Psalms 7:3
O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֣ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱ֭לֹהַי
my God
H430
אֱ֭לֹהַי
my God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 9
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
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
3 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
עָשִׂ֣יתִי
if I have done
H6213
עָשִׂ֣יתִי
if I have done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אִֽם
H518
אִֽם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
6 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
Cross References
Psalms 59:3For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.1 Samuel 24:11Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it.Joshua 22:22The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern judicial proceedings often included oaths of innocence. David's protest suggests false accusations from Cush or other enemies. The Bible allows for self-defense and protest of injustice (Paul used legal appeals), while condemning self-justification before God. This balance maintains both truth-telling and humility.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain both humility about your sinfulness and honest protest of false accusations?
- When wrongly accused, do you appeal to God as the righteous judge who knows truth?
Analysis & Commentary
David protests his innocence with an oath-like formula. 'If I have done this' introduces a self-imprecation - if guilty, may punishment come. 'Iniquity in my hands' means unjust actions or wrongdoing. This isn't claiming sinless perfection but specific innocence regarding accusations. David appeals to God as righteous judge who knows hearts. This models appropriate self-defense while submitting to divine judgment. Christ perfectly fulfilled this - absolutely innocent yet condemned, He appealed to the Father's vindication through resurrection.