Psalms 7:5
Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.
Original Language Analysis
יִֽרַדֹּ֥ף
persecute
H7291
יִֽרַדֹּ֥ף
persecute
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
1 of 11
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
נַפְשִׁ֡י
my soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֡י
my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וְיִרְמֹ֣ס
it yea let him tread down
H7429
וְיִרְמֹ֣ס
it yea let him tread down
Strong's:
H7429
Word #:
5 of 11
to tread upon (as a potter, in walking or abusively)
חַיָּ֑י
my life
H2416
חַיָּ֑י
my life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
7 of 11
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
וּכְבוֹדִ֓י׀
mine honour
H3519
וּכְבוֹדִ֓י׀
mine honour
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
לֶעָפָ֖ר
in the dust
H6083
לֶעָפָ֖ר
in the dust
Strong's:
H6083
Word #:
9 of 11
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
Historical Context
Such imprecatory self-curses were common in ancient legal contexts, functioning like modern sworn testimony. David's willingness to invoke severe consequences if lying demonstrates his confidence. This reflects biblical teaching that God's people should have such clear consciences that they can confidently appeal to His judgment (1 John 3:21-22).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you live with such integrity that you could confidently appeal to God's judgment?
- What areas of your life would you hesitate to place under such divine scrutiny?
Analysis & Commentary
The oath continues with severe self-imprecation: if guilty, may the enemy prevail completely. 'Tread down my life upon the earth' suggests being trampled, while 'lay mine honour in the dust' means total humiliation. 'Selah' marks a pause to contemplate this serious oath. This shows David's confidence in his innocence regarding these specific charges. Such oaths were binding and dangerous - one didn't make them lightly. The principle teaches that integrity allows confident appeals to God's judgment.