and now surround us
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 (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

their eyes are set
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 (Matthew 6:22-23). 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 (1 Peter 5:8).

to cast us to the ground
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 (1 Peter 5:6).

“They have tracked us down…” (Psalm 17:11a) takes us straight into David’s lived reality: determined enemies following his every move.

• Pursuit that is intentional: just as Saul “searched for him every day” (1 Samuel 23:14), these adversaries invest energy and planning.

• A reminder that godly living can still attract hostility; Psalm 10:2 pictures “the wicked man in his arrogance hunting down the weak.”

• Yet the Lord sees every step: Psalm 139:3 says He is the One truly “familiar with all my ways,” giving us confidence when others are watching for harm.

“…and now surround us;” (Psalm 17:11b) intensifies the scene.

• Encirclement means no visible escape—echoed in Psalm 22:16, “Dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me.”

• From a human view the situation is hopeless, but 2 Kings 6:17 shows God opening Elisha’s servant’s eyes to heavenly horses and chariots—proof that what encircles us never outnumbers what protects us.

• Paul later reflects the same truth: “We are hard pressed on all sides, yet not crushed” (2 Corinthians 4:8), validating David’s experience for believers today.

“…their eyes are set to cast us to the ground.” (Psalm 17:11c) exposes the motive behind the pursuit.

• Eyes fixed on destruction: Psalm 37:32 says, “The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, intent on putting them to death.”

• The phrase shows premeditation—like the schemer in Proverbs 6:13–14 who “plots evil continually.”

• Spiritually, the enemy of our souls works the same way: Jesus warns Peter, “Satan has demanded to sift you like wheat” (Luke 22:31). Yet the promise remains that “the Lord upholds the righteous” (Psalm 37:17).

Psalm 17:11 paints a vivid picture of relentless foes who pursue, surround, and focus on bringing the righteous down. David’s words are literal, rooted in real danger, but they also mirror the ongoing conflict believers face. Scripture consistently assures us that although enemies may track, encircle, and plot, God sees, shields, and ultimately delivers those who trust Him.

They have set.--Literally, they fix their eyes to cast on the earth, 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 our blood, instead of the awkward his likeness. He thus gets, "They have set their eyes to shed our blood on the earth." For the Hebrew verb in similar sense, comp. Isaiah 66:12.