Psalms – Chapter 7

Old Testament18 Verses

Chapter Summary

"The psalm of David, which he sung to the Lord, for the words of Chusi, the son of Jemini." — so begins Psalms 7. David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 18 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and sin and divine judgment. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1The psalm of David, which he sung to the Lord, for the words of Chusi, the son of Jemini.

2O Lord, my God, in thee have I put my trust; save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me.

3Lest at any time he seize upon my soul like a lion, while there is no one to redeem me, nor to save.

4O Lord, my God, if I have done this thing, if there be iniquity in my hands:

5If I have rendered to them that repaid me evils, let me deservedly fall empty before my enemies.

6Let the enemy pursue my soul, and take it, and tread down my life, on the earth, and bring down my glory to the dust.

7Rise up, O Lord, in thy anger: and be thou exalted in the borders of my enemies. And arise, O Lord, my God, in the precept which thou hast commanded:

8And a congregation of people shall surround thee. And for their sakes return thou on high.

9The Lord judgeth the people. Judge me, O Lord, according to my justice, and according to my innocence in me.

10The wickedness of sinners shall be brought to nought; and thou shalt direct the just: the searcher of hearts and reins is God. Just

11Is my help from the Lord; who saveth the upright of heart.

12God is a just judge, strong and patient: is he angry every day?

13Except you will be converted, he will brandish his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.

14And in it he hath prepared to instruments of death, he hath made ready his arrows for them that burn.

15Behold he hath been in labour with injustice: he hath conceived sorrow, and brought forth iniquity.

16He hath opened a pit and dug it: and he is fallen into the hole he made.

17His sorrow shall be turned on his own head: and his iniquity shall come down upon his crown.

18I will give glory to the Lord according to his justice: and will sing to the name of the Lord the most high.

Important Verses in Psalms 7

The psalm of David, which he sung to the Lord, for the words of Chusi, the son of Jemini.

Psalms 7:1

O Lord, my God, if I have done this thing, if there be iniquity in my hands:

Psalms 7:4

Rise up, O Lord, in thy anger: and be thou exalted in the borders of my enemies. And arise, O Lord, my God, in the precept which thou hast commanded:

Psalms 7:7

I will give glory to the Lord according to his justice: and will sing to the name of the Lord the most high.

Psalms 7:18

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 7 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 18 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on David, the principal figures named in this chapter. The passage starts with these words: "The psalm of David, which he sung to the Lord, for the words of Chusi, the son of Jemini." The final verse reads: "I will give glory to the Lord according to his justice: and will sing to the name of the Lord the most high. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 1: "The psalm of David, which he sung to the Lord, for the words of Chusi, the son of Jemini." The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 2559).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims Psalms Chapter 7 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in Psalms Chapter 7. At the moral level, the unity of Scripture and the Magisterium challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 1604).

As you continue through Psalms, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 7 about?

Psalms 7 contains 18 verses. It opens with "The psalm of David, which he sung to the Lord, for the words of Chusi, the son of Jemini." and closes with "I will give glory to the Lord according to his justice: and will sing to the name of the Lord the most high. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 7?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "The psalm of David, which he sung to the Lord, for the words of Chusi, the son of Jemini." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 7?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

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