1)] have encircled me.

22:13 [note the language of feeling vulnerable and threatened] They open wide their mouth at me, As a ravening and a roaring lion.

22:14 I am poured out like water [water poured out on the ground “cannot be gathered up again” (cf. 2 Sam. 14:14)], And all my bones are out of joint [Christ’s bones were out of joint because of hanging on the cross, but none of His bones were broken during the crucifixion (cf. Jn. 19:33)]; My heart is like wax; It is melted within me.

22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And my tongue cleaves to my jaws; [this is a key verse in this Psalm] And You [God] lay me in the dust of death [it was God’s plan for Christ to die].

22:16 [the psalmist felt surrounded by fierce enemies] For dogs have surrounded me [like wild dogs surround their prey]; A band of evildoers [those who sought to destroy and kill him] has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet [a prophecy of the crucifixion of Christ].

22:17 I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me [“The first Adam made us all naked, and therefore the second Adam became naked that He might clothe our names souls.” (CH Spurgeon)];

22:18 [three gospel writers cited this verse when the soldiers gambled for Christ’s robe] They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots.

22:19 [see also vv. 1 and 11 re the psalmist feeling as though God was absent or distant from him] But You, O Lord, be not far off; O You my help, hasten to my assistance.

22:20 Deliver my soul from the sword, My only life from the power of the dog.

22:21 Save me from the lion’s mouth [Satan is described as “a roaring lion” (cf. 1 Pet. 5:8)]; From the horns of the wild oxen You answer me.

22:22 [vv. 22-31 are a hymn of praise; the psalmist praised God] I will tell of Your name to my brethren [cf. Jesus’ post-resurrection words: “go and take word to My brethren” (Matt. 28:10)]; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You [“We mention our sorrows readily enough; why are we so slow in declaring our deliverances?” CH Spurgeon].

22:23 [the psalmist invited others to praise God] You who fear the Lord, praise Him; All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, And stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel.

22:24 [note the content of the psalmist’s praise] For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from him; But when he cried to Him for help, He heard.

22:25 From You [“…true praise is of celestial origin” CH Spurgeon] comes my praise in the great assembly; I shall pay my vows before those who fear Him.

22:26 [vv. 26-31 are in the future tense and sound like predictions] The afflicted will eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the Lord. Let your heart live forever!

22:27 All the ends of the earth will remember [the implication is that man has forgotten God; to remember involves worshiping and obeying the Lord] and turn to the Lord, And all the families of the nations will worship before You.

22:28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s And He rules [has dominion over] over the nations [cf. Rev. 11:15].

22:29 All [God does not discriminate between the wealthy and the poor; cf. Gal. 3:28] the prosperous [the wealthy and well-fed] of the earth will eat and worship, All those who go down to the dust [those who are exhausted, sickly, filled with anguish and despair, dying] will bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep his soul alive.

22:30 Posterity [God’s praise will extend from one generation to the next] will serve Him; It [the story of redemption] will be told of the Lord to the coming generation.

22:31 They will come and will declare His righteousness [this is the object of the proclamation to the generations yet to be born] To a people who will be born, that He has performed it [the story of redemption and His kingship].

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

---

A. The King’s Gratitude for Answered Prayer and God’s Blessings

21:1 The king rejoices [verses 2-7 explain why the king rejoices; “Our joy should have some sort of inexpressibleness in it.” CH Spurgeon] in your strength, Lord. How great is his joy in the victories [these victories are not the result of trusting in chariots and horses but rather of trusting in the Lord (cf. Ps. 20:7)] you [God is the source of victories] give!

21:2 You have granted him his heart’s desire [cf. Ps. 20:4; the king prayed for victory over enemies] and have not withheld the request of his lips [“What is in the well of the heart is sure to come up in the bucket of the lips…” CH Spurgeon; the king’s plans were in alignment with God’s plans].

21:3 You came [to precede or to go before; cf. the father of the prodigal running to embrace his son (Lk. 15:20)] to greet him [like a victorious hero] with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.

21:4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him — length of days, for ever and ever [this promise applies to the dynasty and ultimately to the Messiah].

21:5 Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.

21:6 Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

21:7 For the king trusts [an expression of loyalty] in the Lord; through the unfailing love [covenant love; an expression of God’s loyalty to the king] of the Most High he will not be shaken.

B. God’s Overthrow of the Enemy

21:8 Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies; your right hand will seize your foes.

21:9 When you appear for battle, you will burn them up as in a blazing furnace [possibly a reference to a besieged city set ablaze]. The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath, and his fire will consume them.

21:10 You will destroy their descendants [those who would enjoy their fathers’ ill-gotten wealth and those who might rise up against them in the future] from the earth, their posterity from mankind.

21:11 Though they [the nation’s enemies] plot evil against you [the nation’s enemies were God’s enemies as well] and devise wicked schemes [God sees the intentions of His enemies], they cannot succeed.

21:12 You will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow.

21:13 Be exalted in your strength, Lord; we [those who worship and honor God] will sing and praise your might.

What is the background of Psalm 20?
The superscription states that this is A Psalm of David, or perhaps more accurately, “for” or “concerning” David. It is a prayer for the king’s protection and victory over enemies in battle. The king, after all, was fighting for the welfare of the nation. Verses 1-5 record the nation’s Godspeed to the king. Verses 6-8 record either the king’s or the worship leader’s reply. Verse 9 is a final prayer for the king.

---

20:1  May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high!
20:2  May He send you help from the sanctuary,
And support you from Zion!
20:3  May He remember all your meal offerings,
And find your burnt offering acceptable!                       [Selah]
20:4  May He grant you your heart’s desire,
And fulfill all your counsel!

These verses are a prayer asking the Lord to answer and assist the king “in the day of trouble.” The “day of trouble” is a day of impending battle as suggested by the reference to chariots and horses in verse 7. The pronoun “you” is singular in these verses and refers to the king, the Lord’s anointed (see verse 6). The petitioner asked the Lord to remember the king’s acts of religious devotion and grant success to the king’s plans. The petitioner prayed that God would “answer,” “set,” “send,” “support,” “remember,” “find,” “grant,” and “fulfill.”

Practical Consideration: No person is exempt from troubles. We are not exempt from troubles. We often experience dark days and sorrowful nights. We often grow weary from the constant and unrelenting pressures of life. It seems that there is always something to threaten our welfare and security. It seems that there is always something bent on defeating and destroying us. Like the psalmist, we too should seek the Lord’s help in the day of trouble. We should look expectantly to God for help and assistance. We should put our trust in Him.

20:5  We will sing for joy over your victory,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners.
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

This verse anticipates God’s answer to the prayer. It is an “Amen” to the prayer. The people looked forward to cheering the king’s success in a triumphal procession.

Practical Consideration: We should remember God in our hour of victory and triumph as well as in our hour of need. It is easy to remember God when we are in great and desperate need. It is easy to look to heaven when we are threatened on every side. It is easy to earnestly voice our petitions when problems close in. We should be careful, however, to remember God in our hour of victory and deliverance. We should not be so elated by triumph as to forget to give thanks. We should not allow success to cause us to forget the source of our help.
 
20:6  Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven,
With the saving strength of His right hand.

This verse further accentuates the assurance of the deliverance and victory requested in the prayer. The words express the firm conviction that God has heard and will answer the prayer of the king.
 
20:7  Some boast in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.
20:8  They have bowed down and fallen;
But we have risen and stood upright.

The confidence of the king was in the Lord (verse 6). The confidence of his enemies was in their chariots and horses, which represented formidable military strength. Those who put their trust in anyone or anything other than the Lord will bow down and fall while those who trust in the Lord will remain standing in the midst of battle.

Practical Consideration: Confidence in God gives us courage for the battle. The king’s confidence in God gave him courage for the battle. He marched into battle with the conviction that God would grant him victory. He put his trust in the Lord rather than in armaments or coalitions. He remained standing while his enemies fell around him because he trusted in God.

20:9  Save, O Lord;
May the King answer us in the day we call.

This verse sums up the theme of the psalm.

Practical Consideration: We should pray for our leaders. Someone has commented, “The well-being of a people is suspended on the character and doings of the monarch. Prayer should be offered for him continually that he might be guarded from evil, that he may be wise, equitable, and prosperous.”

What is the background of Psalm 19?
According to the title, David is the author of Psalm 19. The theme of the Psalm is God’s revelation of Himself to mankind. Verses 1-6 speak of God’s revelation through nature and verses 7-11 speak of God’s revelation through the Law. Verses 12-14 speak of what should be man’s response to the revelation of God. The Psalm is considered to be a masterpiece of poetic literature. C.S. Lewis wrote, “I take this [Psalm 19] to be the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world.”

---

19:1  The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

Verses 1-6 speak of God’s general revelation of Himself through nature. There are numerous terms that have to do with the matter of communication: “telling,” “declaring,” “speech,” “words,” “voice,” and “utterances.” In these verses, David represents the universe as a cathedral in which the sun is the preacher bearing witness to the existence and glory of God.

According to verse 1, the “heavens” continually (as per the tense of the words “telling” and “declaring”) witness to God’s existence.

19:2  Day to day pours forth speech,
And night to night reveals knowledge.

Verse 2 continues the thought of verse 1 by emphasizing that nature witnesses to the existence of God both day and night. The sun by day and the moon and stars by night constantly declare, “There is a God!” The words “pour forth” emphasize that there is abundant evidence of God’s power and glory.

19:3  There is no speech, nor are there words;
Their voice is not heard.

The testimony of the heavens is silent, yet can be “heard” by men of any nation and understood in any language.

19:4  Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their utterances to the end of the world.
In them He has placed a tent for the sun,
19:5  Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber;
It rejoices as a strong man to run his course.
19:6  Its rising is from one end of the heavens,
And its circuit to the other end of them;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

The testimony of the created order is universal. Its witness “has gone out through all the earth,” even as the sun’s circuit covers all the earth.

Practical Considerations: God has not left Himself without a witness. The evidence for the existence of God is abundant. It is everywhere to be seen in the universe around us. Biblical scholar John Phillips comments, “It is significant that the Bible makes no attempt to prove that there is a God … The fact of God’s existence is self evident and taken for granted. The person who says differently is bluntly called a fool (Psalm 14:1 and 53:1). The root cause of atheism is traced in both these psalms to moral rather than to intellectual sources. It is not that a man cannot believe so much as that he will not.”

19:7  The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

David turned his attention from general to special revelation in verses 7-11. We need God’s special revelation. While nature can reveal the fact of God, it cannot reveal the way to God. While nature can reveal the glory of God, it cannot reveal the will of God. In each of the following verses he characterized God’s Word and its many benefits. This section of the Psalm has been called Psalm 119 in miniature.

The term “law” refers to all of God’s written revelation. Notice that the origin of Scripture is divine, for it is the law “of the Lord.” This law is described as being “perfect,” which means complete, whole, entire, and without flaw or defect. It is directed towards the well-being of man. It is able to “restore the soul,” or lead men to salvation and strengthen them in their walk with God. The “testimony of the Lord is sure,” or always true. It can make men wise. Only those who are open to God’s truth can ever hope to become wise.

19:8  The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

God’s “precepts,” or moral rules, are “right,” or straight. Joy results in the hearts of those who keep God’s moral law (see Psalm 1:1-3). God’s Word is also able to enlighten men, opening their eyes to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong (see Psalm 119:104).

19:9  The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.

The Scriptures are here referred to as “the fear of the Lord,” which is the impact they should have upon the heart of men. Mark Twain reportedly said, “It is not what I don’t understand about the Bible that frightens me; it is what I do understand.” God’s Word is “clean,” that is, without error or unrighteousness. God’s Word also endures forever (see Isaiah 40:8). It is stable, changeless, and everlasting. God’s “judgments,” or decisions, are always accurate and just.

19:10  They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

God’s Word is better than the purest gold or the sweetest honey (see Psalm 119:103). There is nothing that compares to it. God’s Word can do more for man than fine gold.

19:11  Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.

2 Timothy 3:16 states, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching [God’s Word tells us the path to walk], for reproof [God’s Word shows us where we take wrong turns and stray from the path], for correction [God’s Word tells us how to get back on the path], for training in righteousness [God’s Word tells us how to stay on the path].” Proverbs 13:13 offers excellent commentary on Psalm 19:11. It states, “The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, But the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded.” One scholar has written, “The whole Bible is an exposition of this text.”

Practical Considerations: God’s Word can change people’s lives. God’s Word can lead men to salvation, can make men wise, can fill the heart with joy, can give men discernment, can warn men of danger, and can help them live meaningful and rewarding lives. We should commit ourselves to a consistent study of the Word of God. We should purpose to live our lives according to the truths of God’s Word. Those who fail to study and obey God’s Word miss out on the many benefits of so doing.

19:12  Who can discern his errors?
Acquit me of hidden faults.

Verses 12-14 set forth the appropriate response to the revelation of God in both nature and His Word. In verse 12 David asked to be forgiven of “errors” and “hidden faults,” or those sins committed in ignorance.

19:13  Also keep back Thy servant from presumptuous sins;
Let them not rule over me;
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.

David also asked that God keep him from “presumptuous sins,” those deliberate acts of rebellion against God. He did not want to be mastered by these sins. He did not want to become sin’s slave.

Practical Considerations: We should take sin seriously. David took sin seriously. He asked God to cleanse him of every sin committed in ignorance and to keep him from presumptuous sin (deliberate acts of rebellion against God). David understood the destructive power of sin. He did not want to harbor any sin lest he be destroyed from the inside out.

19:14  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Thy sight,
O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

David concluded the Psalm, which began with the universal glory and revelation of God, on a very personal note. His desire was to remain in a right relationship with God and live a life pleasing to God.

What is the background of Psalm 18?
This song of David, also found in 2 Samuel 22 (with minor variations), was sung by David in thanksgiving for his many victories over his enemies. Succeeding Davidic kings in thanksgiving over their victories in battle may also have sung this song. The psalm has a strong militaristic ring. Spurgeon called this Psalm, “The Grateful Remembrance.”

---

18:1   “I love Thee, O Lord, my strength,”
18:2   The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
18:3   I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
And I am saved from my enemies.

This psalm begins in a beautiful way: “I love Thee, O Lord.” As David looked back over his life and many victories in battle, He gave God the credit and the glory. David’s great faith in God and understanding about God is seen in his seven metaphorical references to God: “strength … rock … fortress … deliverer … shield … salvation … stronghold.” Notice the use of the possessive pronoun “my,” which accentuates that David saw God as his personal deliverer. The “horn of salvation” in verse 2 is probably a reference to the horns of the altar, which guaranteed protection to any who grasped them. They symbolized protective refuge.

Practical Consideration: Our love for God should be greater than all other loves. The foremost object of David’s love was God. He loved God more than humanity. He loved God more than self. He loved God more than the world. God was the chief object of his love. David loved God with a boundless, intense, and affectionate love springing from the depths of his heart. Someone has noted, “Nothing must we love above God, or so much as God, much less against God.”

18:4   The cords of death encompassed me,
And the torrents of ungodliness terrified me.
18:5   The cords of Sheol surrounded me;
The snares of death confronted me.
18:6   In my distress I called upon the Lord,
And cried to my God for help;
He heard my voice out of His temple,
And my cry for help before Him came into His ears.

David testified of a period when he was in great distress. The “torrents of ungodliness” threatened to destroy him (see also verse 16b). This is a reference to the great numbers of wicked men who sought to do David harm. He was terrified. Death was stalking him like a hunter with a cord and net. He was completely surrounded by danger. But he knew where to turn for help. He “cried to [his] God for help” and God heard his voice “out of His temple” (that is, out of heaven).

Practical Consideration: We should look up when things look down! When David was surrounded by danger and things looked down, he looked up. When David saw danger at every turn, he turned to God. When things were going wrong he looked in the right direction. He did not petition or look to any other deliverer but God. And God heard and responded to his cries for help. Someone has written. “In our dark days the door of hope is a door which opens to heaven; let us knock at that door, and wait for help which is never denied.”

18:7   Then the earth shook and quaked;
And the foundations of the mountains were trembling
And were shaken, because He was angry.
18:8   Smoke went up out of His nostrils,
And fire from His mouth devoured;
Coals were kindled by it.
18:9   He bowed the heavens also, and came down
With thick darkness under His feet.
18:10   And He rode upon a cherub and flew;
And He sped upon the wings of the wind.
18:11   He made darkness His hiding place, His canopy around Him,
Darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies.
18:12   From the brightness before Him passed His thick clouds,
Hailstones and coals of fire.
18:13   The Lord also thundered in the heavens,
And the Most High uttered His voice,
Hailstones and coals of fire.
18:14   And He sent out His arrows, and scattered them,
And lightening flashes in abundance, and routed them.
18:15   Then the channels of water appeared,
And the foundations of the world laid bare
At Thy rebuke, O Lord,
At the blast of the breath of Thy nostrils.

Someone commented, “Our enemies may be too strong for us, but they are not too strong for Him.” God responded to David’s urgent cry for help in a swift and magnificent display of power that struck terror in the hearts of his enemies. God came to David’s aid in an earthquake (verse 7), fire (verse 8), and a storm and wind (verses 9-15) that laid bare the foundations of the world. Psalm 119:91 states, “For all things are Thy servants.” God can marshal the forces of nature to carry out His divine work (see Psalm 104:2-4).

Practical Consideration: God is bigger than anything or anyone that comes against us. We must always keep in mind the fact that God is bigger and stronger than anyone or anything that comes against us. We should always view the things that oppose us against the backdrop of God’s omnipotence.

18:16   He sent from on high, He took me;
He drew me out of many waters.
18:17   He delivered me from my strong enemy,
And from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.
18:18   They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
But the Lord was my stay.
18:19   He brought me forth also into a broad place;
He rescued me, because He delighted in me.

God delivered David. He rescued him “out of many waters,” that is, out of “the torrents of ungodliness” (verse 4b) that earlier threatened to destroy him. God delivered him from his strong enemies and those who hated him. God rescued him from the tight spot he was in and set him in “a broad place.” God’s presence also inspired him with confidence as evidenced in the phrase, “But the Lord was my stay” (verse 8). According to verse 19, the reason God rescued David is because God delighted in him (the following verses elaborate on this).

Practical Consideration: God makes the difference. When David found himself overwhelmed by his enemies he confidently declared that the Lord was his stay. The little conjunction “but” in verse 18b is the hinge on which the door of his confidence swung: “But God. . .” makes all the difference. It does not matter who or what is against us if the Lord is our stay.

18:20   The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness;
According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me.
18:21   For I have kept the ways of the Lord,
And have not wickedly departed from my God.
18:22   For all His ordinances were before me,
And I did not put away His statutes from me.
18:23   I was also blameless with Him,
And I kept myself from my iniquity.
18:24   Therefore the Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness,
According to the cleanness of my hands in His eyes.

These verses expound on verse 19. David saw God’s deliverance as a reward for his moral and ethical purity, faithfulness, and integrity. David honored God and God honored David.

Practical Consideration: Faithfulness honors God and God honors faithfulness. David honored God by living a faithful life. God in turn honored David by delivering him from the hand of the wicked. Faithfulness and integrity are important to God. He blesses the righteous man (see Psalm 5:12 and Psalm 84:11).

18:25   With the kind Thou dost show Thyself kind;
With the blameless Thou dost show Thyself blameless;
18:26   With the pure Thou dost show Thyself pure;
And with the crooked Thou dost show Thyself astute.

These verses express that God gives measure for measure. He rewards the faithful and punishes the wicked. God deals with men as they deal with one another (see also Matthew 6:14-15). With the good, He is good. With the blameless, He is blameless. With the pure, He is pure. With the perverse, He can be very difficult!

18:27   For Thou dost save an afflicted people;
But haughty eyes Thou dost abase.
18:28   For Thou dost light my lamp;
The Lord my God illumines my darkness.
18:29   For by Thee I can run upon a troop;
And by my God I can leap over a wall.

God exalts the humble and opposes the proud (see also 1 Peter 5:5). Those who find themselves in darkness should look to God for light. Verse 29 accentuates the fact that with God we can attempt and accomplish what seems impossible (see Joshua 6 regarding the conquest of Jericho). With God’s help we can deal with obstructions.

18:30   As for God, His way is blameless;
The word of the Lord is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
18:31   For who is God, but the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God,
18:32   The God who girds me with strength,
And makes my way blameless?
18:33   He makes my feet like hinds’ feet,
And sets me upon my high places.
18:34   He trains my hands for battle,
So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
18:35   Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation,
And Thy right hand upholds me;
And Thy gentleness makes me great.
18:36   Thou dost enlarge my steps under me,
And my feet have not slipped.

David gave God the credit for his victories in battle. It was God who was his shield (verse 30), girded him with strength (verse 32), and gave him stability (verse 33) and skill (verse 34) in battle. That is the reason why David was victorious in battle.

Practical Consideration: We should give credit where credit is due. David fought many battles and experienced many victories, yet he was careful to give God the credit and the glory for these deliverances and victories. He was not so proud or presumptuous as to forget to give God the glory after a victory. Learning to recognize God’s working in our lives and in our difficulties should prompt us to express our gratitude to Him.

18:37   I pursued my enemies and overtook them,
And I did not turn back until they were consumed.
18:38   I shattered them, so that they were not able to rise;
They fell under my feet.
18:39   For Thou hast girded me with strength for battle;
Thou hast subdued under me those who rose up against me.
18:40   Thou hast also made my enemies turn their backs to me,
And I destroyed those who hated me.
18:41   They cried for help, but there was none to save,
Even to the Lord, but He did not answer them.
18:42   Then I beat them fine as the dust before the wind;
I emptied them out as the mire of the streets.
18:43   Thou hast delivered me from the contentions of the people;
Thou hast placed me as the head of the nations;
A people whom I have not known serve me.
18:44   As soon as they hear, they obey me;
Foreigners submit to me.
18:45   Foreigners fade away,
And come trembling out of their fortresses.

Although David did his part in battle (verses 37-38), the victory came from the Lord (verses 39-41). In desperation, his enemies even cried to the Lord for help, but to no avail. Spurgeon comments, “Prayer is so notable a weapon that even the wicked will take to it in their fits of desperation.” The only credit David took was that he trusted God. The defeated enemies acknowledged David’s sovereignty and paid homage to him (verses 43-45).

18:46   The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock;
And exalted be the God of my salvation,
18:47   The God who executes vengeance for me,
And subdues peoples under me.
18:48   He delivers me from my enemies;
Surely Thou dost lift me above those who rise up against me;
Thou dost rescue me from the violent man.
18:49   Therefore I will give thanks to Thee among the nations, O Lord,
And I will sing praises to Thy name.
18:50   He gives great deliverance to His king,
And shows lovingkindness to His anointed,
To David and his descendants forever.

David expressed his gratitude to the Lord by praising Him (verses 46-48) and promised to sing God’s praises among the nations.



Note: This psalm is a prayer for God’s justice.

A prayer of David.

---



A. Prayer of a Righteous Man
17:1 [note the psalmist’s triple appeal…] [1] Hear me, Lord [the God of the covenant], my plea is just; [2] listen to my cry [a desperate and intense call for divine help]. [3] Hear my prayer — it does not rise from deceitful lips.



17:2 [note twofold content of his prayer] [1 = vindication] Let my vindication come from you; [2 = investigation] may your eyes see what is right.

17:3 [a declaration of innocence] Though you [A] probe my heart, though you [B] examine me at night [a time when he was alone with God and away from all distractions] and [C] test me, [note the findings of the probing, examining, and testing…] you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed.

17:4 Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent [those who gave no consideration to God’s commands] through what your lips have commanded.

17:5 My steps have held to your paths [the way of godliness; “Lord, perfect what Thou hast begun in me, that I may not suffer shipwreck when I am almost at the haven.” (Beza)]; my feet have not stumbled [“When men speak ill of thee, live so that no one will believe them.” (Plato)].



B. Prayer for Protection

17:6 I call on you, my God [based on use of metaphors from Deut. 32:10-12 in verse 8, David called on the God of the Exodus and of Mount Sinai to act again on his behalf], for you will answer me [a bold confidence that God would hear and answer his cry for help]; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.

17:7 Show me the wonders of your great love [an appeal to act on his behalf now by delivering him from those who would do him harm], you who save by your right hand [symbol of strength] those who take refuge in you from their foes.



17:8 [note two metaphors (cf. Deut. 32:10-12) for God’s love…] Keep me as [1] the apple of your eye [the precious part of the eye that should be carefully guarded]; hide me in [2] the shadow of your wings [as a hen or an eagle protect their young beneath their wings]

17:9 from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies [from Heb. phrase meaning “my enemies in soul” meaning “in greed” or who are intent on taking everything from him and destroying him] who surround me [David felt surrounded like a city under siege].

C. The Wicked

17:10 They close up [unlike the righteous whose hearts are open and obedient to God] their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.

17:11 They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.



17:12 They are like a lion [a symbol of strength] hungry for prey, like a fierce lion crouching in cover.



D. Prayer for Deliverance

17:13 Rise up, Lord [the psalmist asks God to confront the wicked in his stead], confront them, bring them down [an act of destruction]; with your sword rescue me from the wicked.


E. The Wicked

17:14 By your hand save me from such people, Lord, from those of this world whose reward is in this life [the wicked give little consideration to the next world; they receive their portion in this world]. May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies [the psalmist asked God to give the wicked what they deserved for their wickedness]; may their children gorge themselves on it, and may there be leftovers for their little ones.


F. Hope in Righteousness

17:15 As for me [in contrast to the fate of the wicked], I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake [this may be an indication that this was an evening prayer], I will be satisfied [the wicked and the godly are not satisfied by the same things] with seeing your likeness [cf. 1 John 3:2].