King James Version

What Does Psalms 7:1 Mean?

Psalms 7:1 in the King James Version says “Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite . O LORD my God, in thee do ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite . O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: words: or, business”

Psalms 7:1 · KJV

Salvation

Context

1

Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite . O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: words: or, business

2

Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. none: Heb. not a deliverer

3

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me. This opening verse establishes the psalm as a passionate cry for divine intervention amidst persecution. The Hebrew verb chasah (חָסָה), translated "put my trust," literally means to flee for refuge or seek shelter—like a bird fleeing to its nest or a person running to a fortified city. David isn't casually trusting; he's desperately seeking asylum in God's protective presence.

The title identifies this as a shiggaion (שִׁגָּיוֹן), a rare term possibly indicating a wild, passionate song or a lament of deep emotion. David addresses God with both covenant name ("LORD" = Yahweh) and personal title ("my God" = Elohai), emphasizing both the universal sovereign and his personal relationship with the Almighty. This dual address reflects Old Testament theology: God is simultaneously the transcendent Creator and the intimate covenant partner who hears individual cries.

"Save me" (hoshieni, הוֹשִׁיעֵנִי) and "deliver me" (hatzileni, הַצִּילֵנִי) use two different Hebrew verbs, both urgent imperatives. The first suggests bringing to safety or victory, while the second implies snatching from danger or rescuing at the last moment. The repetition intensifies the plea—David faces imminent peril and needs immediate divine intervention.

Christologically, this verse anticipates Christ's own experience of persecution and His trust in the Father throughout His earthly ministry. Jesus, facing arrest and crucifixion, entrusted Himself to God's justice (1 Peter 2:23). For believers, this models appropriate response to persecution: not retaliation or despair, but active trust in God's deliverance and justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The psalm's superscription links it to David's words "concerning Cush the Benjamite." This likely refers to one of Saul's court officials during the period when Saul relentlessly pursued David (1 Samuel 18-26). Some scholars suggest Cush may have been a false accuser who slandered David before Saul, escalating the king's murderous jealousy. The name "Cush" means dark or Ethiopian, possibly a nickname rather than ethnic designation.

During David's years as a fugitive, he lived in constant danger. Saul commanded an army while David led a small band of outlaws. False accusations and court intrigue made David's situation even more precarious—slander could turn allies into enemies and justify Saul's pursuit as legitimate rather than paranoid vendetta. In this context, David had no human court of appeal; only God could vindicate him.

Ancient Near Eastern culture highly valued honor and reputation. False accusations threatened not just David's safety but his standing before God and man. The concept of refuge cities in Israel (Numbers 35:9-15; Deuteronomy 19:1-13) provided physical protection for those falsely accused or guilty of unintentional manslaughter. David's seeking refuge in God parallels this legal provision but transcends it—God is the ultimate refuge beyond human institution.

For early Christians facing persecution from both Jewish authorities and Roman Empire, this psalm provided scriptural language for their experience. They too were slandered, falsely accused, and hunted. Like David, they learned to place ultimate trust in God's vindication rather than human justice systems.

Reflection Questions

  1. What situations in your life require you to 'flee for refuge' to God rather than rely on human solutions or defenses?
  2. How does recognizing God as both cosmic LORD (Yahweh) and personal 'my God' (Elohai) affect your prayers during persecution or crisis?
  3. In what ways might false accusations or slander be targeting you, and how does David's example inform your response?
  4. How does Jesus's example of trusting the Father during persecution deepen the application of this psalm for Christians?
  5. What is the difference between passive resignation to injustice and active trust in God's deliverance as modeled here?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
יְהוָ֣ה1 of 8

“O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱ֭לֹהַי2 of 8

“my God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּךָ֣3 of 8
H0
חָסִ֑יתִי4 of 8

“in thee do I put my trust”

H2620

to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in

הוֹשִׁיעֵ֥נִי5 of 8

“save”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

מִכָּל6 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

רֹ֝דְפַ֗י7 of 8

“me from all them that persecute”

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

וְהַצִּילֵֽנִי׃8 of 8

“me and deliver”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 7:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 7:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 31:15Habakkuk 3:11 Peter 4:19Jeremiah 15:15Jeremiah 31:18Psalms 13:5

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