Psalms
Summary
Psalm 7 is David’s prayer for refuge and justice when pursued by enemies like Cush the Benjamite. He appeals to God as the righteous Judge to examine his heart and vindicate him, stating that he has done no wrong to his friend. David describes the wicked as those who dig pits for others only to fall into them themselves, while God prepares His weapons of judgement. The psalm emphasizes that God "tests the hearts and minds" and that his defence is with God, who saves the upright in heart. It concludes with praise for the LORD's righteousness.
O LORD my God, in you I put my trust; save me from all those who persecute me, and deliver me:
Lest they tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is no one to deliver.
O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there is iniquity in my hands;
if I have rewarded evil to him who was at peace with me (yes, I have delivered him who without cause was my enemy),
let the enemy persecute my soul and take it; yes, let him tread down my life on the earth and lay my honour in the dust. Selah.
Arise, O LORD, in your anger; lift up yourself because of the rage of my enemies; and awake for me to the judgement that you have commanded.
So shall the assembly of the people surround you; for their sakes, therefore, return to your place on high.
The LORD shall judge the people; judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me.
Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the just; for the righteous God tests the hearts and minds.
My defence is of God, who saves the upright in heart.
God is a righteous judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent his bow and made it ready.
He has also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordains his arrows against the persecutors.
Behold, the wicked travails with iniquity; he has conceived mischief and brought forth falsehood.
He made a pit and digged it, and has fallen into the ditch which he made.
His mischief shall return on his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown.
I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.