Psalms 7:5

KJV

Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take [it]; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let the enemy {H341} persecute {H7291} my soul {H5315}, and take {H5381} it; yea, let him tread down {H7429} my life {H2416} upon the earth {H776}, and lay {H7931} mine honour {H3519} in the dust {H6083}. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then let the enemy pursue me until he overtakes me and tramples my life down into the earth; yes, let him lay my honor in the dust. (Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah

American Standard Version

Let the enemy pursue my soul, and overtake it; Yea, let him tread my life down to the earth, And lay my glory in the dust. [Selah

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 7:5 is a profound and dramatic declaration from David, forming a conditional imprecation within his plea for divine justice. In this verse, David lays out the most severe consequences he is willing to accept—persecution, death, and utter humiliation—if the accusations of wrongdoing against him are true. This serves as a powerful affirmation of his innocence and his unwavering trust in God's righteous judgment, inviting God to execute justice upon him if he is found to be deceitful, thereby underscoring the sincerity of his appeal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 7 is categorized as a psalm of lament and an appeal for vindication, marked by a superscription attributing it to David concerning "Cush, a Benjamite." The psalm opens with David seeking refuge in God from his persecutors, expressing his innocence and reliance on divine protection ([Psalm 7:1](/psalms/7-1 "Psalm 7:1 - David's Plea for Refuge")). Verses 3-4 precede verse 5, forming a solemn oath where David explicitly states the conditions for his self-imprecation: "If I have done this, if there be iniquity in my hands; If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)" ([Psalm 7:3-4](/psalms/7-3 "Psalm 7:3-4 - David's Oath of Innocence")). Verse 5 then presents the dire consequences David invites upon himself if he has indeed committed the wrongs his accusers claim, thereby intensifying his plea for God to act as a righteous judge. The "Selah" at the end of the verse prompts a pause, inviting the reader to reflect on the gravity of David's self-invoked curse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The specific identity of "Cush the Benjamite" remains debated, but the context points to a situation of false accusation and intense personal distress for David. This scenario was common in ancient Near Eastern societies, where one's honor and reputation were paramount, and false accusations could lead to severe social and legal repercussions. The act of invoking a curse upon oneself if found guilty was a recognized legal and social practice, demonstrating a profound commitment to truth and a willingness to submit to divine judgment. David's appeal to God as the ultimate judge reflects the Israelite understanding of Yahweh's character as one who upholds justice and righteousness, intervening in human affairs to vindicate the innocent and punish the wicked, a theme prevalent throughout the Psalms and the Law ([Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")).
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 7:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Vindication**, portraying God as the ultimate arbiter of truth who sees beyond human accusations and discerns the heart. David's willingness to accept such extreme punishment if guilty underscores his absolute trust in God's perfect judgment and his belief that God will ultimately vindicate the righteous ([Psalm 7:8-9](/psalms/7-8 "Psalm 7:8-9 - God Judges the Peoples")). Secondly, the verse vividly depicts **Utter Humiliation and Defeat** through its stark imagery of persecution, being trodden down, and having one's honor laid in the dust. This imagery conveys the complete loss of dignity, reputation, and life itself, emphasizing the severity of the consequences David is willing to face. Finally, it underscores the **Sincerity and Intensity of Prayer**, demonstrating David's profound honesty and humility before God. By inviting such a dreadful outcome upon himself if deceitful, David powerfully affirms the purity of his motives and the truthfulness of his appeal, setting a profound example of transparent petition before the Almighty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Persecute (רָדַף, _radaph_):** This Hebrew verb means "to pursue, chase, hunt, persecute." In this context, it denotes an aggressive, hostile pursuit aimed at capturing or destroying. It implies relentless harassment and an intent to bring about downfall, highlighting the active and malicious nature of the enemy's actions.
* **Tread down (רָמַס, _ramas_):** This verb signifies "to trample, crush, oppress." It evokes a powerful image of violent subjugation and utter defeat, where one is literally stepped upon and reduced to nothing. It suggests a complete lack of respect and a desire to utterly dominate and destroy the victim.
* **Honour (כָּבוֹד, _kavod_):** This rich Hebrew term refers to "glory, dignity, reputation, weight, respect." It encompasses one's standing in the community, one's intrinsic worth, and the esteem in which one is held. To have one's _kavod_ "laid in the dust" is to suffer the ultimate public disgrace, stripped of all respect, dignity, and social standing, reduced to the lowest possible state of humiliation and insignificance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take [it];"**: This clause expresses David's willingness for his adversary to relentlessly pursue and seize his very life or being. "Soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, _nephesh_) here refers to the whole person, the life force. David is inviting the enemy to not only harass him but to utterly consume or destroy him, indicating the most severe form of personal annihilation.
* **"yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth,"**: This intensifies the previous clause, using the vivid imagery of being trampled. To have one's "life" (חַיָּה, _chayyah_, though here likely _nephesh_ again by extension, or referring to his vital existence) trodden down upon the earth signifies complete subjugation, humiliation, and reduction to the lowest possible state, akin to dirt. It speaks of a public, demeaning defeat where one's existence is utterly crushed.
* **"and lay mine honour in the dust."**: This final phrase depicts the ultimate public disgrace. "Honour" (כָּבוֹד, _kavod_) represents one's reputation, dignity, and standing. To have it "laid in the dust" means to be utterly stripped of all respect, reduced to a state of worthlessness and public shame. It symbolizes the loss of all social standing, dignity, and personal value, a fate worse than death in many ancient cultures.
* **"Selah."**: This Hebrew word is a musical or liturgical notation, likely indicating a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or an emphasis on the preceding statement. In this context, it compels the reader to ponder the profound weight and solemnity of David's self-imprecation and the depth of his trust in God's justice.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 7:5 is rich with **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of utter destruction and humiliation. The phrases "persecute my soul," "tread down my life upon the earth," and "lay mine honour in the dust" create a powerful visual progression from active pursuit to complete physical and social annihilation. The use of **Hyperbole** is evident in David's willingness to accept such extreme consequences, emphasizing the depth of his conviction regarding his innocence. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, where the successive clauses ("persecute my soul," "tread down my life," "lay mine honour in the dust") reinforce and intensify the theme of complete defeat and disgrace, building to a climactic expression of utter ruin. The conditional nature of the statement functions as a form of **Oath** or **Self-Imprecation**, a solemn vow that invokes divine judgment upon oneself if one is lying, demonstrating profound sincerity and trust in God's righteousness. Finally, the inclusion of **Selah** acts as a rhetorical device, prompting the reader to pause and reflect on the profound theological and emotional weight of David's declaration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 7:5 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical themes of divine justice, the vindication of the righteous, and the profound trust in God's ultimate sovereignty. David's willingness to submit to the most severe judgment if found guilty underscores his absolute conviction in God's perfect discernment and His role as the righteous judge of all the earth. This verse highlights the deep spiritual confidence that the innocent can place in God when facing false accusations, knowing that He sees the heart and will ultimately bring truth to light. It also speaks to the gravity of sin and the just consequences it entails, even as David asserts his own blamelessness in this specific instance. This humble submission to divine scrutiny serves as a model for believers to approach God with transparency and integrity, trusting in His just character to arbitrate all matters.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and recompence")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ Entrusted Himself to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 7:5 offers profound lessons for the contemporary believer navigating a world often marked by injustice and false accusations. David’s bold declaration, inviting the most dire consequences upon himself if guilty, serves as a powerful model of integrity and unwavering trust in God's righteous judgment. When we face situations where our character is maligned or our motives are questioned, this verse reminds us that our ultimate vindication comes not from human approval or legal battles, but from God, who sees and knows all things. It challenges us to cultivate a heart of sincerity before God, willing to be scrutinized by His truth, and to rest in His perfect justice rather than seeking personal revenge or becoming consumed by bitterness. Furthermore, it encourages us to pray with raw honesty and profound humility, laying our pleas before God with full confidence in His ability to discern and act righteously, even when the path to justice seems obscured.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's willingness to accept severe consequences if guilty challenge my own approach to integrity and truthfulness before God?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust God more fully as the ultimate judge, especially when facing injustice or false accusations?**
* **What does "laying my honor in the dust" mean in a spiritual sense, and how can embracing humility before God lead to true vindication?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Selah" at the end of this verse?**

Answer: "Selah" is a Hebrew word found frequently in the Psalms and Habakkuk, believed to be a musical or liturgical notation. Its precise meaning is debated, but common interpretations suggest it signals a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or a change in musical accompaniment. In the context of Psalms 7:5, "Selah" serves to emphasize the profound gravity and solemnity of David's declaration. It invites the reader or worshipper to pause and deeply ponder the weight of David's conditional imprecation, his unwavering trust in God's justice, and the extreme consequences he is willing to face if found deceitful. It marks a moment for contemplation on the intensity of the psalm's message and the character of God as a righteous judge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 7:5 expresses David's conditional self-imprecation based on his innocence, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate vindication of one who was truly innocent and yet suffered the most profound persecution, humiliation, and death: Jesus Christ. Unlike David, who invited judgment *if* guilty, Jesus was absolutely sinless ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Was Tempted But Without Sin")) yet willingly allowed Himself to be pursued, taken, trodden down, and have His honor laid in the dust. He was falsely accused, reviled, and crucified, enduring the ultimate public shame and degradation, becoming "a reproach of men, and despised of the people" ([Psalm 22:6](/psalms/22-6 "Psalm 22:6 - A Reproach of Men")). However, His suffering was not for His own sin, but for ours ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions")). The Father, the righteous judge, ultimately vindicated Jesus through His resurrection, exalting Him to the highest place and giving Him the name above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - God Exalted Christ")). Thus, David's intense plea for justice and willingness to face consequence finds its perfect fulfillment in Christ, who, though innocent, bore the full weight of judgment, and through whom all who trust in Him receive ultimate vindication and eternal honor.

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

Job 31:38

If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain;

Job 31:40

Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.

Job 16:15

I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and defiled my horn in the dust.

Isaiah 10:6

I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

Psalms 3:2

Many [there be] which say of my soul, [There is] no help for him in God. Selah.

Psalms 44:5

Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.

Job 31:5

If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;