Summary
If we are true to God and to his teaching, it is almost inevitable that at some point those who oppose God will misrepresent us and make false accusations against us. We saw this recently with events in Australia, and we see misrepresentations of Biblical Christianity regularly in our own secular media.
David also suffered misrepresentations and false accusations. While the situation which brought about Psalm 7 is not known to us, it is clear that opponents of David sought him harm by falsehoods. Instead of seeking to justify himself in his own strength, David taught us how to respond when this happens to us – to take refuge in God, and ask Him to bring justice.
Our passage explained
v1-2
Psalm 7 begins with David confidently expressing his trust in God as a refuge. He calls to God “in you do I take refuge” and asks God to deliver him from his enemies (v.1). He describes his enemies as like lions, who are ripping him to shreds with their attacks (v.2).
v3-9
In verses 3 to 9, David protests his innocence and asks God to vindicate him. David protests the accusations of his enemies that he has harmed those he is at peace with (v.4) and asks God to curse him if he is guilty of their charges by allowing them to kill him (vv.3-5). This unusual way of protesting his innocence demonstrates the extent to which he believes he is wronged, and requires God’s help.
His protest of innocence then forms the basis for his plea for vindication. He asks God to take action against his enemies, asking God to “Arise, O LORD, in your anger, lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies; awake for me; you have appointed a judgment” (v.6). He asks God to assemble his people, and judge righteously (vv.7-8). This judgement extends to him, as God vindicates his innocence of his enemies’ accusations and condemns the wicked (vv.8-9).
v10-16
In verses 10 to 16, David then praises God as a righteous saviour and judge. David describes God as his shield, “who saves the upright in heart” (v.10). God is a divine warrior who protects His people, like a shield protects a soldier. Further, God is a “righteous judge” who “feels indignation every day” at those who attack his people (v.11).
When God sees enemies attack His people or sin against His divine laws, He takes action. He picks up his sword, readies His bow, preparing to attack with “His deadly weapons, making His arrows fiery shafts” (vv.12-13). God is not a warrior who cowers but rushes to His people’s aid.
God’s warrior actions bring the evil intended for God’s people on those who plot it. Wicked men “conceive evil” and are “pregnant with mischief”, giving “birth to lies” (v.14). They make plans to entrap God’s people (digging figurative pits) but God causes them to fall pretty to their own trap, receiving the mischief they intended for others (vv.15-16), like Wile. E. Coyote falling prey to his traps for the Roadrunner.
v17
Because God vindicates the innocent and defends His people from His enemies, He is worthy of praise. David’s Psalm ends in verse 17 with His declaration of praise to God, the Most High, who is due thanks for His righteousness and his righteous deeds (v.17). God does not side with the wicked, but is a shield for His people and due their praise.
Our passage applied
This Psalm gives us very practical advice for how to respond when we are unjustly accused for Christ’s sake. While we may be tempted to go on the attack for ourselves against our enemies, we should instead trust in God to protect and vindicate us. Violence and chucking milkshakes is the way of the world, not ours.
That does not mean inaction. After all, the Apostles took the opportunities presented to them to defend themselves and the Christian faith, even in the courts (eg, Acts 4:1-22, 16:16-40, 24:1-21). But the response to attack is not violence on our part, but humble trust in God to protect us.
But we must also take pause to question our own hearts, as David did. David was so sure of his innocence he was willing to invoke a curse on himself. While we can be quick to jump to defence of our words or actions, we must pause to consider if we are truly innocent, or have sinned against our neighbour.
If we are truly innocent, then this passage promises that God sees our plight and will in His own time and way bring judgment on our enemies. It is not for us to use the strength of arms to defeat, but to take refuge in God, our shield and our defender.
God promises in His righteousness to vindicate His people. He will judge truly and rightly, upholding the righteous (in Christ) and punishing the wicked. Like David, we can trust God and offer praise to which He is entitled.
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