Psalms 17 - Introduction

XVII.

For the general scope of this psalm, compare Introduction to Psalms 16; for particular points of resemblance, compare Psalms 17:8 with Psalms 16:1; Psalms 17:3 with Psalms 16:7; Psalms 17:7; Psalms 17:14 with Psalms 16:8, &c; and many linguistic analogies only seen in the Hebrew. It would be satisfactory if we could actually identify the author — doubtless the same man — of the two; but if we lose sight of him in thinking of the righteous part of Israel generally, suffering under the attacks of the ungodly or the heathen, and with only its faith to sustain it, the question of authorship loses its importance.

The psalm is entirely without rhythmic art.

Title. — A prayer. From Psalms 72:20, “the prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended,” we naturally regard tephillah, i.e., prayer, as a name applicable to all the pieces of the collection, though it only actually occurs as an inscription five times, and only one — the present — belongs to the first two books.