Psalm 7 1

Psalm 7:1 kjv

O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:

Psalm 7:1 nkjv

A Meditation of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. O LORD my God, in You I put my trust; Save me from all those who persecute me; And deliver me,

Psalm 7:1 niv

A shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite. LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me,

Psalm 7:1 esv

O LORD my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me,

Psalm 7:1 nlt

I come to you for protection, O LORD my God.
Save me from my persecutors ? rescue me!

Psalm 7 verses

Psalm 7 1 Meaning

Psalm 7:1 is a direct and fervent prayer of King David, expressing absolute trust in the Lord God amidst intense persecution. It is an immediate plea for divine rescue and deliverance from the numerous adversaries who seek his harm, demonstrating a complete reliance on God as his sole refuge and defender.

Psalm 7 1 Context

Psalm 7 is a "Shiggaion," a term in the superscription suggesting a psalm of strong emotion, possibly a wandering, passionate lament or a complex, errant song. The superscription further ties it to "the words of Cush, a Benjamite." The identity of "Cush, a Benjamite" is debated by scholars; he is not directly mentioned elsewhere in the historical narrative as a distinct enemy of David. Possible interpretations include: a literal individual not otherwise recorded, a symbolic figure representing Saul (who was a Benjamite) and his persecutors, or perhaps Shimei son of Gera (also a Benjamite, though the timing of his conflict with David might suggest a later period than Psalm 7 implies for its original composition). Regardless of Cush's precise identity, the context is clear: David is facing grave, unjust accusations and persecution from a powerful adversary from his own people or former ruling tribe. He appeals to God as the righteous Judge to vindicate him and judge his accusers, maintaining his own integrity throughout. Verse 1 initiates this appeal with a profound statement of trust.

Psalm 7 1 Word analysis

• O LORD my God (YHWH Elohim):
  • YHWH: The Tetragrammaton, God's covenant name, revealing His personal, relational, and self-existent nature (Exod 3:14-15). Invoking this name underscores a deep, personal relationship.
  • Elohim: The generic term for God, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, power, and role as Creator and Judge. The combination "YHWH Elohim" signifies David addressing his personal, covenant God who is also the supreme Ruler of all.
• in You (b'kha):
  • In: Preposition implying absolute reliance and location of safety. Not just "by means of You," but within Your sphere of protection.
  • You: Emphasizes that God Himself is the object and source of trust, not just His attributes or actions.
• do I put my trust (chasiti):
  • From the Hebrew root chasah (חָסָה), meaning "to seek refuge," "to flee for protection," "to put one's trust in." It's a vivid picture of taking shelter under God's wings or finding sanctuary. It signifies more than intellectual belief; it's an active, desperate seeking of cover and security in God. It implies utter dependence and helplessness apart from Him.
• save me (hoshi'eini):
  • From the root yasha (יָשַׁע), meaning "to deliver," "to rescue," "to help," "to bring salvation." This is a broad term for being rescued from distress or danger. Here, it implies immediate, physical salvation from present peril.
• from all them that persecute me (mikol rodephai):
  • From all (mikol): Indicates a comprehensive threat; it's not just one person but multiple or widespread adversaries.
  • persecute me (rodephai): From radaph (רָדַף), meaning "to pursue," "to chase," "to hunt down," often with hostile intent. It signifies being relentlessly pursued and harassed.
• and deliver me (vehatsileini):
  • From the root natsal (נָצַל), meaning "to snatch away," "to pluck out," "to rescue," "to tear away from danger." This word often implies removal from imminent peril or dangerous circumstances. It can be more forceful than yasha, emphasizing a strong, decisive intervention to extricate someone from harm's grip. It reinforces the urgent need for divine intervention.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "O LORD my God, in You do I put my trust": This opening establishes the foundation of David's prayer. His plea is rooted in a covenantal, personal relationship with the all-powerful God, in whom he has completely surrendered his hope and safety. It defines the psalmist's posture: not despair, but faith in the face of tribulation.
• "save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me": This forms the core request. The repetition of "save me" (yasha) and "deliver me" (natsal) emphasizes the severity of the threat and the urgent, comprehensive need for divine intervention. "All them that persecute me" highlights the magnitude and ubiquity of the hostile forces against him, making the necessity of God's action even greater. The progression from "save" (rescue generally) to "deliver" (snatch from specific danger) underlines the immediate and targeted nature of the plea.

Psalm 7 1 Bonus section

The ancient Near Eastern concept of "refuge" often involved physically fleeing to a temple, an altar, or a specific "city of refuge." When David declares "in You do I put my trust," he is metaphorically placing himself within God's divine sanctuary, identifying God Himself as his ultimate, infallible city of refuge. This makes his trust an act of complete dependence, far surpassing any earthly protective measure. It is a testimony to the spiritual nature of the refuge God provides, which is even more secure than any physical strong tower or fortified city.

Psalm 7 1 Commentary

Psalm 7:1 is a profound declaration of unwavering faith amidst overwhelming personal attack. It's a prayer born of desperation but grounded in intimate knowledge of God's character. David's use of "YHWH Elohim" highlights his recognition of God both as his personal covenant partner and as the sovereign Lord of all. His statement, "in You do I put my trust" (chasiti), is more than a passive belief; it's an active, deliberate act of taking refuge, like a child running to a parent's embrace or a refugee seeking sanctuary. This immediate declaration of trust precedes any petition, establishing faith as the prerequisite for seeking divine help. The twin pleas, "save me" (hoshi'eini) and "deliver me" (vehatsileini), vividly express the urgency and magnitude of his distress. He faces not just one foe, but "all them that persecute me," suggesting widespread or multiple threats. This verse sets the stage for the rest of the psalm, where David confidently appeals to God as the righteous Judge to vindicate him and mete out justice against his unrighteous enemies. It serves as a model for all believers: when unjustly attacked, the first and most crucial response is to run into the secure refuge of God.

• Practical Usage Example: When facing false accusations or intense personal opposition, rather than reacting in anger or fear, follow David's example by immediately pouring out your trust in God, acknowledging His sovereignty over the situation and seeking His protection and vindication.