Psalms 7:14

Commentary on Psalm 7:14 (KJV)

Psalm 7:14 describes the deliberate and destructive nature of wickedness from its inception to its outward manifestation. David, in this Psalm of lament and prayer (a Shiggaion), appeals to God for justice against his adversaries, specifically Cush the Benjamite. This verse vividly portrays the internal process by which evil is conceived and brought to fruition in the lives of the ungodly.

Context

Psalm 7 is a passionate cry from David seeking divine vindication and protection from his enemies. It contrasts the integrity of the righteous with the malicious intentions of the wicked. David asserts his innocence before God and pleads for God to judge according to His righteousness. Verse 14 is part of a larger section (verses 11-16) that details the character and ultimate fate of the wicked, emphasizing God's role as a righteous judge who observes and responds to evil deeds. The imagery used here is deeply metaphorical, likening the development of iniquity to a biological process of conception and birth.

Key Themes

• The Deliberate Nature of Sin: This verse highlights that wickedness is not accidental but is often a carefully cultivated process. It begins with an inner desire for evil, which is then "conceived" and "travaileth" (labored over) before it is "brought forth" into action.
• The Destructive Fruit of Evil Intentions: The ultimate outcome of this internal process is "falsehood"—deception, lies, and empty promises that lead to harm. The wicked's efforts, though intense, produce nothing of lasting truth or good.
• Divine Observation and Justice (Implied): While not explicitly stating God's judgment here, the verse sets the stage for the immediate subsequent verses (e.g., Psalm 7:15-16), which speak of the wicked falling into their own traps. This implies God's watchful eye over the schemes of the wicked and His eventual righteous intervention.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses powerful, evocative language drawn from the Hebrew text:

• "travaileth" (Hebrew: ḥābal - חָבַל): This word suggests labor, pain, or agonizing effort, often associated with birth pangs. It conveys the idea that the wicked put strenuous, painful effort into nurturing their evil plans.
• "conceived mischief" (Hebrew: hārāh 'āmāl - הָרָה עָמָל): Hārāh means "to conceive" or "become pregnant." 'Āmāl refers to trouble, toil, mischief, or wickedness. This phrase vividly portrays the internal incubation of evil intentions, much like a pregnancy.
• "brought forth falsehood" (Hebrew: yālad šeqer - יָלַד שֶׁקֶר): Yālad means "to bear," "bring forth," or "beget." Šeqer means "lie," "deception," or "falsehood." This completes the birth metaphor, indicating that the fruit of their labor and conception is ultimately deception and untruth. The progression from desire to sin and death is also echoed in James 1:15: "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

Practical Application

Psalm 7:14 serves as a profound warning and a call to introspection. It reminds us that sin is often a process that begins in the heart and mind, requiring careful consideration of our thoughts and intentions. We are challenged to:

• Examine Our Hearts: What thoughts and desires are we "conceiving"? Are they leading to truth and righteousness, or to "mischief" and "falsehood"?
• Recognize the Deceptive Nature of Sin: The wicked's efforts, despite their intensity, ultimately produce something empty and harmful—falsehood. Sin promises much but delivers only emptiness and destruction.
• Trust in Divine Justice: For those who are victims of others' "conceived mischief," this verse, within the broader context of Psalm 7, offers assurance that God sees and will ultimately bring justice. The schemes of the wicked will not ultimately prevail.