THE SLANDERED SAINT Studies in the Psalms (Psalm 7)
Psalm Seven is a Meditation of David’s which he sang unto the Lord concerning a character called Cush the Benjamite. Mr. Spurgeon calls it “The Song of the Slandered Saint.” Some think Cush is referring to Shimei: some believe him to be a follower of Saul’s, the head of his tribe, and had sought the friendship of David for the purpose of rewarding evil to him that was at peace with him, (v.4); constantly stirring the unpredictable Monarch against innocent David: sowing discord. “O LORD my God, in You I put my trust:” “in You I take refuge” (Amp. refuge found only once in the NT (Heb.6:18). “Save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me. Lest they tear my soul like a lion (v.2); our foe is likened to a lion, dragging me away while there is none to deliver me,” alluding to his shepherd life. Then David says “O Lord ‘if I have done this’” (vs. 3-5) which makes it apparent that the attack of the enemy was the slandering tongue: look at James 1:26 and 3:5-8. “No innocence can shield a man from the slanders of the wicked. David had been scrupulously careful to avoid any appearance of rebellion against Saul, whom he constantly styled him as ‘The Lord’s Anointed,’ but all this could not protect him from lying tongues. If we would live without being slandered we must wait till we get to heaven.” (CHS) “Arise, O Lord, in Your anger, lift Yourself up because of the rage of my enemies; rise up for me to the judgment You have commanded! So the congregation of the peoples shall surround You, for their sakes, therefore, return on high” (vs.6-7). He appeals to the common behavior of the people of God. Then in verses 8-9 David appears to have seen the LORD ascend the judgment seat. The first person he desires to be judged is himself, my righteousness, is my right standing before You: “For the righteous God tests the hearts and minds;” very weighty. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Heb.4:13). Then he perceives that the Judge has heard his plea, cleared the guiltless, and uttered His voice against the persecutors: and they are in big trouble (vs. 10-13). My judgment is with my God, not my persecutors, He, not they, shall have the last word in my cause. The best day that ever dawns on a sinner brings a curse with it; they may have feast days, but no safe days. God does not always reserve all His judgment to the last day (vs.14-17), when He is pleased He judges now. Let me conclude this study by asking you to read II Samuel 22:1-4, if a man ever finds the right refuge he will sing as one who has found a hiding place from the wind in King Messiah (Isa 32). ~~Terry Worthan, 1938-2022
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