Psalms 17:11 - Exposition

They have now compassed us in our steps; rather, [ following ] our steps , they now compass me (comp. Psalms 17:9 ; and see 1 Samuel 23:26 ). They have set their eyes bowing down to the earth ; rather, they have set their eyes , to east [ me ] down to the earth. The simile of the lion is already in the writer's mind. As the lion, before making his spring, fixes his eyes intently upon the prey—not to fascinate it, but to make sure of his distance—with intent, when he springs, to cast the prey down to the earth; so it is now with my enemies, who have set their eyes on me. (So Dr. Kay, the 'Speaker's Commentary,' and the Revised Version.)