Psalm 7:9

Translations

Modern

Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds.

Traditional

Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.

Literal

Please, let the evil of the wicked cease, and may you establish the righteous—even the One testing hearts and kidneys, O Righteous God.

Latin

Consumetur nequitia peccatorum, et diriges justum, scrutans corda et renes, Deus.

Original

Hebrew

English

Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds.

Notes

Psalms 7:9

God knows the thoughts and intentions of every person. He does not see only outward actions. He examines what is hidden in the mind and the heart (see Psalms 11:3–4; 26:2; 139:1, 23).

Psalms 7:6–9

With this appeal to God for justice in the world, the psalmist also submits to God’s examination.

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 Prayers for Vengeance Retribution The Heart in the Psalms

Related verses

Jeremiah 17:10
I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.
Jeremiah 11:20
O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously, who examines the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.
Jeremiah 20:12
O LORD of Hosts, who examines the righteous, who sees the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.
1 Chronicles 28:9
As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.
1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”
Psalm 37:23
The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.
Psalm 26:2
Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.
Psalm 11:5
The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked; His soul hates the lover of violence.
Psalm 10:15
Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call him to account for his wickedness until none is left to be found.
Psalm 139:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
Psalm 44:21
…would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart?
Romans 16:25
Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past

Glossary

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

Topics

God: Judge, and his Justice God: Knowledge of God: Righteousness of Heart: Renewed: Tested Intercession: Exemplified The Righteousness of God is Part of his Character

Psalm 7:9

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Glossary?

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