Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 7

This group of psalms moves from an orderly world to a troubled one. Psalms 1–2 describe stability. The righteous person is blessed, and the Lord’s anointed king rules with authority.

In the psalms that follow, the tone changes. The Lord’s anointed cries out for help. He faces enemies, strong opposition, and evil plans.

It even seems at times that the Lord is far away. The psalmist feels confusion and distress instead of confidence and calm.

This psalm includes the following:

• A lament (Psalm 7:1–2): The psalmist cries out to God for help and protection from enemies.

• An oath of innocence (Psalm 7:3–5): The psalmist declares that he has done no wrong and maintains his integrity.

• A call for God's justice (Psalm 7:6–9): He asks God to act against evildoers and defend the righteous.

• An affirmation of God’s just kingship (Psalm 7:10–16): The psalmist praises God as a fair judge who rules the world rightly.

• A concluding hymn of praise (Psalm 7:17): The psalmist ends with a song of thanksgiving, honoring God’s righteousness and deliverance.

Pursuers, a common term for enemies, actively look for people in order to harm or destroy them (Psalm 31:15; 56:1–2; 71:11; 143:3).

An unknown person from the tribe of Benjamin remained hostile to David.

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

The psalmist declares his innocence, opening himself up to examination (Psalm 7:9).

The psalmist does not claim to be without sin, but he knows that he does not deserve the cruel attacks of his opponents (see 35:7).

• trample: Compare Psalm 44:5; 60:12; 91:13; 108:13.

• to the ground … in the dust: Disgrace and shame can lead to death and the grave (Psalm 143:3; see 13:3–4).

With this appeal to God for justice in the world, the psalmist also submits to God’s examination.

God’s judgment brings justice, despite the chaos created by enemies (see 7:11).

• The judgment is against the defendants (the peoples) and in favor of the righteous plaintiff (the psalmist; see Psalm 43:1).

• The psalmist, though not free from all sin, is a person of true integrity (see Psalm 15:2; 25:21; 41:12; 78:72; compare Job 1:1, 8; 9:20, 22).

God knows the thoughts and intentions of every person. He does not see only outward actions. He examines what is hidden in the mind and the heart (see Psalms 11:3–4; 26:2; 139:1, 23).

The psalmist moves from his own situation (Psalm 7:1–9) to speak for all the godly who seek redemption (7:10–16). He protects and vindicates his people. When his followers cry out for help, God hears them and acts to rescue them.

The righteous judge cannot be bought or bribed. He does not abuse his power (Psalm 9:4; compare 82:1–8).

sword … bow … deadly weapons … arrows with fire: As the Divine Warrior, God attacks to defend himself and his people.

Evil starts with small words or actions and leads to worse deeds over time (see Isaiah 59:4–5).

• I will thank … sing praise: The laments in Psalms 3–7 usually shift from lament to praise, as does the entire book of Psalms.

• Most High: This is an ancient title for God (see Genesis 14:19).

• God is just and reliable, so his order prevails in this world.