Psalms 7

Ps 7 This psalm consists of a lament (7:1-2), an oath of innocence (7:3-5), an appeal to God’s justice (7:6-9), an affirmation of God’s just kingship (7:10-16), and a concluding hymn of praise (7:17).7:title Cush, an unknown person of the tribe of Benjamin, remained hostile to David.7:1 Persecutors (a common term for “enemies”) intentionally seek out people in order to destroy them (31:15; 56:1-2; 71:11; 143:3).

7:2 Like a lion, a wicked enemy relentlessly and violently pursues its prey (10:9; 17:12; 22:13, 21; 35:17; 57:4), but God promises victory (91:13).

7:3-5 The psalmist swears to his innocence, making himself vulnerable to scrutiny (7:9.7:3 The psalmist does not claim to be without sin, but he knows that he does not deserve the brutal attacks of his opponents (see 35:7).

7:5 trample: Cp. 44:5; 60:12; 91:13; 108:13. • into the ground . . . in the dust: Disgrace and shame can lead to death and the grave (143:3; see 13:3-4).

7:6-9 With this appeal to God for justice in the world, the psalmist also submits to God’s examination.7:6 God’s judgment brings justice, despite the chaos created by adversaries (see 7:11).

7:8 The judgment is against the defendants (the nations) and in favor of the righteous plaintiff (the psalmist; see 43:1). • Although not innocent of all sin, the psalmist is a person of authentic integrity (see 15:2; 25:21; 41:12; 78:72; cp. Job 1:1, 8; 9:20, 22).

7:9 God examines the mind and heart of each person (see 11:3-4; 26:2; 139:1, 23).

7:10-13 The psalmist moves from his own situation (7:1-9) to speak for all the godly who long for redemption (7:10-16). He depicts God as the righteous King who vindicates his subjects when they cry out for rescue.

7:11 The honest Lord cannot be bought or bribed, nor does he abuse his power (9:4; cp. 82:1-8).

7:12-13 sword . . . bow . . . deadly weapons . . . flaming arrows: As the Divine Warrior, God goes on the offensive on behalf of himself and his people.

7:14 Evil begins with small words or steps, and gives birth to increasingly worse deeds as time goes on (see Isa 59:4-5).

7:17 I will thank . . . sing praise: The laments in Pss 3–7 usually move from lament to praise, as does the Psalter as a whole. • Most High: This is an ancient designation for God (see Gen 14:19). • God is just and reliable, so his order prevails in this world.