Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 7

David’s Song in TroubleThis psalm is called a Shiggaion, which means a wandering or passionate song. David wrote and sang this psalm to God because of trouble caused by a man called Cush, a Benjamite—possibly a relative of Saul. Cush spread lies about David, making Saul angrier at him. David was badly treated, but instead of fighting back or getting angry, he turned to God for help. Even when people hurt us, we should bring our problems to God. David’s faith let him sing to God, not just complain. This teaches us to let hard times lead us to prayer and praise, not bitterness.v. 1-2: David asks God to protect and save him from all who chase and attack him. He says, Lord

v. 3-5: David tells God he is innocent of what people accuse him of. He says, Lord

v. 6: David asks God to stand up and show His anger against those who are unfair to him. He says, Arise, O Lord

v. 7: David prays that God will take back His place as judge and king. He says, Return on high . He wants God’s authority to be clear for everyone to see. This verse also reminds us that God’s judgment is above all human judgment.

v. 8: David asks God to judge him and decide his case. He says, The Lord

v. 9: David prays for an end to evil and for good people to be made strong. He says, Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the just . He wants sin to stop and hopes that righteous people will stay true and not be led astray. David trusts that God, who knows everyone’s heart, will destroy evil and support those who do right.When we feel wrongly treated, and our conscience says we are innocent, we can bring our case to God. He is a fair judge and will one day show the truth and protect those who are right.

The Persecutor’s DoomIn this part of the psalm, David trusts God to judge his case. He believes that God will protect those who do right and punish those who keep doing evil. David is sure that God’s promises mean safety for the righteous and certain destruction for the wicked who refuse to repent.v. 10: David says, My defence is of God, who saves the upright in heart . He puts all his hope in God alone for protection. David knows that God saves people who are honest and sincere. God is a strong shield for those who trust Him (Proverbs 18:10 ).

v. 11: David explains that God is a fair judge. God judges the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day . God’s anger is always against those who do evil, even if they seem happy or successful. God’s anger remains on them (John 3:36 ).

v. 12-13: David warns that if a person does not turn from evil, God will punish them. If he does not turn back, He will sharpen His sword; He bends His bow and makes it ready. He also prepares for Himself instruments of death; He makes His arrows into fiery shafts (Psalm 7:12-13 ). God is patient and gives people time to repent, but if they do not, He is ready to judge them. God has many ways to punish sin, and His judgment is sure.

v. 14: David describes how sinners work hard to do evil. Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity; yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood . Evil people plan and plot, but in the end, their plans are lies and will not succeed. Their efforts only bring disappointment and trouble for themselves (Isaiah 26:18; James 1:15 ).

v. 15-16: David says that those who dig a pit for others will fall into it themselves. He made a pit and dug it out, and has fallen into the ditch which he made. His trouble shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown (Psalm 7:15-16 ). This means that people who try to harm others will end up hurting themselves. God’s justice makes sure that evil plans backfire on the ones who make them.

v. 17: David ends by praising God. I will praise the Lord