Psalms 7:1

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Shiggaion {H7692} of David {H1732}, which he sang {H7891} unto the LORD {H3068}, concerning the words {H1697} of Cush {H3568} the Benjamite {H1121}{H1145}. O LORD {H3068} my God {H430}, in thee do I put my trust {H2620}: save {H3467} me from all them that persecute {H7291} me, and deliver {H5337} me:

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

O LORD my God, I take refuge in You; save me and deliver me from all my pursuers,

American Standard Version

O Jehovah my God, in thee do I take refuge: Save me from all them that pursue me, and deliver me,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 7:1 serves as both the foundational superscription and the opening cry of David's fervent prayer, immediately setting the stage for a psalm that masterfully intertwines elements of profound lament, a passionate appeal for divine justice, and an unwavering declaration of absolute trust in the Lord. This verse establishes the dramatic backdrop of false accusations and intense persecution, framing David's personal anguish and his resolute reliance on God's righteousness as the central themes of the ensuing poetic outpouring.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 7:1 functions as a crucial interpretive gateway, providing the title, authorship, and specific occasion for the entire psalm. Its designation as a "Shiggaion of David" immediately signals a psalm of unique emotional intensity and perhaps an irregular musical form, preparing the reader for a deeply personal and tumultuous expression. The mention "concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite" grounds the subsequent lament and appeal for justice in a specific, albeit historically enigmatic, context. This superscription establishes David's personal anguish and his reliance on God's righteousness as the psalm's core. The verse then transitions directly into David's earnest cry for deliverance, establishing the foundational theme of seeking refuge in God from adversaries, a theme that resonates throughout the Psalter, particularly in individual laments that often begin with a declaration of trust before detailing the distress.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The figure of "Cush the Benjamite" remains historically elusive, as he is not explicitly identified elsewhere in Scripture. This ambiguity has led scholars to propose various interpretations: he could be a literal, unrecorded slanderer from King Saul's tribe of Benjamin, perhaps a court official or a rival seeking to undermine David. Alternatively, "Cush" might serve as a symbolic or representative figure, embodying the malicious and treacherous enemies David frequently faced, such as the relentless pursuit by [King Saul](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul") (e.g., [1 Samuel 24:9-10](/1_samuel/24-9-10 "1 Samuel 24:9-10 - Saul's False Accusations Against David")) or the profound betrayal by [Ahithophel](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion and Ahithophel's Counsel") during Absalom's rebellion (e.g., [2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David Prays Against Ahithophel")). Regardless of Cush's precise identity, the reference underscores David's vulnerability to slander and unjust accusation within the intricate political and social dynamics of ancient Israel, where personal reputation, honor, and divine vindication were matters of paramount importance.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces and encapsulates several pivotal themes that permeate Psalm 7 and much of David's poetic corpus. Foremost is **Unwavering Trust in God**, powerfully articulated in David's declaration, "O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust." This highlights his absolute reliance on God as his ultimate refuge and defender, even when surrounded by powerful adversaries. This theme is a bedrock principle for the righteous in the Psalms, resonating with passages like [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - God My Rock and Fortress"), which describes God as a rock, fortress, and deliverer. Second is the **Prayer for Deliverance and Vindication**, expressed in the urgent plea, "save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me." This articulates a desperate need for divine intervention, not merely protection, but active rescue from those who unjustly seek his harm. This reflects a common petition throughout the Psalms where the righteous appeal to God for [deliverance from enemies](/psalms/3-7 "Psalm 3:7 - David's Prayer for Deliverance"). Finally, the deeply personal address "O LORD my God" signifies a profound, **Personal Covenant Relationship**, emphasizing that David's trust is not in a distant deity but in his own faithful God who hears, sees, and responds to the cries of His servant. This intimate connection undergirds his confidence in God's willingness to act.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shiggaion (Hebrew, _shiggâyôwn'_):** This term (H7692), appearing only here and in Habakkuk 3:1, is of uncertain etymology, possibly related to "aberration" or "wandering." Interpretations suggest it denotes a "dithyrambic poem" or a "rambling poem," indicating a song of intense emotional expression, perhaps characterized by a wild, passionate, or irregular rhythm. It likely signifies a psalm born out of tumultuous circumstances, reflecting David's agitated state of mind and the profound emotional upheaval he was experiencing.
* **Trust (Hebrew, _châçâh'_):** The verb _châçâh'_ (H2620) means "to flee for protection" or "to confide in." It conveys a profound sense of seeking shelter under God's protective wing, much like a bird taking refuge. This word implies not merely intellectual assent to God's existence but an active, desperate reliance on His protective power and faithfulness, especially in times of danger and persecution. It is an act of taking refuge in God as one's ultimate safeguard.
* **Save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** The verb _yâshaʻ'_ (H3467) means "to be open, wide or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free or succor." It denotes active intervention to extricate someone from peril, often implying a powerful act of liberation from oppression or danger. It encompasses the idea of bringing salvation and securing victory, highlighting God's mighty power to deliver.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite.":** This initial clause functions as the psalm's superscription, providing vital contextual information. It identifies the genre ("Shiggaion"), the author ("of David"), the divine recipient of the song ("unto the LORD"), and the specific catalyst or subject matter ("concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite"). This sets the emotional tone and historical framework, indicating a deeply personal and divinely directed song born out of specific slander or accusation, inviting the reader into David's immediate circumstances.
* **"O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust:":** This is David's immediate and emphatic declaration of faith and dependence. The address "O LORD my God" (Yahweh Elohim) signifies a deeply personal, covenantal relationship, emphasizing the intimate bond between the worshipper and the sovereign God of Israel. The phrase "in thee do I put my trust" is a foundational statement of absolute reliance, expressing David's conscious and deliberate decision to seek refuge, security, and hope solely in God amidst his profound distress and the threats he faces.
* **"save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:":** This is the urgent and direct petition for divine intervention, flowing directly from David's declaration of trust. The twin imperatives "save me" and "deliver me" are a powerful, comprehensive cry for rescue from all who unjustly pursue and oppress him. This plea highlights David's vulnerability and his confident expectation that God, in whom he has placed his trust, is both willing and able to act decisively and completely on his behalf, providing active liberation from his adversaries.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 7:1 masterfully employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message and emotional intensity. The most prominent is the **Superscription**, which functions as a vital prologue, offering crucial information about the psalm's genre, authorship, and historical context, thereby guiding the reader's interpretation and setting the emotional tone. The direct address, "O LORD my God," is a powerful example of **Apostrophe**, where the speaker directly addresses an absent person or an abstract entity (in this case, God), intensifying the personal, intimate, and urgent nature of the prayer. The phrase "in thee do I put my trust" utilizes **Metaphor**, portraying God not merely as an abstract concept but as a secure refuge or impenetrable shelter where David can find absolute safety and protection from his adversaries. Finally, the parallel structure of "save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me" demonstrates **Synonymous Parallelism**, where two lines or clauses express a similar idea using different but related words ("save" and "deliver," "persecute me" and implied "from their grip"), thereby reinforcing the urgency, comprehensiveness, and desperate nature of David's plea for divine rescue.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 7:1 establishes a profound theological framework for understanding the nature of prayer, trust, and divine justice. David's immediate turn to God in the face of slander and persecution models a foundational biblical principle: that God is the ultimate refuge and vindicator of the righteous. This verse underscores the truth that true security is found not in human strength, political maneuvering, or self-defense, but in absolute reliance on the sovereign Lord, who is both intimately personal ("my God") and universally powerful ("LORD"). It sets the stage for the psalm's exploration of God's righteous judgment, where He is depicted as a just judge who will ultimately defend the innocent and punish the wicked. This declaration of trust in the midst of adversity is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His covenant relationship with His people, inviting believers to emulate David's radical dependence.

* [Psalm 11:1](/psalms/11-1 "Psalm 11:1 - In the LORD I put my trust")
* [Psalm 31:1-3](/psalms/31-1-3 "Psalm 31:1-3 - A Prayer for Deliverance and Refuge")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 7:1 offers a timeless and profoundly relevant model for believers navigating the complexities of life, particularly when facing adversity, false accusations, or unjust persecution. David's immediate and unreserved declaration, "O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust," serves as a powerful reminder that our first and most vital response to distress should always be to seek refuge in God. This is not merely a passive hope, but an active, conscious decision to lean entirely on His character and power. Articulating our faith, even amidst fear and uncertainty, strengthens our spirit, reaffirms our dependence on God's sovereignty, and can be a potent antidote to anxiety and despair. Furthermore, David's urgent plea, "save me... and deliver me," affirms that it is entirely appropriate to bring our deepest needs and desires for rescue and protection before God, trusting in His perfect justice and His unwavering ability to intervene on our behalf. This verse, therefore, provides a foundational framework for how to pray when feeling overwhelmed by external pressures, mirroring the New Testament admonition to cast all our anxieties on Him because [He cares for us](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast All Your Anxiety on Him"). It invites us to cultivate a habit of immediate, heartfelt recourse to God in every trial.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find it most challenging to declare, "in thee do I put my trust," and what steps can you take to deepen that trust?**
* **How does David's immediate turn to God in crisis challenge your own initial responses to adversity, slander, or unjust treatment?**
* **What does it mean practically to "flee for refuge" to God when facing false accusations or persecution in today's world, and how might that look different from human strategies?**

### FAQ

**What is a "Shiggaion" and why is it important for understanding Psalm 7?**

Answer: A "Shiggaion" (Hebrew: _shiggâyôwn'_) is a rare musical or poetic term, appearing only in Psalm 7:1 and Habakkuk 3:1. Its exact meaning is debated, but it is generally understood to denote a psalm of intense emotional expression, perhaps characterized by a wandering, passionate, or irregular rhythm, or a song of lament. For Psalm 7, it is important because it immediately signals that the psalm is a deeply personal, emotionally charged lament and prayer, reflecting David's agitated state of mind and the tumultuous circumstances of his persecution. It prepares the reader for a psalm that is not merely a theological discourse but a raw, heartfelt outpouring of a soul in distress, making its emotional depth palpable from the outset.

**Who was "Cush the Benjamite" and why is his identity significant?**

Answer: "Cush the Benjamite" is an enigmatic figure, as he is not explicitly identified elsewhere in the biblical narrative. This lack of specific identification has led to various scholarly interpretations. He could have been a literal individual, perhaps a slanderer or adversary from King Saul's tribe of Benjamin who unjustly accused David, reflecting the political tensions of the time. Alternatively, "Cush" might be a symbolic or representative figure, embodying the malicious and treacherous enemies David frequently faced, such as those who sought to undermine him during [King Saul's reign](/1_samuel/18 "1 Samuel 18 - Saul's Jealousy of David") or during [Absalom's rebellion](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Conspiracy"). His significance lies in the fact that, whether literal or symbolic, he represents the unjust persecution and slander that prompted David's fervent prayer for vindication and deliverance, making the psalm relatable to anyone facing false accusations and highlighting the universal nature of betrayal and the need for divine justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 7:1, with its profound declaration of trust amidst unjust persecution, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's experience of slander and betrayal by "Cush the Benjamite" powerfully foreshadows the far greater and utterly innocent suffering of the [Son of David](/matthew/22-42 "Matthew 22:42 - Jesus, Son of David"), who was supremely slandered, falsely accused, and unjustly condemned by His own people. Just as David declared, "O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust," Jesus consistently demonstrated absolute reliance on His Father, even unto death on the cross, crying out, "[Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus Commits His Spirit to the Father")" David's plea, "save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me," echoes the human cry for deliverance, but Christ's ultimate "deliverance" was not from death itself, but through it—His resurrection conquering sin and death, thereby securing salvation for all who trust in Him. He is the righteous One who suffered for the unrighteous, the perfect Lamb of God who was unjustly persecuted, yet in whom the Father was well pleased. Thus, Psalm 7:1 points forward to Christ as the one who perfectly embodied trust in God in the face of ultimate injustice, and whose vindication by God (His resurrection) becomes the basis for our own deliverance and hope of salvation, as [He is our advocate with the Father](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate") and the source of all true refuge.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 31:15

My times [are] in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.

Habakkuk 3:1

¶ A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth.

1 Peter 4:19

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls [to him] in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Jeremiah 15:15

¶ O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.

Jeremiah 20:11

But the LORD [is] with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: [their] everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.

Psalms 43:4

Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.

Psalms 17:7

Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust [in thee] from those that rise up [against them].