Psalm 7
I've honestly grappled with how to blog this Psalm for the past half a week. This Psalm is so rich, and there are so many angles I can take here. This Psalm is about finding refuge in God. But refuge from what? David needs to escape from his enemies, but he also needs an escape from his own sin.
Double Take
I think on first gloss, it seems that David is challenging God. "If I have committed evil, let my foes defeat me." I've certainly heard it discussed that way. It makes it seem that David is this cool and awesome and holy guy. Cue M.C. Hammer's "Can't Touch This." And in one way, I think that is true. David had his faults, but he was a generally upstanding guy. But I don't think that's the whole picture.
Loving God, Hating Sin
It is very evident form the Psalms that David loves God and hates sin. Very much. To David, people who sin deserve to be destroyed. They deserve God's anger, and David takes a hardline stance on this. David longs for the day when the wicked will cease, and God's kingdom of righteousness will be established.
David hates sin in others, and he hates sin in himself. He's not a hypocrite. He's an equal-opportunity kind of guy.
Repentance, Righteousness, and Refuge
I think the crux of the Psalm is verse 12a:
David doesn't fall back on his inherent righteousness. He is falling back on his repentance, and God's willingness to accept it. David can ask for refuge because he has repented and God looks upon his newfound "righteousness." A far cry from "Can't Touch This," I find this a beautiful picture of faith and dependance on God.
Do I believe that my sin deserves damnation? Do I really believe that repentance leads to righteousness? Do I really believe that refuge is given to the righteousness? How much do I "bank" on God's character and His promises?
And, like David, do I respond with awe and praise?
Double Take
I think on first gloss, it seems that David is challenging God. "If I have committed evil, let my foes defeat me." I've certainly heard it discussed that way. It makes it seem that David is this cool and awesome and holy guy. Cue M.C. Hammer's "Can't Touch This." And in one way, I think that is true. David had his faults, but he was a generally upstanding guy. But I don't think that's the whole picture.
Loving God, Hating Sin
It is very evident form the Psalms that David loves God and hates sin. Very much. To David, people who sin deserve to be destroyed. They deserve God's anger, and David takes a hardline stance on this. David longs for the day when the wicked will cease, and God's kingdom of righteousness will be established.
David hates sin in others, and he hates sin in himself. He's not a hypocrite. He's an equal-opportunity kind of guy.
Repentance, Righteousness, and Refuge
I think the crux of the Psalm is verse 12a:
12 If a man[d] does not repent, God[e] will whet his sword
David doesn't fall back on his inherent righteousness. He is falling back on his repentance, and God's willingness to accept it. David can ask for refuge because he has repented and God looks upon his newfound "righteousness." A far cry from "Can't Touch This," I find this a beautiful picture of faith and dependance on God.
Do I believe that my sin deserves damnation? Do I really believe that repentance leads to righteousness? Do I really believe that refuge is given to the righteousness? How much do I "bank" on God's character and His promises?
And, like David, do I respond with awe and praise?
I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness,
and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.
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