Psalm 7
Psalm 7 is seventeen verses long. Remember that these were songs, for the most part, and they were played to musical instruments. So the structure of these psalms in interesting to give attention to for the flow of these psalms can shed light on the way it was intended to be heard.
This psalm is divided into two major parts. It is divided by the Hebrew word ‘Selah’ (which was covered on Psalm 4). These two parts have different stropes (a poetic term for different lines or verses). Part 1 has two strophes and part 3 has three strophes.
The main idea behind this psalm is the recognition that God’s justice is indeed the ultimate solution to the problem of evil, evil also carries with it the DNA of self-destruction as well. So, within this psalm David speaks to the fact that God is righteous and just. That God’s final judgment of human behavior is in accord with his justice. That, as I said, evil is inherently self-destructive. And our moral code is intended to reflect God’s righteous character.
This psalm is titled with reference to “Cush, a Benjamite.” The word “Benjamite” is key in helping understand the reference. We don’t know the person being referenced. Cush could potentially refer to the ancient kingdom of Ethiopia or Nubia. Some scholars think though that this may be an individual either related to Absalom’s death, or, more likely, one of Saul’s servants. Saul was of the tribe of Benjamin. David was of the tribe of Judah.
This monarchical transition was a representation of the fact that a turn had been made from the Rachel side of Jacob’s family to the Leah side. This is the focus in Psalm 78:67-72. This division of the tribes of Benjamin and Judah had been a sore spot in the kingdom for many years.
Isn’t interesting that family problems can have an impact on so many people at the same time? That’s what Satan does. He may help along an argument to develop but his main goal is to let the anger from an argument fester into a deep-seated bitterness. And that bitterness can so metastasize that it will seek more people to infect. And, ultimately full-blown division is born.
Never forget as you read through the psalms that we are talking about real individuals who had all of the same hurts, struggles, pains and trials that you do. And, you would also be wise to make it a repetitive process to do as David did and let your Lord know about it when you have a sincere struggle with a person. Let the Lord be your help when these kinds of trials come. Do not let bitterness even have a chance in your heart to metastasize. Get rid of it as soon as it is detected. Simply give it over to God.
PRAY
Lord help me in my family and all my relationships to honor you in my heart.