In You Do I Take Refuge (Psalm 7)

The seventh Psalm in the book of psalms, is termed as a Shiggaion. A Shiggaion is defined as an "erratic melody betokening excitement and agitation." So we see that Psalm is again straight from David's heart and he is not concerned about the melody and the aesthetics of the psalm. He simply wants to pour out his heart through this song to God and his hearers.

As one proceeds through this psalm, it is easy to see that David progresses through many stages. In the first stage, David is pleading for divine intervention to deliver him from his enemies. In stage two, he argues his innocence before God, the divine judge and in the last stage he waits patiently for God to act decisively over his enemies.

Verses 1-2
A plea for God to help him, so that his enemies might not destroy him like a lion tears its prey into pieces.

Verses 3-5
David establishes his innocence by boldly saying that he will gladly accept ruin if what his accusers are saying can be proved to be true. The accusation against David was that he repaid evil towards his friends, and plundered his enemies without cause. David, who is absolutely sure of his innocence in this matter asks God to settle the case once and for all to see.

Verses 6-7
A battle cry from David to see his God arise against his many foes.

Verses 8-11
A description of God's attributes. God is a righteous judge, and he judges not by what human eyes can see but by testing the minds and hearts of men. No human court can judge minds and intentions, because they lack the perception to see the deep things of the mind.

Verses 12-16

The result of God's judgement on the wicked is described in very serious language. Verse 12 says, "If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent and readied his bow." How dreadful it is to fall into the hands of the living God. Sometimes, the wicked judge themselves by their own unrighteous acts. This is shown in verse 15 and 16, " He makes a pit digging it out, and falls into the hole that he has made. His mischief returns upon his own head, and on his own skull his violence descends."

Verse 17
David's declaration and decision to give thanks to the Lord and sing praises to His matchless Name.

The principles of judgement found in this Psalm, might sound like wishful thinking on David's part, but we who live in this generation have undeniable proof that it is the truth. Over the last decade, we have witnessed in the news many oppressive leaders being overthrown in the middle east by the people and by this these leaders received the same violent treatment that they dished out on their people. This is true throughout history.