Psalms 17:9

“From the wicked that oppress me, etc.] Or “waste” or “destroy” f254 ; as wild beasts do a field or vineyard when they get into it; and such havoc do persecutors and false teachers make of the church and people of God, when they are suffered to get in among them, (<198013>Psalm 80:13) (<442029>Acts 20:29); wherefore from such wicked and unreasonable men protection is desired, (<530302>2 Thessalonians 3:2); [from] my deadly enemies; enemies against his soul or life, who sought to take it away, nothing would satisfy them but this; [who] compass me about; on all sides, in order to obtain their desire; such were the enemies of Christ, and so they are described, (<192212>Psalm 22:12,13,16).”

“compass me--(compare Psa 118:10-12).”

“From the wicked that oppress me - Margin, “That waste me.” The margin expresses the sense of the Hebrew. The idea is that of being wasted, desolated, destroyed, as a city or country is by the ravages of war. The psalmist compares himself in his troubles with such a city or country. The “effect” of the persecutions which he had endured had been like cities and lands thus laid waste by fire and sword. From my deadly enemies - Margin, “My enemies against the soul.” The literal idea is, “enemies against my life.” The common translation expresses the idea accurately. The sense is, that his enemies sought his life. Who compass me about - Who surround me on every side, as enemies do who besiege a…”

“oppress me: Heb. waste, Ch1 17:9 deadly enemies: Heb. enemies against the soul, Psa 7:5, Psa 35:4, Psa 35:7, Psa 35:12; Sa1 24:11 Psalms 17:10”