Click here to read PSALM 7 in poetic form.
Background
The title of Psalm 7 includes “Shiggaion,” a Hebrew word showing a loud shout (for help or in joyful thanksgiving). This Psalm shows that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would shout for help and in joy in his time of need. Both of these shouts were made from the cross: for help (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34), and in joy (John 19:30).
The title also mentions the words of Cush the Benjamite. It is not known who this man was, but being a Benjamite, he may have been an associate of King Saul, his fellow tribesman. Perhaps Cush spoke evil of David and further aroused Saul’s jealousy and wrath.
Jesus Christ faced similar intrigue from Herod and the religious leaders in his time. The Messiah was evil spoken of and persecuted unto death by Annas and Caiaphas (the high priests in his time—Luke 3:2; John 18:13,24; Acts 4:6) and those who followed them. Jesus would have found great comfort and encouragement in Psalm 7, for he alone was “the righteous” mentioned in verse 11.
This Psalm is similar to Psalm 1 in many ways. Both Psalms show God’s blessings on the Messiah and protection from his enemies. Like the man who is “blessed” in Psalm 1, “For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous,” here in Psalm 7:11, God judgeth “the righteous.” And just as “the way of the ungodly shall perish” in Psalm 1, so here in Psalm 7:11 “God is angry with the wicked every day.”
Structure
(Verses 1,2) Prayer for salvation from Messiah’s enemies
(Verses 3-5) Messiah’s innocence and kindness to all
(5) Pause
(Verses 6,7) Prayer for judgment against Messiah’s enemies
(Verses 8-9) Messiah’s righteousness and integrity
(Verse 10) Answered prayer for salvation
(Verses 11-16) Answered prayer for judgment
(Verse 17) Praise to God for His righteousness
Key Scriptures
Verse 2—“Lest he tear my soul like a lion.” Again the major theme of the Messiah overcoming the Devil is mentioned—for the Devil is likened to a “roaring lion” in I Peter 5:8. The adversary uses people to accomplish his evil ends, but it is the spiritual power behind these people that we must recognize (Ephesians 6:12).
Verse 8—“judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness.” Only the Messiah could truly say this. Now those who are born again have the righteousness of God in Christ (II Corinthians 5:21) for Christ is made righteousness unto us (I Corinthians 1:30).
Verse 9—“for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.” Righteousness is a theme of Psalm 7. God proves our hearts and reins (kidneys). The life of the flesh is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). The human heart pumps blood throughout the body, and the kidneys filter and purify the blood. God helps us keep our inner thoughts pure and vital as we go to His Word.
That is a great lesson that Jesus Christ practiced during his time on earth. We see him at the age of twelve with a great understanding of the scriptures (Luke 2:46,47). When tempted by the Devil in the wilderness, Jesus Christ quoted scripture he had memorized (Matthew 4; Luke 4).
Verses 10,11—“God, which saveth the upright in heart. God judgeth the righteous.” The upright in heart are those who trust God. God judges us as righteous because of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for us. Today, we have total confidence in our heavenly Father because of what He has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ. We claim God’s promises in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Verse 17—“ I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: and will sing praise.” We thank God each day for the righteousness that we have in Christ. Praying in the spirit and singing in the spirit are ways to praise and thank Him (I Corinthians 14:14-17; Acts 2:4,11; 10:46). Note that the subscript to this Psalm is “upon Gittith.” This subscript means “a winepress” and refers to the Feast of Tabernacles and the harvesting of grapes. See also Psalms 80 and 83 with the same subscript. Here it relates to God’s protection and deliverance as when booths were made during the Feast of Tabernacles.
FOR FURTHER STUDY
All 150 of The Psalms in Poetic Form are available from Amazon in a book, either Large Print or a smaller Bedside Reader. Also available for free with a Kindle Unlimited membership. Enjoy!
The entire blog series is now available in the publication The Psalms: Background & Structure with Key Scriptures Explained.
