In Psalm 7, David talks to God about the people who are trying to destroy him. Presumably, he is worried about Cush a Benjamite who was working with King Saul to kill David. King Saul was jealous of David and knew that the people loved David. Saul was a Benjamite, and he tried multiple times to kill David, who lived a life on the run. David was a warrior with a band of men who followed and fought for him. He was a born leader, and the one God anointed to be the next King.
When David sang this Psalm to God, he was in a dark place worrying about his very life. He depended on God to save his life from those who wanted to tear him apart like a lion attacking prey. But rather than doing the expected thing of asking for revenge he first asked if he was at fault. In verse 3-5, David asked if he did this to himself. Is there iniquity in his hands? Did he commit evil against people who were at peace with him. David is honestly looking for the cause of these attempts on his life. He is not merely searching for safety and protection. He is laying himself bare before God. He wants God to tell him what God thinks of David’s heart and behavior.
David is not searching for revenge. He is searching for God’s justice even if it cost David his life. This is an example of a mighty warrior who completely humbles himself before the Almighty God. David seems to understand that God alone know the right thing to do. Only after God has judged David, does David ask God to rise up and judge his enemies. David asks God to rise up so the people will see God’s just ways. For the sake of the people, David wants God’s judgement to be seen. Again, in verse 8, David asks to be judged according to his righteousness and integrity.
In verse 9 and 10, David is not asking simply for his enemies to be destroyed. He is asking for the wickedness to be destroyed. He is acknowledging that only God knows what is in a person’s heart. Only God can determine if our enemies are the ones who need to be destroyed. He is putting their destruction in God’s hands not in David’s hands.
In verse 15 and 16, David states that the wicked have dug a pit which they themselves will fall into. They bring destruction on themselves by their actions. A violent person’s actions will return to himself.
David never actually seeks revenge on his treacherous enemies. He seeks God’s opinion and justice for all involved. He seeks God’s will even at risk of losing his life. David does not trust himself to judge others and declare their punishment. David is not desperately trying to prove himself. David is deeply troubled by what his enemies want to do to him. But rather than declaring himself innocent and worthy of Godly rescue, he desires God’s justice come what may.
This is an old Psalm from ancient times. Many things in this world have changed. Many empires have risen and fallen. Yet today we still have the same problems our ancestors endured. There are still people willing to destroy the just people of the world. There are still people unwilling to get right with God. Many people call themselves Christians but continue to tell God what is wrong with other people, the people that disagree with them. The Bible clearly states that revenge belongs to God. Romans 12:19, Deuteronomy 32:35, Isiaha 34:8, 2 Thessalonians 1:8.
America is living in a divided time when attacking others for being wrong is a popular solution. We argue. We accuse. We cast judgement on the hearts of people. We send hate mail. We cancel from the left and from the right. We try everything to snuff out the opposition. We are the ones who are right. The ones who know what must be done. We try to cutdown anyone, thing, or idea that does not agree with us.
Do we understand that in this angry vitriol we are actually digging a pit that we will fall into. We are bringing judgement on ourselves. We will be repaid according to our deeds. We will harvest what we sow. We will not escape the justice of God.
It is time to stop fighting with people and either humble ourselves before God or fight with God for the right to rule. If you know anything about God and the Bible, you know God always wins the fight. For God alone knows the heart of people. God alone knows who is right and who is wrong. Everyone needs corrections, many days in their lives. We are not capable of ruling this country ourselves. With the flood of misinformation and the never-ending fights that ensue, we continue to believe we can navigate the correct path. God alone is the one who knows the path to the truth, for he is The Truth.
In Leviticus 19:18 ancient Israel was told “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” In Matthew 22:38-40, Mark 12:29-3, Luke 10:27, Jesus tells us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
In this time of falsehood, distortion, hatred, anger, name calling, and judging, we are the ones who will be judged by Almighty God if we do not change and choose to humble ourselves before God and do the things he has already told us to do.