Torrey Gazette

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BBC: Psalm 17:7-12

7 Wondrously show your steadfast love,
    O Savior of those who seek refuge
    from their adversaries at your right hand.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
    hide me in the shadow of your wings,
9 from the wicked who do me violence,
    my deadly enemies who surround me.
10 They close their hearts to pity;
    with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
11 They have now surrounded our steps;
    they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.
12 He is like a lion eager to tear,
    as a young lion lurking in ambush.

The psalmist, after calling upon the vindication of God (v. 1, 6), speaks both of the great faithfulness of God and his status before God. The “steadfast love” (literally faithfulness) is the incredible attribute of God towards His covenant people (Num 14:18; Deaut 510; 7:9-12). This faithfulness and its effect on salvation have been referred to by the psalmist already (Psa 6:4; 13:5).

These are the people who “take refuge” in God (Isa 30:2). That this location is God’s “right hand” points to and is fulfilled by both Christ and believers (Eph 1:20; 2:5-6). So also the torment and persecution of the unrighteous lion (v. 12) finds its ultimate analogy in Satan himself (1 Pet 5:8).