Psalms 7:4

KJV

If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)

KJV (with Strong's)

If I have rewarded {H1580} evil {H7451} unto him that was at peace {H7999} with me;(yea, I have delivered {H2502} him that without cause {H7387} is mine enemy {H6887}:)

Complete Jewish Bible

if I paid back evil to him who was at peace with me, when I even spared those who opposed me without cause;

Berean Standard Bible

if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause,

American Standard Version

If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me (Yea, I have delivered him that without cause was mine adversary);

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 7:4 presents a solemn declaration by David, serving as a conditional oath of innocence before God. In this pivotal verse, David vehemently denies having repaid evil to those who were at peace with him, further asserting that he has actively delivered or rescued those who were his unprovoked enemies. This statement functions as a profound appeal to divine justice, inviting God to judge him if his claims of integrity and benevolence are untrue, thereby seeking vindication against the false accusations leveled against him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 7 is uniquely designated as a "Shiggaion of David," a term suggesting a passionate, perhaps rambling or highly emotional, musical composition. It is a psalm of individual lament and imprecation, where David, facing severe and unjust accusations, appeals directly to God as the righteous judge. This verse initiates a crucial series of conditional statements (vv. 3-5) where David pledges his innocence and invites divine judgment upon himself if he is found guilty of the treachery his enemies allege. It stands as a pivotal moment in his plea, setting the stage for his subsequent request for God to rise up and execute justice against his adversaries, as seen in David's plea for God to judge in [Psalm 7:6](/psalms/7-6 "Psalm 7:6 - David's Plea for God to Judge"). The psalm culminates in David's confident trust in God's righteousness and his commitment to praise, despite the ongoing accusations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription attributes this psalm to David "concerning Cush the Benjamite." While Cush is otherwise unknown in biblical narratives, he likely represents a specific accuser or a faction from the tribe of Benjamin (King Saul's tribe) who were hostile to David. This context suggests a period of intense political intrigue and slander, possibly during David's flight from Saul or later during Absalom's rebellion, where accusations of treachery and disloyalty would have been potent weapons. In ancient Near Eastern culture, an oath of innocence, often accompanied by a self-imprecation (a curse upon oneself if the oath is false), was a solemn legal and spiritual act. It placed the matter squarely before the divine judge, appealing to God's omniscience and righteousness to discern truth from falsehood and administer justice, a concept deeply rooted in Israelite covenant theology and law, as exemplified in cases requiring divine judgment in [Exodus 22:11](/exodus/22-11 "Exodus 22:11 - Oath Before the Lord").
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 7:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Innocence and Integrity**, as David vehemently denies betraying those at peace with him, asserting his moral uprightness even amidst intense slander. Secondly, the parenthetical clause highlights the remarkable theme of **Benevolence Towards Enemies**, demonstrating David's commitment to a standard of conduct that goes beyond mere non-retaliation, actively seeking the well-being of his unprovoked adversaries. This foreshadows later biblical teachings on loving one's enemies, a concept profoundly explored by Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount, particularly in [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"). Thirdly, the verse functions as a direct **Appeal to Divine Justice**, showcasing David's unwavering trust that God, who "judges the peoples with equity" in [Psalm 9:8](/psalms/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God as Righteous Judge"), will ultimately vindicate the righteous and punish the wicked. This reliance on God's just character is a recurring motif throughout the psalms, providing comfort and hope to those who suffer unjustly.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rewarded (Hebrew, _gâmal'_):** From H1580, this primitive root means "to treat a person (well or ill), i.e. benefit or requite." It signifies a deliberate act of returning or dealing out, whether good or bad. David's denial of having "rewarded evil" (combining with H7451) underscores his refusal to engage in retaliatory or treacherous conduct, particularly against those with whom he had established a peaceful relationship.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this word denotes "bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)." It encompasses adversity, affliction, harm, mischief, and wickedness. David's assertion that he did not "reward evil" emphasizes his commitment to ethical conduct, refusing to inflict harm or wrongdoing even when provoked by false accusations.
* **at peace (Hebrew, _shâlam'_):** From H7999, this root means "to be safe (in mind, body or estate)" and by implication, "to be friendly" or "to reciprocate." It refers to someone with whom one has a relationship of peace, wholeness, or alliance. David's specific denial of harming those "at peace with me" emphasizes his commitment to loyalty and the sanctity of peaceful relationships, distinguishing himself from those who would betray trust or violate established accords.
* **delivered (Hebrew, _châlats'_):** From H2502, this primitive root means "to pull off," and by implication, "to deliver" or "to equip (for fight)." It is a strong verb implying active intervention and aid, such as rescuing or freeing. David's use of this word indicates not merely a passive refraining from harm, but a proactive effort to save or help even those who were his unprovoked enemies, highlighting a remarkable standard of compassionate action.
* **without cause (Hebrew, _rêyqâm'_):** From H7387, this word means "emptily," and figuratively, "ineffectually" or "undeservedly." It implies an action taken without any just reason or provocation. David's claim to have delivered those who were his enemies "without cause" on his part powerfully emphasizes the unprovoked nature of their hostility and, conversely, the exceptional and unmerited nature of his benevolence towards them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me;":** This initial clause establishes the first condition of David's solemn oath, framed as a hypothetical statement, "If I have done X." This structure implies a self-imprecation, inviting divine judgment upon himself if the condition is true. David is vehemently denying any act of treachery, betrayal, or malicious harm against an ally, friend, or anyone with whom he had a peaceful relationship. This speaks directly to his integrity and adherence to covenantal loyalty, challenging the very core of the accusations against him.
* **"(yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)":** This parenthetical clause introduces a second, even more striking, assertion of David's righteousness. It is not part of the conditional curse but an additional, positive declaration of his character. David claims to have actively rescued or helped someone who was his enemy without any provocation on David's part. This goes beyond passive non-retaliation; it demonstrates proactive benevolence and mercy towards those who unjustly opposed him, elevating his claim of innocence to a remarkable standard of ethical conduct.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 7:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey David's fervent plea. The primary device is a **Conditional Oath** or **Self-Imprecation**, where David frames his innocence as a hypothetical condition, inviting divine judgment upon himself if his claims are false. This rhetorical strategy underscores the gravity of his assertion and his absolute confidence in his blamelessness before God. The phrase "(yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)" functions as a powerful **Parenthetical Statement**. It is an explanatory or amplifying remark that adds a layer of depth and unexpected generosity to David's defense, moving beyond mere denial to active virtue. This parenthetical also creates a stark **Juxtaposition** between the expected human response to an enemy (retaliation) and David's claimed response (active deliverance), highlighting his exceptional moral character. Furthermore, David's claim to have "delivered" his unprovoked enemy could be seen as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme extent of his benevolent actions and reinforcing the sincerity of his plea for vindication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 7:4 stands as a profound testament to the biblical ideal of integrity and the pursuit of righteousness, even when facing unjust persecution. David's willingness to submit himself to divine judgment underscores a deep theological conviction in God's absolute justice and omniscience. He trusts that God sees all, knows the truth, and will ultimately vindicate the innocent. This verse also introduces the radical concept of benevolence towards enemies, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament. David's assertion of delivering his unprovoked enemy prefigures the higher call to love and pray for those who persecute us, demonstrating a divine standard of conduct that transcends human retaliation. This reflects a foundational belief that true righteousness is not merely the absence of wrongdoing but the active pursuit of good, even towards those who wish us harm, mirroring God's own character of grace and mercy.

* [Proverbs 25:21-22](/proverbs/25-21-22 "Proverbs 25:21-22 - Feeding Your Enemy")
* [Romans 12:17-21](/romans/12-17-21 "Romans 12:17-21 - Do Not Repay Evil for Evil")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering Righteously")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's passionate plea in Psalms 7:4 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world often characterized by accusation, slander, and a "return evil for evil" mentality, David's example calls us to a higher standard of integrity and trust in God's ultimate justice. When we face false accusations or are unjustly treated, our first impulse might be to retaliate, defend ourselves aggressively, or harbor bitterness. However, David demonstrates the spiritual discipline of submitting our case to God, confident that He is the righteous judge who sees the heart and will bring truth to light. Furthermore, the parenthetical statement challenges us to move beyond mere non-retaliation towards active benevolence, even towards those who are hostile to us without cause. This is a radical call to embody a Christ-like compassion that seeks the well-being of all, reflecting God's own character. It encourages us to examine our own hearts: Do we truly refrain from returning evil for evil? Are we willing to extend grace and even active help to those who have wronged us or are hostile towards us? This verse invites us to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness and proactive love, trusting God for our vindication and living out the transforming power of the Gospel in our relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond when you are falsely accused or unjustly treated?**
* **What does it mean to "deliver" or actively help someone who is your enemy without cause in your current context?**
* **How can trusting in God as the righteous judge empower you to respond with integrity rather than retaliation?**
* **In what specific ways can you cultivate a heart that seeks the well-being of those who oppose you?**

### FAQ
**Who was Cush the Benjamite, and why is he mentioned in the superscription?**

Answer: Cush the Benjamite is an enigmatic figure, otherwise unknown in the biblical narrative. The superscription of [Psalm 7](/psalms/7 "Psalm 7 - David's Plea for Justice") attributes the psalm to David concerning him. Scholars generally interpret Cush as either a specific, but unrecorded, individual who falsely accused David, or more likely, a symbolic figure representing David's adversaries from the tribe of Benjamin. Given that King Saul, David's primary antagonist for many years, was also a Benjamite, "Cush the Benjamite" could represent the ongoing hostility and false accusations David faced from Saul's loyalists or others who opposed his rise to power. The mention serves to ground the psalm in a historical context of unjust persecution, highlighting David's plea for vindication against specific, though unnamed, slander.

**Is David truly innocent here, or is this an act of self-righteousness?**

Answer: David's declaration in [Psalms 7:4](/psalms/7-4 "Psalms 7:4 - David's Oath of Innocence") is a solemn oath of purification, a legal and spiritual act where he submits himself to God's judgment. It is not an act of self-righteousness in the sense of claiming sinless perfection, but rather a vehement denial of the specific charges leveled against him: treachery against allies and malicious harm towards enemies. David is asserting his blamelessness in the context of these particular accusations, appealing to God's omniscience to confirm his integrity. Throughout the Psalms, David often confesses his sins (e.g., [Psalm 51](/psalms/51 "Psalm 51 - A Psalm of Confession and Repentance")), but here, he is confident in his innocence regarding the specific acts of betrayal and malice his accusers allege. His willingness to invite divine judgment upon himself if he is lying underscores the sincerity and gravity of his claim, demonstrating profound trust in God's justice to discern truth from falsehood.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 7:4, with David's passionate assertion of innocence and his remarkable claim of delivering his unprovoked enemy, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, though a man after God's own heart, was still a sinner who sometimes failed to live up to his own ideals. Yet, in this verse, he foreshadows the one true innocent sufferer: Jesus. Christ was truly "without cause" the enemy of those who crucified Him, yet He "rewarded evil" with ultimate good, not only refraining from retaliation but actively delivering His enemies from the power of sin and death. He did not merely spare His adversaries; He laid down His life for them, fulfilling the radical call to love enemies in [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies") and [Luke 6:27-28](/luke/6-27-28 "Luke 6:27-28 - Love Your Enemies and Pray for Those Who Persecute You"). While David appealed to God for vindication, Jesus, the perfectly righteous one, was unjustly condemned, yet His vindication came through His resurrection, demonstrating God's ultimate justice and His triumph over all evil, as powerfully declared in [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection"). Thus, David's plea becomes a prophetic echo of the Lamb of God, who, though innocent, was led to slaughter, and through His sacrifice, delivered His enemies from eternal condemnation, offering them peace with God and reconciling all things to Himself, as beautifully articulated in [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ").

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 55:20

He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.

1 Samuel 24:7

So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on [his] way.

Genesis 44:4

[And] when they were gone out of the city, [and] not [yet] far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?

1 Samuel 25:28

I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the LORD, and evil hath not been found in thee [all] thy days.

1 Samuel 25:29

Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, [as out] of the middle of a sling.

1 Samuel 24:10

Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and [some] bade [me] kill thee: but [mine eye] spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he [is] the LORD'S anointed.

1 Samuel 24:15

The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.