Psalms 17:13 - Exposition

Arise, O Lord (comp. Psalms 7:6 ; Psalms 9:19 ; Psalms 10:12 ; Psalms 44:26 , etc.). Having described the character of the wicked man, and pointed out his ill desert ( Psalms 17:9-12 ), the psalmist now invokes God's vengeance upon him. "Right" requires equally the succour of the godly and the punishment of the ungodly man. Disappoint him, cast him down; literally, get before him , bow him down ; i.e. intercept his spring, and bow him down to the earth (see Psalms 18:39 ). Deliver my soul from the wicked . This will be the result of the interposition. When the ungodly are cast down, the righteous are delivered out of their hand. Which is thy sword . 4. true statement (see Isaiah 10:5 ), but scarcely what the writer intended in this place, where he is regarding the wicked as altogether opposed to God. It is best to translate, with the Revised Version, Deliver my soul from the wicked by thy sword.