"If I have done this..."

Purpose: To invoke justice from YHWH towards both the righteous (specifically, himself) and the wicked (false accusers).

Content: God is a righteous judge. He saves the upright, and he brings the end to the wicked's violence.

Message: King YHWH will see to it that the wicked receive their punishment and that the righteous are vindicated.

Author: David

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Overview Video

Poetic Features Video

Exegetical Issues Video

Overview

Translation

Click 'Expand' to the right to see our Close-but-Clear translation of Psalm 7.

1. A shiggayon of David

that he sang to YHWH

concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite.

2. YHWH, my God, in you have I sought refuge!

Save me from all who chase me, and rescue me!

3. Lest he maul me like a lion,

tearing me apart, without anyone to rescue me!

4. YHWH, my God, if I have done this,

if there is injustice in my hands,

5. if I have repaid my friend evil,

or have delivered my foe without reason,

6. may the enemy chase and overtake me,

trample my life to the ground

and make my glory dwell in the dust! Selah.

7. Rise up, YHWH, in your anger!

Lift yourself up against the outbursts of my foes!

And wake up for my sake, because of the commandment that you commanded.

8. And let a gathering of nations surround you!

Then return over it, high above!

9. YHWH judges people;

vindicate me, YHWH,

according to my righteousness—my integrity within me!

10. Let the evil of the wicked come to an end,

and make the righteous permanent!

The righteous God is

one who examines the innermost parts.

11. My shield is held by God,

who saves the upright in heart.

12. God is a just judge,

and a god delivering punishment each day.

13. If the wicked does not repent, YHWH will sharpen his sword.

He has bent his bow, and prepared it.

14. And he has prepared deadly weapons for the wicked.

He will make his arrows firebrands.

15. Pay attention! The wicked conceives evil deeds,

is pregnant with wrongdoing, and gives birth to lies.

16. He began to dig a pit, and kept digging it,

and fell into the pit he was making.

17. His wrongdoing will return upon his head,

his violence will come down on the crown of his head.

18. I shall praise YHWH according to his righteousness!

And I shall praise the name of YHWH Most High!

The Close-but-clear translation (CBC) exists to provide a window into the Hebrew text according to how we understand its syntax and word-to-phrase-level semantics. It is not intended to be used as a stand-alone translation or base text, but as a supplement to Layer-by-Layer materials to help users make full use of these resources.

For links to other translations of Psalm 7, click here.

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Click the link to view all of Psalm 7 Verse-by-Verse, or click on an individual verse below.

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Psalm Overview