Psalm 7: A Prayer of the Persecuted Victorious

7Psalm

A Prayer of the Persecuted Victorious

A shiggaion of David, which he sang to the L regarding the words of Cush, the Benjamite. 1 O L my God, I take refuge in you; Save me from all those who pursue me. Deliver me, 2 So they do not Tear apart my soul like a lion and Drag me awaya while there is no one to deliver me. 3 O L my God, if I have done this: If there is injustice on my hands, 4 If I have rewarded my friend with evil, If I have plundered my enemy without cause, 5 Then let my enemy Pursue my soul and overtake it, Trample my life into the ground, and Lay my glory in the dust. Selah 6 O L, Arise in anger; Rise up against the rage of my enemies; Wake up and command justice. 7 Gather the assembled peoples around you; Then return to your throne on high and rule over them.b 8 The L judges the peoples.

Judge me, O L, According to my righteousness, according to my integrity. 9 O righteous God, who testsc hearts and minds,d Let the evil acts of the wicked come to an end; Establish the just.e 10 My shield is God alone, who saves the upright in heart. 11 God is a righteous judge, a God who feels indignation every day. 12 If the wickedf do not repent, God will sharpen his sword. He has bent his bow, strung it, and made it ready. 13 He has prepared deadly weapons, even made flaming arrows.

a Or “Rip me to pieces.” b The Hebrew is not clear. c Or “who examines.” d Literally, “and kidneys.” e Or “the righteous.” f Literally, “If they.”