Psalm 17. David calls for God's attention and vindication. His is a "just cause," and he knows that God is aware of his innocence (verses 1-3). Yet we should recognize that David is not at all prideful over his obedience to God, as he realizes the need for God's help to continue in His ways (verse 5). David bases his request for vindication on God's "lovingkindness" (hesed)—His covenant loyalty, whereby He is faithful to save those who trust in Him (verse 7).

David's request that God keep him as the "apple of Your eye" (verse 8) makes use of an expression also found in Deuteronomy 32:10, Proverbs 7:2 and Zechariah 2:8. This phrase poetically depicts the sensitivity of the pupil (apple) of one's eye and portrays God as focused on and very attentive to His people. Interestingly, "in Old English the pupil of the eye was called a 'mannikin,' meaning 'little man,' because the pupil gave back the reflection of a grown man as a little man. So too with the Hebrew, for it too means 'little man,' or even 'dear little man'" (Knight, Psalms, comments on Psalm 17:1-15).

David's desire that God hide him "under the shadow of Your wings" (verse 8) pictures the protection a mother hen provides her chicks. It also portrays an intimate relationship with God (see the Beyond Today Bible Commentary on Ruth 3). David pictures his enemies, on the other hand, as young lions, "lurking in secret places," eager to strike (verses 11-12). Their having "fat hearts" in verse 10 speaks of "their greedy, self-loving, and insensitive nature" (Expositor's Bible Commentary, note on verses 10-12)—their "callous hearts" (NIV).

Commentators are not clear on the correct translation of the second half of verse 14. Where the first half is clearly talking about the worldly people who receive their portion in this life, it is not clear whether the second half is still speaking of these (as in the NKJV) or if the reference changes to the godly (as in the NIV). Related to this is the question over whether the phrase translated "hidden treasure" in the NKJV denotes something positive or negative. If negative, the righteous could not be meant. If positive, either the righteous or the wicked could be meant. The evidence seems to favor the understanding that the meaning is positive and that worldly people are meant. These are content to amass possessions and leave them to their children. Their sights are set on nothing higher than what falls to them in this life.

David in contrast looks to the far future for his ultimate reward. His reflection here on the resurrection, "I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness" (verse 15) reminds us of the apostle John's wonderful prophetic declaration concerning our awesome destiny, "We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2).