Psalm 17

David just keeps maxxing up on the psalms.

vs 1

This psalm is a cry to God, a plea for something. David says that the reason God should hear it is because he is not deceitful, he is is seeking justice from God.

God, of course, being a just God, should therefore respond.

vs 2

David is seeking first vindication that he is in the right. It's not usually people who are in the wrong who seek justice. He trusts that God can see the true and just path, and therefore his plea goes to God.

vs 3

David focuses a lot on his mouth and his heart, his intentions and his words. Not that his actions don't come out later, but it is interesting that he opens with this.

vs 4

The idea that bribery and violence are linked with injustice is fairly common in the OT. So it seems that David is trying to show here his just position for the sake of God's judgement of his situation.

vs 5

Interesting to read David saying these words, isn't it? I mean, who of anyone in the Protestant tradition would ever say such a thing about themselves? We are forever told that we are sinful, and we would never make such a claim. David, who killed plenty of people, and who slept with another man's wife and then had him killed, makes this claim though.

vs 6

David knows that God listens, and also answers. He has faith in God's ability to hear David's prayer, and his love and justice in wanting to respond.

vs 7

The love part is actually very important. If God were simply a totally just omniscient being, calling on his for the purposes of justice would be like calling on the ultimate high court. But David isn't calling on God in that capacity. He calls on God because of God's love. God saves because God loves.

vs 8

Just as David has claimed that God saves those who take refuge in him, now he is specifically asking for refuge under God's wings. He is also asking to remain as a recipient of God's love.

vs 9 (Bah! Have to retype it because of stupid Blogger error)

Hmm, I don't think I can be bothered. Blogger seems to be having recurring errors. I read it, I philosophised, I got something out of it. I guess that is enough for Psalm 17.