Psalms7

Psalm 7 is a fervent prayer of David seeking deliverance and vindication from his persecutors, specifically concerning Cush the Benjamite. David appeals to God's justice, asserting his own innocence and asking God to judge him according to his integrity. The psalm concludes with a declaration of God's righteous judgment against the wicked and David's resolve to praise the Lord.

A Prayer of Deliverance and Trust

1
A shiggayon of David, which he sang to ADONAI because of Kush the Ben-Y'mini: ADONAI my God, in you I take refuge. Save me from all my pursuers, and rescue me; ​
2
otherwise, they will maul me like a lion and tear me apart, with no rescuer present.

David's Oath of Innocence

3
ADONAI my God, if I have caused this, if there is guilt on my hands, ​
4
if I paid back evil to him who was at peace with me, when I even spared those who opposed me without cause;
5
then let the enemy pursue me until he overtakes me and tramples my life down into the earth; yes, let him lay my honor in the dust. (Selah)

Calling on God to Rise as Judge

6
Rise up, ADONAI, in your anger! Arouse yourself against the fury of my foes. Wake up for me; you commanded justice. ​
7
May the assembly of the peoples surround you; may you return to rule over them from on high.
8
ADONAI, who dispenses judgment to the peoples, judge me, ADONAI, according to my righteousness and as my integrity deserves.
9
Let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and establish the righteous; since you, righteous God, test hearts and minds. ​
10
My shield is God, who saves the upright in heart.

The Certainty of Divine Judgment

11
God is a righteous judge, a God whose anger is present every day. ​
12
If a person will not repent, he sharpens his sword. He has bent his bow, made it ready;
13
he has also prepared for him weapons of death, his arrows, which he has made into burning shafts.
14
Look how the wicked is pregnant with evil; he conceives trouble, gives birth to lies. ​
15
He makes a pit, digs it deep, and falls into the hole he made.
16
His mischief will return onto his own head, his violence will recoil onto his own skull.

Vow of Thanksgiving

17
I thank ADONAI for his righteousness and sing praise to the name of ADONAI 'Elyon.

Study Notes for Psalms 7

Verse 1

The superscription identifies this as a 'Shiggaion' (a highly emotional, perhaps irregular song) related to an unknown enemy, Cush the Benjamite. Placing trust (refuge) in God is the foundation of the psalm, asserting faith even amidst intense persecution.

Verse 3

Verses 3-5 form a conditional self-imprecation, a solemn oath common in ancient Near Eastern legal settings. David asserts his innocence regarding the charges against him, inviting divine punishment if he has committed the alleged evil.

Verse 6

The phrase 'Arise, O LORD' is a liturgical and military summons, urging God to manifest his power and act decisively. David requests God to take the judgment seat and execute the justice that He has decreed for the world.

Verse 9

The psalmist appeals to God as the righteous judge who 'trieth the hearts and reins' (the kidneys). In Hebrew thought, the heart was the seat of the will and intellect, while the reins (kidneys) represented the deepest emotions and conscience.

Verse 11

This verse affirms God's constant engagement with justice. The statement that God 'is angry with the wicked every day' emphasizes that God's moral opposition to sin is continuous, not just reserved for moments of ultimate judgment.

Verse 14

The imagery shifts to the wicked actively conceiving and giving birth to evil, illustrating the destructive effort they put into their schemes. This emphasizes the intentionality behind their mischief.

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