Psalm Seven

by Dr. Henry M. Morris

(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)

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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.

Psalm 7:1 O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:

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;

Psalm 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:)

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).

Psalm 7:5 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

Psalm 7:6 Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded.

Psalm 7:7 So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high.

Psalm 7:8 The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.

Psalm 7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.

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 7:13 He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.

Psalm 7:14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.

Psalm 7:15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.

Psalm 7:16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

Psalm 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.