(Psalms 17:7) “Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.”
In Psalms 17:6, David begins the second stanza of his prayer to God. Psalms 17:7 is David’s first request of this second stanza, “Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness.”
Define the Lovingkindness of God:
Briefly, the Hebrew word translated “lovingkindness” simply means kindness. It is further identified by the Source, “thy” or “…of God.” This Source, God, gives the word “lovingkindness” the optimum weight, or perfection. God is Love; and this Love is expressed and identified in Jesus Christ and His work as Sacrifice, Substitute, and Savior of Sinners on the Cross of Calvary. Here Reconciliation, Redemption, and Justification of sinners were consummated (1 Cor. 1:30).
This lovingkindness that God manifested in Christ (2 Cor. 4:6) to sinners is sovereign, free, special, distinguishing, unchangeable, and eternal. David further defines lovingkindness in (Psa 63:3) “Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.” David, being a recipient of God’s lovingkindness in the gift of Faith, now implores God to reveal that he (David) is in fact a receiver of God’s grace.
Declare the Petition:
“Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness”
The greatest gift a sinner can receive is the Love of God placed in his spirit (Rom. 5:5c). However, the lovingkindness of God encompasses not only the spiritual realm in the salvation of the soul; but also, the physical realm in the life of every child of God. It is called by theologians the “Perseverance and Preservation of the Saints.” There are literally hundreds of Scriptures that reveal this truth (example Ps. 121:1-6). It is in the physical realm that David petitioned God concerning his position before others.
Therefore, David said:
God, show (or manifest) that I am a receiver of Your lovingkindness; which involves my position in Your grace, which covers not only my spiritual future; but, also by physical security.
This thought is substantiated in (Ps. 106:4) “Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;”
Describe the Reason David Petitioned God:
“O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.”
The One petitioned “O Thou…”; David declared that God had the power to “save,” using figurative language, “by thy right hand.” The prophet Jonah wrote (Jon 2:9) “But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.” God is the only Salvation, both spiritual and physical. Hallelujah! Amen and Amen!
However, the key word is “them.” David qualifies the “them” by the phrase, which “put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.” The “them” are the children of God. The only Hope of security from the enemies of the Cross for the children of God is in God Himself, “…put their trust in thee.” David said that all of the children of God who walk by faith; those who trust in the Promises of God, and place their entire protection in God, have the right to petition God to show His lovingkindness and protect him, “from those that rise up against them.” In fact, there is help in none other than God for His Children.
Application:
Psalm 17:7 reveals three major truths:
- Jehovah (God) is the Origin, the Source, and the Giver of Love and Lovingkindness.
- The children of God will suffer persecution from the enemies of God.
- The children of God have the authority (or right), and the access to, the Source (God) for help in time of need (Heb. 4:16).
Therefore, the children of God are assured peace, protection, provision, and rest in the Promises of God, and in the Power of God to keep His Promises; for God is Faithful (Rom. 8:29-39; 1 Cor. 1:9).
(1 Corinthians 1:9) “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Great job.