Justice

7:title A Shiggaion The Hebrew word used here also occurs in Hab 3:1. It may come from the verb shagah, meaning “to wander,” but its precise meaning is unknown.

of David See note on Ps 3:title.

David and the Psalm Titles

Cush, a Benjaminite No record exists of any Benjaminite named Cush.

7:1 in you I have taken refuge Like many individual lament psalms, this one opens with an appeal to Yahweh (3:1; 6:1). The psalmist first expresses his trust in God as his place of refuge (2:12; 5:11; 118:8–9).

all who pursue me The Hebrew word used here, radaph, is commonly used in the Psalms for the psalmist’s opponents (31:15; 119:157). The psalmist calls on God to deliver him from his pursuers.

7:2 he will tear me apart like a lion Enemies are often compared to lions in psalms (e.g., 22:13; 57:4). Like lions, they wait eagerly for a chance to attack and destroy their prey (compare 10:9; 17:12).

7:3 if I have done this The psalmist proclaims his innocence here and pronounces curses on himself if he is found guilty. Job—who was also unjustly afflicted—concludes his speeches with a much longer oath of innocence. See Job 31:1–40 and note.

7:5 let the enemy of my soul pursue The psalmist now pronounces his curse. If he is found guilty, then God should allow his enemies to overtake and destroy him instead of delivering him from his pursuers.

in the dust Often used as a reference to death (Job 17:16; 21:26; 34:15; Eccl 3:20; Dan 12:2).

7:6 Rise up, O Yahweh, in your anger Since the psalmist believes he is innocent, he petitions Yahweh to defend him against his enemies.

awake for me Individual lament psalms often include requests for God to wake up (Ps 35:23; 44:23). The psalmist feels that God is ignoring his suffering and petitions Him to act.

you have commanded judgment The psalmist bases his petition on God’s justice.

7:8 O Yahweh, vindicate me Having declared his innocence, the psalmist believes any judgment from Yahweh will reveal only that he, the psalmist, does not deserve the suffering he is experiencing. Like Job, the psalmist is confident that his righteousness and integrity will prove his innocence (Job 27:5–6).

my innocence The psalmist hopes that God will see his innocence and vindicate him.

7:9 establish the righteous God’s righteous judgment includes both negative and positive aspects—punishing the wicked and establishing the righteous.

test the hearts and innermost being God judges with perfect justice. He can judge people’s thoughts and intentions, not just their actions (Ps 26:2; Jer 11:20).

7:10 My shield A common symbol of God’s protection. See note on Psa 3:3.

7:11 a God who has indignation every day The deeds of the wicked constantly anger God as a righteous judge (v. 6).

7:12 he does not repent Like a mighty warrior, God will attack those who do not repent (Deut 32:41–42). While repentance prompts Yahweh to turn away His anger (see note on Psa 7:6), those who do not repent will feel the result of His righteous judgment (see note on 1:6).

7:14 he travails with evil The psalmist uses images of conception and birth to describe wickedness (Job 15:35).

7:15 falls in the trap The wicked are often described as victims of their own devices (Psa 57:6; 141:10; Prov 26:27; 28:10). Such results can be seen as both self-induced and as a form of judgment from God (Psa 9:15–16).

7:17 I will thank Yahweh according to his righteousness The psalmist closes by giving thanks and praising Yahweh for His righteousness. As with other individual lament psalms, the psalmist anticipates Yahweh’s answer and favorable response (see note on 6:8). In this case, he bases his confidence in God’s righteous justice, which punishes wickedness and rewards righteousness.

Yahweh, the Most High The Hebrew name for God used here, yhwh elyon, emphasizes Yahweh’s supremacy as ruler and judge over the earth. See note on 9:2.

The Name Theology of the Old Testament