Psalm Seven
by Dr. Henry M. Morris
(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)
Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite.
Shiggaion. Shiggaion occurs only here and in Habakkuk 3:1 (Shigionoth is a variant spelling). Its meaning is uncertain, but possibly refers to a type of staccato-type rhythm appropriate to the strong emotion in the psalm.
Cush. There is no mention of this Cush by name in any of the historical books. As a Benjamite, he probably counseled Saul in Saul's attempt to slay and oppose David.
put my trust. Compare Psalm 2:8. David had been grievously slandered by Cush to Saul, it would seem, and this was contributing to Saul's persecution of David. As with many psalms of this nature, it can also be understood as prophetic of the unjust sufferings of Christ. Nevertheless David maintained his trust in God, as did Christ in His Father. This is often considered one of the imprecatory psalms.
Psalm 7:2 Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.
like a lion. Satan is like a roaring lion, seeking to destroy David, and especially the Messiah (1 Peter 5:8).
Psalm 7:3 O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;
delivered him. This protest against slandered innocence is apparently in reference to David sparing Saul's life on the two occasions when he could easily have slain him (1 Samuel 24:3-10; 26:5-9).
reins. The older term for the “kidneys,” symbolic of inner emotions.
Psalm 7:10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.
Psalm 7:11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
Psalm 7:12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
Psalm 7:15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.