Click here to read PSALM 17 in poetic form.
Background
This Psalm shows the Messiah’s absolute trust and confidence in God’s help. The adversary constantly attacks, and the Messiah just as consistently goes to God for help. The Lord is faithful to deliver His Son.
Structure
(Verses 1-3) Messiah’s prayer: attend, give ear, let…come forth, let…behold
(Verses 4) God’s help when destroyer attacks the Messiah
(Verses 5-8) Messiah’s prayer: hold up, incline, hear, shew, keep, hide
(Verses 9-12) the wicked attack the Messiah
(Verses 13) Messiah’s prayer: arise, disappoint, cast down, deliver
(Verses 14) the wicked attack the Messiah
(Verses 15) God’s deliverance for the Messiah
Key Scriptures
Verse 3—“thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing.” Jesus Christ was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
Verse 3—“I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.” I Peter 2:22 says that no guile was found in Jesus Christ’s mouth. He guarded his lips to only speak the truth in love, and not let anything corrupt proceed from his mouth. We are encouraged to do the same today (Ephesians 4:15,29).
Verse 15—“ I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” Think about Jesus Christ’s first thought after being raised from the dead! He was satisfied with seeing His Father’s face. See “Next Thought” for further detail.
FOR FURTHER STUDY
All 150 of The Psalms in Poetic Form are available from Amazon in a book, either Large Print or a smaller Bedside Reader. Also available for free with a Kindle Unlimited membership. Enjoy!
The entire blog series is now available in the publication The Psalms: Background & Structure with Key Scriptures Explained.
