Psalms 7:15

He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch [which] he made.

He made {H3738} a pit {H953}, and digged {H2658} it, and is fallen {H5307} into the ditch {H7845} which he made {H6466}.

He makes a pit, digs it deep, and falls into the hole he made.

He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making.

He hath made a pit, and digged it, And is fallen into the ditch which he made.

Commentary

Psalms 7:15 vividly illustrates a profound principle of divine justice: the wicked often become ensnared by their own malicious schemes. The verse states, "He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch [which] he made."

Context

Psalm 7 is a heartfelt prayer of David to God, seeking deliverance from his enemies and vindication against false accusations. The superscription identifies Cush the Benjamite, suggesting a specific antagonist. David appeals to God as a righteous judge, asserting his innocence and calling for divine intervention against those who plot his downfall. Verses 14-16 specifically depict the self-defeating nature of the wicked's machinations, showing how their evil intentions ultimately lead to their own destruction.

Key Themes

  • Divine Retribution: This verse powerfully conveys the concept of God's justice, where evil deeds inevitably return upon the perpetrator. It assures believers that God sees and will act righteously.
  • Poetic Justice: The imagery of the pit highlights the idea that the very trap set for another becomes the downfall of its creator. It's a clear demonstration of the principle of sowing and reaping.
  • Self-Destruction of Wickedness: The passage implies that evil, left to its own devices, is inherently self-destructive. The plans of the wicked, though designed to harm others, frequently collapse on themselves.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used, bor (pit) and shachat (ditch or pit of destruction), are closely related and emphasize the deliberate effort involved in preparing the trap. The repetition of the idea of digging and falling into one's own creation intensifies the imagery of inescapable consequence. Shachat, in particular, often carries the connotation of ruin or corruption, underscoring the destructive end of the wicked's path.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 7:15 offers several important lessons:

  • Trust in God's Justice: It provides comfort and assurance that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately bring justice, even when it seems evil is prevailing. We are reminded not to seek personal vengeance, but to leave room for God's wrath.
  • Warning Against Malice: The verse serves as a potent warning against plotting harm or deceit against others, as such actions carry inherent risks of backfiring dramatically. As Proverbs 26:27 states, "Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein."
  • Consequences of Actions: It reinforces the universal biblical principle that our actions, whether good or bad, have consequences, and that God ensures a just outcome.

Reflection

Psalms 7:15 is a powerful declaration of divine integrity and an encouragement to those who suffer injustice. It reminds us that God's moral order is unshakeable, and ultimately, the schemes of the wicked will fail, trapping their creators in the very snare they intended for others.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Job 4:8

    Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.

  • Psalms 141:10

    Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape.

  • Proverbs 26:27

    ¶ Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

  • Psalms 35:7

    For without cause have they hid for me their net [in] a pit, [which] without cause they have digged for my soul.

  • Psalms 35:8

    Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.

  • Ecclesiastes 10:8

    He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

  • Ecclesiastes 10:9

    Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; [and] he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.
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