19th June 2026

Psalm 7 seems to open with doubts – doubts about whether David was ‘on the right side’. He respected Saul as God’s appointed ruler even though he himself was constantly hunted, his life in danger. It’s not unsurprising that David entertained doubts about the rightness of what he was doing. Was it right he was wandering around Judea with a following of malcontents, many of whom would have cheerfully slaughtered Saul? Was it right that his flight was effectively dividing the kingdom? Maybe he even had doubts about the anointing from Samuel, proclaiming him king. Had he misinterpreted these events? Samuel was no longer there to support and guide him.

The Psalm does not clearly identify who had prompted this song, being identified only as ‘Cush a Benjamite’. In the writings of Samuel there is no one of this name who had attacked David. Some commentaries suggest it refers to Saul himself.

‘O Lord my God, in you I put my trust’ is the opening line. Is it resonating with a surety or is the unspoken thought, ‘I trusted you, and look at the mess I’m in’? David gives his God a choice – if I have made a mistake, let me die at the hands of this enemy, ‘…let him trample my life to the earth’ (v.5), or, ‘Rise up for me…’ (v.6). David is not turning his back on his Creator, but, weighed down by doubts, he is asking for judgement. 

There is a very personal response to wickedness in verses 14-16, where he would appear to be referring directly to Saul. It can be seen as a prophecy when we read about the later death of Saul in 1 Samuel 31. It was a tragic end to a rule that had been overcome by evil: ‘His trouble shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown.’ (v.16). It is a message for all evil rulers. 

David resolves his doubts with a dialogue that sets evil against good: ‘…Gather the nations around you, and take your place as judge. Lord, judge the people…Stop those who do evil. Support those who do good…’ (Psalm 7:7-9 ERV). This speaks of a judgement to come; a time when good triumphs over evil, when the Lord, Jesus Christ has ‘gathered the nations around him’ (Matthew 25:32). And “…true and righteous are his judgements….” (Revelation 19:2 NKJV).  

This perfect society didn’t happen in David’s time but it is announced by Jesus himself and recorded in Mark’s gospel: “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26). The Psalmist’s conclusion is, ‘I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness…’ (Psalm 7:17).

¹ Psalm 7: 9, 17  (NKJV)

Local congregation:
GCI Market Harborough
9 The Point
Rockingham Road
Market Harborough 
LE16 7QU

Meeting time:
Sunday 4.00 pm

Local congregational contact:
Sinead Henderson 
Email: sinead.henderson@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church