Psalms

Chapter 7

I Take Refuge in You

This psalm takes the form of a plea for vindication from slander and pursuit, as David takes refuge in the LORD and submits himself to divine examination. The prayer moves from protestation of innocence to appeal for public judgment, then closes with confidence that evil recoils on itself and with praise to the Most High for his righteousness.

Psalm 7 adds a judicial dimension to the early Psalter's laments. It shows that refuge in God includes willingness to be searched by him, confidence that he judges justly, and trust that wicked schemes finally collapse under the very moral order they try to violate.

1 section·129 words·~1 min read

Begin reading Zoom into first section

Reader

Psalms 7

A continuous BSB reading flow. Turn on the guide when you want authored orientation; leave it off when you simply want the text.

vv. 1-17

I Take Refuge in You

Open section

A¹ Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. ²or they will shred my soul like a lion

³O LORD my God, if I have done this, ⁴if I have rewarded my ally with evil, ⁵then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me;

⁶Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; ⁷Let the assembled peoples gather around You; ⁸The LORD judges the peoples; ⁹Put an end to the evil of the wicked,

¹⁰My shield is with God, ¹¹God is a righteous judge ¹²If one does not repent, ¹³He has prepared His deadly weapons;

¹⁴Behold, the wicked man travails with evil; ¹⁵He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; ¹⁶His trouble recoils on himself, ¹⁷I will thank the LORD for His righteousness

Section map

Open the closer view when you want it.

Each section keeps the passage focused, adds summaries and cross references, and gives verse-level links.

01vv. 1-17I Take Refuge in YouDavid sings to the LORD about hostile words and takes refuge in God against pursuit that would tear him like a lion. He offers himself to divine scrutiny, calls on the Judge of all peoples to arise and vindicate, and then reflects on God's righteous judgment until the psalm ends in praise because wickedness falls back on its maker.