Psalms 7:1

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְהוָ֣ה
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
אֱ֭לֹהַי
my God
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
#3
בְּךָ֣
H0
#4
חָסִ֑יתִי
in thee do I put my trust
to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in
#5
הוֹשִׁיעֵ֥נִי
save
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
#6
מִכָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
רֹ֝דְפַ֗י
me from all them that persecute
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
#8
וְהַצִּילֵֽנִי׃
me and deliver
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

Analysis

The suffering and persecution theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on suffering and persecution particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection