Psalm 17 – Prayer for Protection

When you are in difficulty as enemies circle around you threatening your life, say Psalm 17.

Athanasius, On the Interpretation of the Psalms

Again we have a psalm appealing for God's protection against enemies. And again I can think of situations when this is a psalm I could use. In our divisive times, how many of us understand all too well the psalmist's words: "They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly."

Yet, in the midst of this, there is a sense of calm trust and confidence that God knows the situation and is sovereign over all. I also really like that it ends with the desire to see God's face. That will fulfill all desires.

Verse 8, Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
is used in the office of Compline.
Book of hours open at compline

I like the way that St. Augustine ties this psalm to the New Testament and uses it as a launching point for meditation on God himself.

17:15. Satisfied with Beholding God

What God Must Be Like, St. Augustine:What this future glory will be like, however, how richly it will flourish, with what splendor it will blaze out, while we can sing its praises, we cannot possibly explain. Why not? Because we read, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it come up into the human heart, what things God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Cor. 2:9). So if that is what has to be said about the eternal good things of heaven ... what must God himself be, who has prepared such great and wonderful tings? What, I repeat must almighty God be like? What but unfathomable, inexpressible, incomprehensible, surpassing all things, beyond all things, apart from all things? He excels, after all, everyone of his creatures; he goes far beyond everything he has made; he surpasses the whole universe. I mean, if you are looking for greatness, he is greater; if for beauty, he is more beautiful still; if for delightfulness, he is still more delightful; if for splendor, he is more brilliant; if for justice, he is more just; if for strength, he is stronger; if for fatherly care, he is kinder. Reason, after all, in no way allows us to equate the thing made with its maker or the work with its craftsman. Sermon 384.1

Psalms 1-50 (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture)

Sources are here and an index of psalm posts is here.