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.
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A Prayer of Deliverance and Trust

1
Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite. O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: ​
2
Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.

David's Oath of Innocence

3
O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; ​
4
If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)
5
Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.

Calling on God to Rise as Judge

6
Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded. ​
7
So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high.
8
The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.
9
Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. ​
10
My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.

The Certainty of Divine Judgment

11
God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. ​
12
If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
13
He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.
14
Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. ​
15
He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.
16
His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

Vow of Thanksgiving

17
I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.

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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