Psalm 7
Trusting in God's Righteous Judgment
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Intro
Psalm 7 is a prayer of David, expressing his trust in God's righteous judgment and seeking deliverance from his enemies. As we study this psalm from a New Covenant perspective, we will see how it points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of justice and refuge. We will explore the themes of appealing to God's righteousness, relying on His protection, and finding security in His faithfulness.
Section 1: Appealing to God's Righteousness (vs 1-6)
"O LORD my God, I take refuge in You; save me and deliver me from all my pursuers, lest they tear me like a lion, rending me in pieces with no one to rescue me. O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, if I have rewarded evil to my friend or plundered my enemy without cause, let the enemy pursue me and overtake me; let him trample my life to the ground and lay my honor in the dust. Selah. Rise up, O LORD, in Your anger; lift Yourself up against the fury of my enemies. Awake, my God, and decree justice."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's plea for refuge, salvation, and deliverance from his pursuers.
The assertion of his innocence and the appeal to God's righteousness in judging his actions.
The cry for God's justice to be established against his enemies.
Harmony: 2 Thessalonians 1:6, "After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's trust in God's righteous judgment encourage your own faith in times of persecution?
In what ways can we seek refuge in God and trust in His righteousness when facing unjust accusations?
How does Jesus, as the ultimate Judge, fulfill our longing for God's justice to be established?
Section 2: Relying on God's Protection (vs 7-13)
"Let the assembled peoples gather around You; take Your seat high above them. The LORD judges the peoples; vindicate me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and integrity. Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds. My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge and a God who feels indignation every day. If a man does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow. He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows with fiery shafts."
Talking Points:
The psalmist's appeal to God's righteous judgment and the request for vindication.
The recognition of God as the protector of the upright in heart.
The portrayal of God as a righteous judge who holds the wicked accountable for their actions.
Harmony: 2 Timothy 4:8, "From now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing."
Questions:
How does the psalmist's reliance on God's protection and righteous judgment inspire your trust in Him?
In what ways can we seek the Lord as our shield and find refuge in Him amidst the attacks of the enemy?
How does Jesus, as the righteous judge, assure us that God will establish justice and vindicate His faithful followers?
Section 3: Knowing God is Faithful (vs 14-17)
"Behold, the wicked man travails with evil; he conceives mischief and gives birth to lies. He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. His mischief returns upon his own head, and his violence descends upon his skull. I will thank the LORD for His righteousness; I will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High."
Talking Points:
The depiction of the wicked's evil schemes and their eventual consequences.
The recognition that the wicked's own actions will bring judgment upon themselves.
The psalmist's expression of gratitude for God's righteousness and his commitment to praise the Lord's name.
Harmony: Revelation 19:1 , "After this I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude in heaven, shouting: 'Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God!'"
Questions:
How does the psalmist's confidence in God's faithfulness and judgment bring assurance to your faith?
In what ways can we cultivate a heart of gratitude for God's righteousness and praise Him amidst challenging circumstances?
How does Jesus, as our Savior and Lord, inspire us to join in the heavenly chorus of praise and adoration?
Summary
Psalm 7, viewed through the lens of the New Covenant in Christ, expresses the psalmist's cry for justice and deliverance, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.
The psalmist's plea for God to vindicate him echoes our own need for redemption and righteousness, which is fully accomplished through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection (Romans 3:21-26).
The psalmist's plea for God to judge him according to his righteousness points to the perfect righteousness imputed to believers through faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
The psalmist's declaration that God is a righteous judge foreshadows Jesus, who will judge with righteousness and equity (Acts 17:31).
The psalmist's plea for God to let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end anticipates the final judgment when Jesus will separate the righteous from the wicked (Matthew 25:31-46).
The psalmist's commitment to praise the Lord Most High reflects our own response to the salvation we have in Jesus, praising Him for His grace and deliverance (Ephesians 1:3-14).
Psalm 7 portrays the cry for justice and the longing for God's righteous judgment that find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Righteous Judge.