Psalms 7 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
7:1–2
1-2. Though many enemies set upon him, one is singled out as prominent, and compared to a wild beast tearing his prey to pieces (compare 1Sa 20:1; 23:23; 26:19).
7:3
3. if I have done this--that is, the crime charged in the "words of Cush" (compare 1Sa 24:9).
7:4
4. If I have injured my friend. yea, I have delivered, c.--This makes a good sense, but interrupts the course of thought, and hence it is proposed to render, "if I have spoiled my enemy"--in either case (compare 1Sa 24:4-17; 31:8, 11).
7:5
5. This is the consequence, if such has been his conduct. mine honour--(compare Psa 3:3; 4:2)--my personal and official dignity.
7:6
6. God is involved as if hitherto careless of him (Psa 3:7; 9:18). rage--the most violent, like a flood rising over a river's banks. the judgment ... commanded--or, "ordained"; a just decision.
7:7
7. compass thee--as those seeking justice. return thou on high--assume the judgment seat, to be honored as a just Ruler by them.
7:8
8. Though not claiming innocence in general, he can confidently do so in this case, and in demanding from the Judge of all the earth a judgment, he virtually asks acquittal.
7:9
9. the hearts and reins--the affections and motives of men, or the seat of them (compare Psa 16:7; 26:2); as we use heart and bosom or breast.
7:10
10. defence--literally, "shield" (Psa 5:12).
7:11
11. judgeth--as in Psa 7:8. the wicked--Though not expressed, they are implied, for they alone are left as objects of anger.
7:12–13
12-13. They are here distinctly pointed out, though by changing the person, a very common mode of speech, one is selected as a representative of wicked men generally. The military figures are of obvious meaning.
7:14
14. The first clause expresses the general idea that wicked men labor to do evil, the others carry out the figure fully.
7:15–16
15-16. 1Sa 18:17; 31:2 illustrate the statement whether alluded to or not. These verses are expository of Psa 7:14, showing how the devices of the wicked end in disappointment, falsifying their expectations.
7:17
17. his righteousness--(Psa 5:8). Thus illustrated in the defense of His servant and punishment of the wicked.