God is righteous and just

Psalm 7 comes with a ‘superscription’, a heading that gives some explanation as to why the psalm was written and the type of Hebrew poetry it is. There is debate among Biblical scholars as to whether these were part of the original writing or were added at a later date. We do know that the vast majority of our manuscripts of the Psalms have these, even the most ancient texts. If they were not original they are very ancient and most likely we can view them as reliable. For Psalm 7 we find the following.

“A shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjaminite.” (NIV)

Most of us are probably not familiar with the term shiggaion and with good reason – we really don’t know what this Hebrew word means. There are some logical guesses that have been put forward. As it says that David sang this it would make sense that it has something to do with a song. In Habakkuk 3:1 we find the plural used, shiginoth and it was something that Habakkuk prayed. So perhaps this was a prayer song.

The setting of the writing of the psalm was about Cush, a Benjaminite. We know nothing of this Cush in the scriptures but we do see that when Absalom rebelled against his father that some from Benjamin revealed themselves to be David’s enemies. It would seem that Cush was one of these who said things against David. This psalm, then, can help us see how to react in these situations.

“Lord my God, if I have done this and there is guilt on my hands – if I have repaid my ally with evil or without cause have robbed my foe – then let my enemy pursue and overtake me; let him trample my life to the ground and make me sleep in the dust.” (Psalms 7:3-5)

We find that David had a lovely attitude – if he was guilty of doing something against this man then he deserved to pay for it. He was unaware of any guilt he had incurred but if it were there he was willing to be punished for it. In all this, though, he sought his refuge in God (Psalm 7:1). He trusted in God to deal with the situation and deliver him if he were innocent.

“Arise, Lord, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice…Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure – you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts.” (Psalms 7:6,9)

David trusted in God to bring him justice. People today still talk about justice, although often if someone is accused of a crime and found innocent we hear that there was no justice. Actually that is justice – just because someone is accused does not mean they are guilty. David trusted that God would vindicate him because he was righteous and innocent of any wrongdoing.

Notice as well that David did not seek revenge – he called on God to rise up against the rage of his enemies. Perhaps that is not the way we normally pray, but isn’t that the correct way to deal with the accusations and injustice that come our way? It is not for us to try to pay the person back but to take it to our heavenly Father. He is the one who can deal with it – and David realised that such injustice made God angry. He trusted that God would be his shield. If we could only learn to be more like David and trust God more!

“My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day…I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.” (Psalms 7:10-11,17)

Rather than seeking revenge we should turn to God and give thanks that he is righteous – he will always do what is right.

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Readings for next week: Psalms 6-21