Slander | ActsSeventeen

Bob Feather July 24th, 2008

1 Samuel 26

Reminiscent of an earlier encounter (1 Samuel 24), the Ziphites tell Saul how to find David; and David, by not killing Saul, proves to Saul that only David’s fear of God has kept the king alive; and then Saul, as before, apologizes.

Psalm 7

Shiggaion-wandering. Does the content wander, or was the psalm composed while the author was wandering?
Cush the Benjamite-is this a veiled reference to Saul, son of Kish, the Benjamite?
Slander is the theme. People saying things to malign the reputation of others.
Saul’s unjust persecution of David; and David’s appeal to God for help may well be the background of this psalm.
Bishop Samuel Horsley (1733-1806) suggested that the psalm should be seen on a much higher level:

Whatever might be the occasion of the Psalm, the real subject seems to be the Messiah’s appeal to God against the false accusations of his enemies; and the predictions which it contains of the final conversion of the whole world, and of the future judgment, are clear and explicit. (cited by Spurgeon in Treasury of David)
Outline:
- Although many people, and one in particular accuse me, I am innocent (Psalm 7:1-7)
- My God will discover my innocence, and punish my accusers (Psalm 7:8-17)

Psalm 7:1-7

1O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:

2Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.

3O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;

4If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)

5Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.

6Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded.

7So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high.

Psalm 7:8-17

8The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.

9Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.

10My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.

11God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.

12If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.

13He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors.

14Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.

15He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.

16His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

17I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.