Psalm 7

It is obvious that David, once again, is up against some enemies, but in this psalm David is able to see the God Whom he serves. That gives him great confidence.

1. How often do those in the world seek “refuge” everywhere but in the God of heaven? We are often drawn to the “help” given by drugs, alcohol or other people. Only God, though, is able to give true deliverance (verse 1).

2. Verse 2: David very often uses dramatic images from the natural world, especially in describing his difficulties. Several times in the psalms there is the picture of a lion.

3. Verses 3-5 are not a claim of perfection. David is being much like Job, who did not think he was perfect, but that he was innocent of the charges brought against him. There is nothing wrong with standing up for our “name” (reputation) when we are innocent of false charges.

4. Again, much like Job, David calls for an heavenly court case, seeking proof of his innocence (verse 8).

5. In verses 14-16 David uses a theme that is common in the Psalms (and other ancient literature). He basically asks God to give his enemies exact retribution. Many in the ancient world believed that you reap what you sow in a literal sense. The conclusion of this thought is in verse 16.

6. After having this struggle to show his innocence, David is still able to see that God is just (righteous) and he thanks God for that (verse 17).