Psalms 7

TITLE. Shiggaion. That this word denotes some particular kind of poem is evident from its use by Hahakkuk (iii. 1); but its meaning is doubtful. Some think it is merely “a song”; some, a dithyrambic or irregular ode.

Cush. “Cush” is the Hebrew name for Ethiopia. No person of this name is mentioned in the history of David; but some regard it as applying to Shimei, who was “a Benjamite.”

3. If I have done this. That is, the wickedness with which my enemies charge me; referring to the charge made by Shimei of being “a man of blood” (2 Sam. xvi. 7). Spurgeon calls the Psalm “The Song of the Slandered Saint.”

4. I have delivered him, etc. “And [if] I have spoiled him that without cause is mine enemy.”

7. So shall the congregation, etc. Or, “Let the assembly of the nations [for judgement] surround Thee; and over it (the assembly) return Thou to the lofty [throne].” In the preceding verse God had been invoked as a judge; and His delay in interposing is compared to a king’s absence, for the purpose of repose (6), from his tribunal, to which He is here entreated to return.

8 according to my righteousness. That is, in this particular matter—according to my innocence of the charges brought against me. The confessions of unworthiness made elsewhere plainly show that the Psalmist laid no claim to absolute sinlessness.

11. God judgeth the righteous, etc. The verse may be rendered, “God is a righteous judge (R.V.), and a God who is angry every day.” It is obvious that the object of God’s anger, though not expressed, is the enemy (5), the wicked (9); of whom it is said, “If he turn not, He (God) will sharpen His sword”: op. Deut. xxxii. 41, 42.

13. He ordaineth His arrows, etc. Or, “His arrows He hath made to be burning”; i.e., inflammable, so as to burn when they wound; “fiery shafts,” R.V.

15. He made a pit, etc. Alluding to the method of catching wild beasts by pits covered over slightly with reeds or branches of trees.

17. His righteousness. That is, His justice.