Psalm 17 is a prayer of David when he calls upon God to deliver him from very terrible adversaries. Verse 9 tells us that these people are wicked, violent and deadly; verses 10-12, they are arrogant, scheming and like a lion in ambush, waiting to pounce and tear the victim apart. Yet, verse 14 describes that these people are rich and can make their children wealthy as well.

Verses 1-7 and 15 describes how David prays to God with a clear conscience and a clean heart. Phrases like “free of deceit” (v1), “behold the right” (v2), “you will find nothing” (v3), “my mouth will not transgress” (v3), “avoided the ways of the violent” and “held fast to your paths” (v5) are evidences for the reason that he is being described as a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13:14).

For a man who have such an intimate relationship with God, he is confident that God will hear and answer his prayer – “I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God” (v6) and “As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness” (v15). David’s spiritual intimacy with God is vividly portrayed in verse 8 by the expression "apple of one's eye" and "shadow of your wings." The former phrase describes something or someone very precious and cherished, often protected and guarded with great care. The latter phrase is an image of God's protective care and shelter, similar to a mother bird shielding her chicks.

Prayer :

Dear God, David’s example is a great inspiration of someone who has an intimate walk with you. In my relationship with you, O Lord, I sincerely pray that you will also capture my heart and my love for you. Please help me to zealously guard my fellowship with you so that I would not allow any unconfessed sin to draw me away from you. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.