Psalms 17:11
They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;
Original Language Analysis
עַתָּ֣ה
H6258
סְבָב֑וּניּ
They have now compassed
H5437
סְבָב֑וּניּ
They have now compassed
Strong's:
H5437
Word #:
3 of 7
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
עֵינֵיהֶ֥ם
their eyes
H5869
עֵינֵיהֶ֥ם
their eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
4 of 7
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Historical Context
Describes pursuit by Saul's military forces who tracked David through the wilderness, using scouts and informants to locate and destroy him.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain faithfulness when facing determined opposition?
- What does persistent hostility toward righteousness reveal about spiritual warfare?
Analysis & Commentary
Enemies tracking David's steps now surround him, setting their eyes 'to cast him to the ground.' The Hebrew 'natah' (cast down) suggests violent throwing. The eyes 'set' ('shith') indicate determined focus on destruction. This parallels Christ's enemies who watched Him seeking grounds for accusation (Luke 20:20). Reformed theology sees this as the world's perpetual hostility toward God's anointed.