Psalm 7:4

Translations

Modern

…if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause,

Traditional

If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)

Literal

…if I have dealt with the one at peace with me with evil, or have drawn out my enemy without cause,

Latin

…si reddidi retribuentibus mihi mala, decidam merito ab inimicis meis inanis.

Original

Hebrew

English

…if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause,

Notes

Psalms 7:3–5

The psalmist declares his innocence, opening himself up to examination (Psalm 7:9).

Psalms 7:1–17

This psalm includes the following:

A lament (Psalm 7:1–2): The psalmist cries out to God for help and protection from enemies.
An oath of innocence (Psalm 7:3–5): The psalmist declares that he has done no wrong and maintains his integrity.
A call for God's justice (Psalm 7:6–9): He asks God to act against evildoers and defend the righteous.
An affirmation of God’s just kingship (Psalm 7:10–16): The psalmist praises God as a fair judge who rules the world rightly.
A concluding hymn of praise (Psalm 7:17): The psalmist ends with a song of thanksgiving, honoring God’s righteousness and deliverance.

Psalms 3:1–7:17

This group of psalms moves from an orderly world to a troubled one. Psalms 1–2 describe stability. The righteous person is blessed, and the Lord’s anointed king rules with authority.

In the psalms that follow, the tone changes. The Lord’s anointed cries out for help. He faces enemies, strong opposition, and evil plans.

It even seems at times that the Lord is far away. The psalmist feels confusion and distress instead of confidence and calm.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Related verses

1 Samuel 24:17–19
…and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil.
Psalm 55:20
My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant.
Jeremiah 18:20–21
Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them.
Psalm 109:5
They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
1 Samuel 22:14
Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard and honored in your house?
1 Samuel 24:10–15
Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’
1 Samuel 19:4–5
Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you.
1 Samuel 26:24
As surely as I valued your life today, so may the LORD value my life and rescue me from all trouble.”
1 Samuel 24:7
With these words David restrained his men, and he did not let them rise up against Saul. Then Saul left the cave and went on his way.
Proverbs 17:3
A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.
1 Samuel 25:28–29
Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live.
1 Samuel 26:9–17
But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?”

Glossary

Benjamin, Tribe of Cush (Person) David Music Psalms, Book of Shiggaion, Shigionoth

Topics

Evil for Good: General Scriptures Concerning Forgiveness of Injuries: A Characteristic of Saints Honesty: General Scriptures Concerning Ingratitude: Saints should Avoid the Guilt of Integrity: General Scriptures Concerning

Psalm 7:4

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?