Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

if I have done this--that is, the crime charged in the "words of Cush" (compare Sa1 24:9).

If I have injured my friend. yea, I have delivered, &c.--This makes a good sense, but interrupts the course of thought, and hence it is proposed to render, "if I have spoiled my enemy"--in either case (compare Sa1 24:4-17; Sa1 31:8, Sa1 31:11).

This is the consequence, if such has been his conduct. mine honour--(compare Psa 3:3; Psa 4:2) --my personal and official dignity.

God is involved as if hitherto careless of him (Psa 3:7; Psa 9:18). rage--the most violent, like a flood rising over a river's banks. the judgment . . . commanded--or, "ordained"; a just decision.

compass thee--as those seeking justice. return thou on high--assume the judgment seat, to be honored as a just Ruler by them.

Though not claiming innocence in general, he can confidently do so in this case, and in demanding from the Judge of all the earth a judgment, he virtually asks acquittal.

the hearts and reins--the affections and motives of men, or the seat of them (compare Psa 16:7; Psa 26:2); as we use heart and bosom or breast.

defence--literally, "shield" (Psa 5:12).

judgeth--as in Psa 7:8. the wicked--Though not expressed, they are implied, for they alone are left as objects of anger.

They are here distinctly pointed out, though by changing the person, a very common mode of speech, one is selected as a representative of wicked men generally. The military figures are of obvious meaning.

against the persecutors--Some render "for burning," but the former is the best sense. Arrows for burning would be appropriate in besieging a town, not in warring against one man or a company in open fight.

The first clause expresses the general idea that wicked men labor to do evil, the others carry out the figure fully.

psa 7:15Sa1 18:17; Sa1 31:2 illustrate the statement whether alluded to or not. These verses are expository of Psa 7:14, showing how the devices of the wicked end in disappointment, falsifying their expectations.

his righteousness-- (Psa 5:8). Thus illustrated in the defense of His servant and punishment of the wicked. Next: Psalms Chapter 8