Psalms 17:9
From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.
Original Language Analysis
מִפְּנֵ֣י
From
H6440
מִפְּנֵ֣י
From
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
1 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
רְ֭שָׁעִים
the wicked
H7563
רְ֭שָׁעִים
the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
שַׁדּ֑וּנִי
oppress
H7703
שַׁדּ֑וּנִי
oppress
Strong's:
H7703
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, to be burly, i.e., (figuratively) powerful (passively, impregnable); by implication, to ravage
בְּ֝נֶ֗פֶשׁ
me from my deadly
H5315
בְּ֝נֶ֗פֶשׁ
me from my deadly
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Historical Context
Reflects David's experience when Saul's forces literally surrounded him in the wilderness (1 Samuel 23:26), with escape seemingly impossible until God intervened.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when circumstances seem to trap you with no human solution?
- What spiritual enemies currently press in, requiring divine intervention?
Analysis & Commentary
The 'deadly enemies' who 'surround' David are described with hunting imagery. The Hebrew 'shud' (destroy/devastate) indicates ruthless intent. Being surrounded ('sabab') creates desperation—no escape except divine intervention. This anticipates Christ surrounded by enemies at Gethsemane and crucifixion, yet trusting the Father. Reformed theology sees believers' enemies as ultimately spiritual powers requiring divine deliverance (Ephesians 6:12).