Psalm 17:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.

NIV: Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.

NASB: Show Your wonderful faithfulness, Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand From those who rise up against them.

CSB: Display the wonders of your faithful love, Savior of all who seek refuge from those who rebel against your right hand.

NLT: Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies.

KJV: Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.

NKJV: Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You From those who rise up against them.

David appeals to the Lord to reveal His goodness to him. The Hebrew phrasing here most literally means "distinguish." It either means for God to miraculously demonstrate His favor of David, or for God to show His love through David. The word translated "steadfast love," or "lovingkindness," is the term he'sed, implying a loyal, devoted love and benefit. The word suggests an ongoing relationship, which corresponds to David's confidence that God both hears and answers prayer (Psalm 17:6).

This verse also addresses God as the Savior of those who seek safety from enemies. This echoes comments made elsewhere in the psalms (Psalm 16:1; 46:1; 62:7). The "right hand" is a reference to strength and power. Those who look for eternal safety and absolute goodness find it only in God (Psalm 16:2).

David was certain the God who provided a refuge for His people at the Red Sea could provide a refuge for him and for all who seek His protection. In a mighty display of His love for His people, the Hebrews, God caused the waters of the Red Sea to pile up, allowing the Hebrews to tread safely across the river. However, when the Egyptians attempted to pursue the Hebrews, God brought the waters together, causing the Egyptians to drown (Exodus 14). In his praise of God after the historic event, Moses called God "majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders" (Exodus 15:11). He spoke of God's stretched out right hand (Exodus 15:12) and His "steadfast love" (Exodus 15:13).

Likely written when Saul was pursuing David in the wilderness, this records David's urgent plea for deliverance. He insists that he is in the right and free from deceit or evil. He proclaims God as a Savior and asks God to heed his cry and reveal His steadfast love to him. David addresses God as the Savior of those who seek refuge in Him from their enemies. Verse 8 uses two famous phrases describing God's tender care and love: "apple of the eye" and "shadow of your wings." Using a singular noun, David compares his enemy, likely Saul, to a ferocious, stealthy, bloodthirsty lion. Through these struggles, David looks forward to a blessed eternity of beholding God's face.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.