Psalms 7:4

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

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}:)

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

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

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

Psalm 7:4 is part of a passionate plea from King David to God, asserting his innocence against false accusations and appealing for divine judgment. This verse forms a powerful conditional statement, where David essentially challenges God to punish him if he has committed the wrongs his adversaries claim.

Context

Psalm 7 is a "Shiggaion of David," a type of psalm often associated with a passionate, perhaps rambling, musical style. The superscription attributes it to David concerning "Cush the Benjamite," an otherwise unknown figure who likely represents a specific accuser or group of accusers. David is facing severe and unjust slander, and he turns to God, the righteous judge, to vindicate him against his adversaries. In this particular verse, David is making a solemn oath of purification, declaring his blamelessness in the specific matters of treachery or harming those at peace with him, and even asserting acts of kindness towards his enemies.

Key Themes

  • Innocence and Integrity: David vehemently denies betraying those who were at peace with him. This highlights his commitment to moral uprightness and trustworthiness, refuting any charges of treachery or returning evil for good.
  • Benevolence Towards Enemies: The parenthetical clause reveals a remarkable standard of conduct. David claims to have actively "delivered" or helped those who were his enemies without cause. This demonstrates a profound spirit of mercy and proactive goodness, going beyond mere non-retaliation.
  • Appeal to Divine Justice: By making such a strong declaration of innocence, David places his case squarely before God, trusting that the Lord, who "judges the peoples with equity" (Psalm 9:8), will discern the truth and administer justice.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "rewarded evil" comes from the Hebrew gamal ra' (גָּמַל רָע), which means "to deal out evil" or "to recompense evil." It implies a deliberate act of returning harm for perceived harm or initiating wrongdoing against another. David's denial underscores his refusal to engage in such retaliatory or malicious behavior.

The word "delivered" (וָאֲחַלְּצָה - wa'ahalleṣah) derives from a root meaning "to draw out," "to rescue," or "to free." This suggests David's active involvement in saving or helping his enemies, not just passively refraining from harm. This proactive kindness is a significant aspect of his claim of innocence.

Practical Application

  • Responding to Accusation with Integrity: David's example encourages us to maintain integrity and trust God with our vindication when we are falsely accused. Instead of retaliating or allowing bitterness to take root, we can confidently appeal to God's justice.
  • The High Standard of Love: This verse, particularly the parenthetical statement, foreshadows the New Testament teaching to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. It challenges us to go beyond merely not harming those who oppose us, but to actively seek their well-being, reflecting a Christ-like compassion. For example, David's sparing of Saul's life in 1 Samuel 24 is a powerful illustration of this principle.
  • Personal Examination: The verse prompts self-reflection: Do we truly refrain from returning evil for evil? Are we quick to help even those who have wronged us or are hostile towards us? This aligns with wisdom found in Proverbs 25:21 and the apostle Paul's admonition in Romans 12:17.
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 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.

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