Psalms 7:4
If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
גָּ֭מַלְתִּי
If I have rewarded
H1580
גָּ֭מַלְתִּי
If I have rewarded
Strong's:
H1580
Word #:
2 of 7
to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean
שֽׁוֹלְמִ֥י
unto him that was at peace
H7999
שֽׁוֹלְמִ֥י
unto him that was at peace
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
3 of 7
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
וָאֲחַלְּצָ֖ה
with me (yea I have delivered
H2502
וָאֲחַלְּצָ֖ה
with me (yea I have delivered
Strong's:
H2502
Word #:
5 of 7
to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen
Cross References
1 Samuel 24:7So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.Psalms 109:5And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.Psalms 55:20He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.Proverbs 17:3The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.Genesis 44:4And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?1 Samuel 20:1And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?1 Samuel 22:14Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house?1 Samuel 26:24And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.
Historical Context
David's sparing of Saul when he had opportunity to kill him was unprecedented in ancient warfare. Kings normally eliminated rivals immediately. David's mercy demonstrated covenant faithfulness and trust in God's timing for establishing his kingship. This became the paradigm for how God's people should treat enemies.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you repaid good for evil when you had opportunity for revenge?
- How does David's example of sparing enemies challenge your treatment of those who oppose you?
Analysis & Commentary
David continues his oath of innocence, specifically denying returning evil for good and affirming he spared his enemy. The parenthetical statement 'I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy' likely refers to David sparing Saul's life (1 Samuel 24, 26). This demonstrates Christ-like love of enemies and refusal to take personal vengeance. Romans 12:17-21 commands the same principle. David's restraint when he had power to destroy his enemy proved his righteousness and foreshadowed Christ's refusal to call down legions of angels.