Jamieson, Fausset & Brown :: Commentary on Psalm 7

The Book of Psalms

Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET

PSALM 7

Psa 7:1-17. Shiggaion--a plaintive song or elegy. Though obscure in details, this title seems to intimate that the occasion of this Psalm was some event in David's persecution by Saul. He prays for relief because he is innocent, and God will be glorified in his vindication. He thus passes to the celebration of God's righteous government, in defending the upright and punishing the wicked, whose malignant devices will result in their own ruin; and, confident of God's aid, he closes with rejoicing.

      1, 2. Though many enemies set upon him, one is singled out as prominent, and compared to a wild beast tearing his prey to pieces (compare 1Sa 20:1 23:23 26:19 ).

      3. if I have done this--that is, the crime charged in the "words of Cush" (compare 1Sa 24:9 ).

      4. If I have injured my friend.
      yea, I have delivered, &c.--This makes a good sense, but interrupts the course of thought, and hence it is proposed to render, "if I have spoiled my enemy"--in either case (compare 1Sa 24:4-17 31:8, 11 ).

      5. This is the consequence, if such has been his conduct.
      mine honour--(compare Psa 3:3 4:2 ) --my personal and official dignity.

      6. God is involved as if hitherto careless of him ( Psa 3:7 9:18 ).
      rage--the most violent, like a flood rising over a river's banks.
      the judgment. . . commanded--or, "ordained"; a just decision.

      7. compass thee--as those seeking justice.
      return thou on high--assume the judgment seat, to be honored as a just Ruler by them.

      8. Though not claiming innocence in general, he can confidently do so in this case, and in demanding from the Judge of all the earth a judgment, he virtually asks acquittal.

      9. the hearts and reins--the affections and motives of men, or the seat of them (compare Psa 16:7 26:2 ); as we use heart and bosom or breast.

      10. defence--literally, "shield" ( Psa 5:12 ).

      11. judgeth--as in Psa 7:8.
      the wicked--Though not expressed, they are implied, for they alone are left as objects of anger.

      12, 13. They are here distinctly pointed out, though by changing the person, a very common mode of speech, one is selected as a representative of wicked men generally. The military figures are of obvious meaning.

      13. against the persecutors--Some render "for burning," but the former is the best sense. Arrows for burning would be appropriate in besieging a town, not in warring against one man or a company in open fight.

      14. The first clause expresses the general idea that wicked men labor to do evil, the others carry out the figure fully.

      15, 16. 1Sa 18:17 31:2 illustrate the statement whether alluded to or not. These verses are expository of Psa 7:14, showing how the devices of the wicked end in disappointment, falsifying their expectations.

      17. his righteousness-- ( Psa 5:8 ). Thus illustrated in the defense of His servant and punishment of the wicked.