Psalms 7:1

¶ 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:

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:

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;

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

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

Psalm 7:1 serves as the superscription and opening declaration of a passionate prayer by David, setting the stage for a psalm that blends lament, an appeal for justice, and a profound declaration of trust in God amidst false accusations and persecution.

Context

The heading, "Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite," provides crucial context. The term "Shiggaion" (Hebrew: שִׁגָּיוֹן, shiggaion) is unique and its exact meaning is debated, often interpreted as a "wandering song," a "passionate lament," or a song of emotional upheaval, reflecting the tumultuous circumstances David faced. "Cush the Benjamite" is not explicitly identified elsewhere in Scripture, leading to various interpretations. He could be a literal individual, perhaps a slanderer from King Saul's tribe of Benjamin, or a symbolic figure representing the malicious and treacherous enemies David frequently encountered, such as King Saul's relentless pursuit or the betrayal by Ahithophel during Absalom's rebellion. Regardless of Cush's precise identity, the verse immediately establishes David's state: under severe persecution and slander.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Trust in God: David's declaration, "O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust," is the bedrock of the psalm. It highlights his absolute reliance on God as his refuge and defender, even when surrounded by enemies. This theme of trust is central to many of David's psalms, such as Psalm 18:2, which describes God as a rock and fortress.
  • Prayer for Deliverance: The urgent plea, "save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me," articulates a desperate need for divine intervention. David seeks not just protection, but active rescue from those who unjustly seek his harm. This reflects a common petition found throughout the Psalms where the righteous appeal to God for deliverance from enemies.
  • God as Personal Protector: The phrase "O LORD my God" signifies a deep, personal covenant relationship, emphasizing that David's trust is not in a distant deity but in his own faithful God who hears and responds.

Linguistic Insights

The opening phrase, "O LORD my God" (Hebrew: יְהוָה אֱלֹהַי, Yahweh Elohim), underscores the personal and covenantal nature of David's relationship with the divine. It's a cry of intimate dependence. The word for "trust" is chasah (חָסָה), which means to flee for refuge, to seek shelter, or to confide in. This conveys a sense of taking cover under God's protection, like a bird under its mother's wings. The twin appeals "save me" (yasha, יָשַׁע) and "deliver me" (natsal, נָצַל) both convey the idea of being rescued, snatched away from danger, or set free from oppression.

Practical Application

Psalm 7:1 offers a timeless model for believers facing adversity, false accusations, or persecution. It teaches us to:

  • Turn to God in Crisis: David's immediate response to distress is prayer and a declaration of trust in the Lord. When facing unjust treatment or threats, our first recourse should be to seek refuge in God.
  • Declare Your Trust: Articulating faith, even in the midst of fear, strengthens one's spirit and reaffirms dependence on God's power and faithfulness. This declaration can be a powerful antidote to anxiety.
  • Pray for Deliverance: It is appropriate to ask God for rescue and protection from those who wish us harm, trusting in His justice and ability to intervene. This verse provides a framework for how to pray when feeling overwhelmed by external pressures, much like the admonition to cast all anxieties on God found in Philippians 4:6.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • 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].

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