Old Testament · Poetry

Psalm 17

Keep Me as the Apple of Your Eye

A prayer for protection so intimate it borrows the language of a parent shielding a child. Hide me in the shadow of Your wings.

Berean Standard Bible BSB KJV
Read the commentary What this chapter means, the background behind it, and why it still matters

Every verse here opens — tap a number for what that one means.

1Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer— it comes from lips free of deceit.

2May my vindication come from Your presence; may Your eyes see what is right.

3You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth.

4As for the deeds of men— by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.

5My steps have held to Your paths; my feet have not slipped.

6I call on You, O God, for You will answer me. Incline Your ear to me; hear my words.

7Show the wonders of Your loving devotion, You who save by Your right hand those who seek refuge from their foes.

8Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings

9from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

10They have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance.

11They have tracked us down, and now surround us; their eyes are set to cast us to the ground,

12like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.

13Arise, O LORD, confront them! Bring them to their knees; deliver me from the wicked by Your sword,

14from such men, O LORD, by Your hand— from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to their children.

15As for me, I will behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied in Your presence.

Commentary

Psalm 17, explained

What Psalm 17 is saying

Psalm 17 is a prayer of David asserting his innocence and pleading for divine protection using vivid imagery: the pupil of the eye (ishon bat-ayin), the shadow of God's wings (tsel k'nafeycha), and enemies described as lions crouching in ambush. The psalm distinguishes between people whose portion is in this life and the psalmist's hope to behold God's face (paneycha) upon waking.

The background behind it

The psalm reflects a situation of acute personal danger from powerful enemies, consistent with multiple episodes in David's life. The 'apple of the eye' imagery (literally 'little man of the daughter of the eye'—the reflection seen in another's pupil) expresses intimate divine attention.

Themes running underneath

The psalm contrasts two kinds of satisfaction: the wicked are satisfied with earthly abundance (treasures that fill their children's bellies), while the psalmist anticipates satisfaction in seeing God's likeness (t'munatekha). This eschatological vision hints at a hope beyond death.

Why it still matters

The distinction between being satisfied with 'this life' treasures and being satisfied with God's presence challenges every person's ultimate definition of the good life. It presses the question: what will truly satisfy you in the end?

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