Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Psalms

Psalms 
Day 
Day 116

"Hear a just cause, O LORD"

Day 116 – Psalm 17

“Hear a just cause, O LORD” Psalm 17:1a

APPEALING TO GOD

The language of Psalm 17 is that of a petitioner pleading a case before the Lord as Judge. The following is a list of psalms (prayers) that reflect a familiar strain of thought.

1. Psalm 7 is the clearest example of David’s appeal to God as Judge.

2.Psalm 9 describes God on His throne judging in righteousness.

PLEADING A JUST CAUSE

Pleading a just cause at the Divine Court of God is not the same as arguing a case in a human court of law! The difference becomes more obvious as we read the psalms carefully.

“Hear a just cause, O LORD, attend to my cry;
Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.
Let my vindication come from Your presence;
Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright.”
Psalm 17:1-2

1. “O LORD”

a) He is well acknowledged as a Just Judge (Psalm 7:11).
b) He sits enthroned judging in righteousness (Psalm 9:4)

2. “Hear a just cause”

a) This petition is offered as a prayer (Psalm 17:1b).
b) This prayer has been thoroughly examined before it is even presented; it is free from “deceit”.
c) The case brought before the Lord must indeed be “a just cause”!

3. “Vindication”

a) David pleads for “vindication” no less.
b) He looked forward to God Himself vindicating his just cause.
c) He is confident that God would uphold justice because He is an upright Judge.
d) God, being who He is, cannot but look “on things that are upright”.