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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 17:11 They have tracked us down, and now surround us; their eyes are set to cast us to the ground,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/17-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/19_Psa_017_011.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 17:11 - Hear My Righteous Plea" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They have tracked us down, and now surround us; their eyes are set to cast us to the ground," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They have tracked us down, and now surround us; their eyes are set to cast us to the ground,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />They have now surrounded us in our steps; They have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />They have now surrounded us in our steps; They set their eyes to cast <i>us</i> down to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />They have now surrounded us in our steps; They set their eyes to cast us down to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />They have now surrounded us in our steps; They set their eyes to cast <i>us</i> down to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />They have now surrounded us in our steps; They set their eyes to cast <i>us</i> down to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They track us down <i>and</i> have now surrounded us in our steps; They set their eyes to force us to the ground,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They advance against me; now they surround me. They are determined to throw me to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They advance against me; now they surround me. They are determined to throw me to the ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />They have now compassed us in our steps; They set their eyes to cast us down to the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They have caught up with me! My enemies are everywhere, eagerly hoping to smear me in the dirt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />They have now compassed us in our steps: they set their eyes to cast us down to the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They have tracked me down. They have surrounded me. They have focused their attention on throwing me to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They are around me now, wherever I turn, watching for a chance to pull me down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Now they have encircled our paths and are determined to cast us down to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They have tracked us down, and now surround us; their eyes are set to cast us to the ground,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They attack me, now they surround me; they intend to throw me to the ground. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They have tracked me down; suddenly they surround me. They watch closely, crouching down to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They have now surrounded us in our steps. They set their eyes to cast us down to the earth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“Our steps have now surrounded [him]”; They set their eyes to turn aside in the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Our steps now have compassed him;' Their eyes they set to turn aside in the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />We went straight, now they surrounded us: their eyes they will set to incline to the earth;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They have cast me forth and now they have surrounded me: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 16:11>They have cast me out, and now they have surrounded me. They have cast their eyes down to the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Their steps even now encircle me; they watch closely, keeping low to the ground, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They track me down; now they surround me; they set their eyes to cast me to the ground.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They have praised me, and now have surrounded me; they have determined to bury me in the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />They praised me and now they have surrounded me; they have set their eyes to cast me down to the ground.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />At our every step they have now encompassed us; They set their eyes to cast us down to the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />They have now cast me out and compassed me round about: they have set their eyes <i>so as</i> to bow them down to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/17-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=1432" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/17.htm">Hear My Righteous Plea</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>They have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/838.htm" title="838: ’aš·šu·rê·nū (N-fpc:: 1cp) -- Step, going. Or ashshur; from 'ashar in the sense of going; a step.">They have tracked us down,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: ‘at·tāh (Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">and now</a> <a href="/hebrew/5437.htm" title="5437: sə·ḇå̄·ḇū·nī (V-Qal-Perf-3cp:: 1cp) -- A primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively.">surround us;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nê·hem (N-cdc:: 3mp) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">their eyes</a> <a href="/hebrew/7896.htm" title="7896: yā·šî·ṯū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To put, set. A primitive root; to place.">are set</a> <a href="/hebrew/5186.htm" title="5186: lin·ṭō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away; used in a great variety of application.">to cast us</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: bā·’ā·reṣ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">to the ground,</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-47.htm">Matthew 26:47</a></span><br />While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-3.htm">John 18:3</a></span><br />So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-47.htm">Luke 22:47</a></span><br />While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-43.htm">Mark 14:43</a></span><br />While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-27.htm">Acts 4:27</a></span><br />In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-57.htm">Acts 7:57-58</a></span><br />At this they covered their ears, cried out in a loud voice, and rushed together at him. / They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-10.htm">John 10:10</a></span><br />The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-43.htm">Luke 19:43</a></span><br />For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm">2 Timothy 4:17</a></span><br />But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-15.htm">Romans 3:15</a></span><br />“Their feet are swift to shed blood;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-7.htm">Isaiah 59:7</a></span><br />Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-26.htm">Jeremiah 5:26</a></span><br />For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-2.htm">Micah 7:2</a></span><br />The godly man has perished from the earth; there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; they hunt one another with a net.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;</p><p class="hdg">compassed</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/23-26.htm">1 Samuel 23:26</a></b></br> And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-2.htm">1 Samuel 24:2,3</a></b></br> Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/26-2.htm">1 Samuel 26:2,3</a></b></br> Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph… </p><p class="hdg">set</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/10-8.htm">Psalm 10:8-10</a></b></br> He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-13.htm">Proverbs 6:13,14</a></b></br> He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">Alert</a> <a href="/job/4-4.htm">Bowing</a> <a href="/psalms/5-10.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/job/26-10.htm">Circle</a> <a href="/job/38-18.htm">Compassed</a> <a href="/psalms/16-3.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/job/26-10.htm">Encompassed</a> <a href="/psalms/17-8.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/psalms/10-5.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-18.htm">Forcing</a> <a href="/psalms/12-6.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/psalms/17-9.htm">Round</a> <a href="/job/34-21.htm">Step</a> <a href="/psalms/17-5.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/psalms/17-9.htm">Surround</a> <a href="/job/19-6.htm">Surrounded</a> <a href="/psalms/2-3.htm">Throw</a> <a href="/job/14-16.htm">Track</a> <a href="/hosea/6-8.htm">Tracked</a> <a href="/psalms/17-6.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/21-7.htm">Alert</a> <a href="/psalms/62-3.htm">Bowing</a> <a href="/psalms/17-13.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/psalms/19-6.htm">Circle</a> <a href="/psalms/18-4.htm">Compassed</a> <a href="/psalms/18-7.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/18-4.htm">Encompassed</a> <a href="/psalms/18-24.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/psalms/22-15.htm">Fixed</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-21.htm">Forcing</a> <a href="/psalms/26-12.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/psalms/18-4.htm">Round</a> <a href="/psalms/18-36.htm">Step</a> <a href="/psalms/18-36.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/psalms/22-12.htm">Surround</a> <a href="/psalms/18-4.htm">Surrounded</a> <a href="/psalms/50-17.htm">Throw</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-22.htm">Track</a> <a href="/hosea/6-8.htm">Tracked</a> <a href="/psalms/18-22.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/17-1.htm">David, in confidence of his integrity, craves defense of God against his enemies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/17-10.htm">He shows their pride, craft, and eagerness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/17-13.htm">He prays against them in confidence of his hope</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They have tracked us down</b><br>This phrase suggests a relentless pursuit by enemies, indicating a situation of imminent danger. In the context of David's life, this could refer to the times when King Saul pursued him (<a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">1 Samuel 23:14-15</a>). The imagery of being hunted is common in the Psalms, reflecting the real threats David faced. This pursuit can also symbolize spiritual warfare, where believers feel pursued by evil forces (<a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>).<p><b>and now surround us</b><br>The idea of being surrounded implies a sense of entrapment and vulnerability. Historically, David often found himself encircled by adversaries, whether it was Saul's army or foreign enemies like the Philistines. This phrase can also be seen as a metaphor for the trials and pressures that encircle believers, testing their faith and reliance on God (<a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm">2 Corinthians 4:8-9</a>).<p><b>their eyes are set</b><br>This indicates a focused and determined intent by the enemies. In biblical times, the eyes were often seen as the windows to one's intentions and desires (<a href="/matthew/6-22.htm">Matthew 6:22-23</a>). The enemies' fixed gaze suggests a premeditated plan to harm. This can be compared to the way Satan prowls like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (<a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a>).<p><b>to cast us to the ground</b><br>This phrase conveys the ultimate goal of the enemies: to bring about the psalmist's downfall. In a broader spiritual sense, it reflects the adversary's desire to cause believers to stumble and fall away from their faith. The imagery of being cast to the ground can also be seen in the context of humility and submission before God, as believers are called to humble themselves under God's mighty hand (<a href="/1_peter/5-6.htm">1 Peter 5:6</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of the psalm, traditionally believed to be King David, who often faced enemies and sought God's protection.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a></b><br>The adversaries who are pursuing David, representing those who oppose the righteous.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The protector and deliverer whom David calls upon for help.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The broader context of the nation, often surrounded by hostile nations.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/wilderness.htm">Wilderness</a></b><br>A possible setting for David's plea, as he often fled to the wilderness to escape his enemies.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_opposition.htm">The Reality of Opposition</a></b><br>Believers will face opposition, just as David did. Understanding this prepares us for spiritual battles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god_as_protector.htm">God as Protector</a></b><br>Like David, we should turn to God for protection and deliverance when surrounded by challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_vigilance.htm">Spiritual Vigilance</a></b><br>Just as David's enemies were vigilant, we must be spiritually vigilant against the schemes of the enemy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_as_a_weapon.htm">Prayer as a Weapon</a></b><br>David's psalm is a prayer, reminding us of the power of prayer in times of distress.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eyes_on_the_ground.htm">Eyes on the Ground</a></b><br>The enemies' intent to cast David to the ground symbolizes the desire to defeat us; we must keep our eyes on God instead.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_angels.htm">What does the Bible say about guardian angels?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_persecutions_in_psalm_17_9-12.htm">Where is the historical or archaeological evidence for the specific persecutions mentioned in Psalm 17:9-12?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_ask_god_for_favor_if_he's_impartial.htm">Why does Psalm 17:8 ask God to treat the psalmist as 'the apple of Your eye' if God is supposed to be impartial (Deuteronomy 10:17)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_david's_psalm_101_3_claim_plausible.htm">In Psalm 101:3, is David's claim of refusing to set any 'vile thing' before his eyes historically plausible, given the idolatries and cultural norms of his era?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">They have now . . .</span>--Evidently the meaning is, <span class= "ital">Wherever we go they surround us like curs, i.e., </span>they dog our footsteps. But the text is confused.<p><span class= "bld">They have set.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">they fix their eyes to cast on the earth, </span>which may mean, "they fix their eyes on me, ready to strike me to the ground." Ewald, "they direct their eyes through the land to strike." But Mr. Burgess suggests a translation at once simple and convincing. He brings the first word back from the next verse, and points it <span class= "ital">our blood, </span>instead of the awkward <span class= "ital">his likeness. </span>He thus gets, "They have set their eyes to shed our blood on the earth." For the Hebrew verb in similar sense, comp. <a href="/isaiah/66-12.htm" title="For thus said the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall you suck, you shall be borne on her sides, and be dandled on her knees.">Isaiah 66:12</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They have now compassed us</span> in <span class="cmt_word">our steps;</span> rather, [<span class="accented">following</span>] <span class="accented">our steps</span>, <span class="accented">they now compass me</span> (comp. ver. 9; and see <a href="/1_samuel/23-26.htm">1 Samuel 23:26</a>). <span class="cmt_word">They have set their eyes bowing down to the earth</span>; rather, <span class="accented">they have set their eyes</span>, <span class="accented">to east</span> [<span class="accented">me</span>] <span class="accented">down to the earth.</span> The simile of the lion is already in the writer's mind. As the lion, before making his spring, fixes his eyes intently upon the prey - not to fascinate it, but to make sure of his distance - with intent, when he springs, to cast the prey down to the earth; so it is now with my enemies, who have set their eyes on me. (So Dr. Kay, the 'Speaker's Commentary,' and the Revised Version.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/17-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">They have tracked us down,</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֭שֻּׁרֵינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(’aš·šu·rê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_838.htm">Strong's 838: </a> </span><span class="str2">Step, going</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and now</span><br /><span class="heb">עַתָּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> </span><span class="str2">At this time</span><br /><br /><span class="word">surround us;</span><br /><span class="heb">סְבָב֑וּנוּ</span> <span class="translit">(sə·ḇā·ḇū·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5437.htm">Strong's 5437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn about, go around, surround</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their eyes</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵינֵיהֶ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·nê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - cdc | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are set</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֝שִׁ֗יתוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·šî·ṯū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7896.htm">Strong's 7896: </a> </span><span class="str2">To put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to cast [us]</span><br /><span class="heb">לִנְט֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lin·ṭō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5186.htm">Strong's 5186: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the ground,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּאָֽרֶץ׃</span> <span class="translit">(bā·’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/17-11.htm">Psalm 17:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/17-11.htm">Psalm 17:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/17-11.htm">Psalm 17:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/17-11.htm">Psalm 17:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/17-11.htm">Psalm 17:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/17-11.htm">Psalm 17:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/17-11.htm">Psalm 17:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/17-11.htm">Psalm 17:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/17-11.htm">Psalm 17:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/17-11.htm">Psalm 17:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/17-11.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 17:11 They have now surrounded us in our (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/17-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 17:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 17:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/17-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 17:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 17:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>