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Psalm 7:5 then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah
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Let them trample me into the ground and drag my honor in the dust. Interlude<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it, and let him trample my life to the ground and lay my glory in the dust. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take <i>it</i>; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Let the enemy pursue me and overtake <i>me;</i> Yes, let him trample my life to the earth, And lay my honor in the dust. Selah</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake <i>it;</i> And let him trample my life to the ground And lay my glory in the dust. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it; And let him trample my life down to the ground And lay my glory in the dust. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake <i>it;</i> And let him trample my life down to the ground, And lay my glory in the dust. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake <i>it</i>; And let him trample my life down to the ground And cause my glory to dwell in the dust. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Let the enemy pursue me and overtake me; And let him trample my life to the ground And lay my honor in the dust. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />may an enemy pursue and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />may an enemy pursue and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Let the enemy pursue my soul, and overtake it; Yea, let him tread my life down to the earth, And lay my glory in the dust. [Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If I have done any of this, then let my enemies chase and capture me. Let them trample me to death and leave me in the dirt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Let the enemy pursue my soul, and overtake it; yea, let him tread my life down to the earth, and lay my glory in the dust. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />then let the enemy chase me and catch me. Let him trample my life into the ground. Let him lay my honor in the dust. [Selah]<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />then let my enemies pursue me and catch me, let them cut me down and kill me and leave me lifeless on the ground! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />then, let my enemy pursue me, let him overtake me, and let him trample my life to the ground. Interlude Let him put my honor into the dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />may an enemy relentlessly chase me and catch me; may he trample me to death and leave me lying dishonored in the dust. (Selah) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />let the enemy pursue my soul, and overtake it; yes, let him tread my life down to the earth, and lay my glory in the dust. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yes, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay my honor in the dust. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />let the enemy pursue my soul, and overtake it; yes, let him tread my life down to the earth, and lay my glory in the dust. Selah. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />[Then] an enemy pursues my soul, and overtakes, "" And treads down my life to the earth, "" And places my glory in the dust. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> An enemy pursueth my soul, and overtaketh, And treadeth down to the earth my life, And my honour placeth in the dust. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The enemy will pursue my soul, and overtake; and he will tread down my life to the earth, and he will cause mine honor to dwell upon the dust Silence.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Let the enemy pursue my soul, and take it, and tread down my life on the earth, and bring down my glory to the dust. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 7:6>let the enemy pursue my soul, and take hold of it, and trample my life into the earth, and drag down my glory into the dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then let my enemy pursue and overtake my soul, trample my life to the ground, and lay my honor in the dust. <i>Selah</i> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />then let the enemy pursue and overtake me, trample my life to the ground, and lay my soul in the dust. Selah<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Let the enemy pursue me and overtake me, yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth and lay my honor in the dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />May the enemy persecute my soul, and let him seize it and tread my life into the ground, and destroy my honor into the dust.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Let the enemy pursue my soul, and overtake it, And tread my life down to the earth; Yea, let him lay my glory in the dust. Selah <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Let the enemy persecute my soul, an take it; and let him trample my life on the ground, and lay my glory in the dust. Pause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/7-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=490" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/7.htm">I Take Refuge in You</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/341.htm" title="341: ’ō·w·yêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- Hating, an adversary. Or owyeb; active participle of 'ayab; hating; an adversary.">then may my enemy</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: yi·rad·dōp̄ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">pursue me</a> <a href="/hebrew/5381.htm" title="5381: wə·yaś·śêḡ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf.Jus-3ms) -- To reach, overtake. A primitive root; to reach.">and overtake</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">me;</a> <a href="/hebrew/7429.htm" title="7429: wə·yir·mōs (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3ms) -- To trample. A primitive root; to tread upon.">may he trample</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yāy (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">me</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: lā·’ā·reṣ (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">to the ground</a> <a href="/hebrew/7931.htm" title="7931: yaš·kên (V-Hifil-Imperf.Jus-3ms) -- A primitive root (by transmission) to shakab through the idea of lodging; compare cikluwth, shakam); to reside or permanently stay.">and leave</a> <a href="/hebrew/3519.htm" title="3519: ū·ḵə·ḇō·w·ḏî (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Rarely kabod; from kabad; properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness.">my honor</a> <a href="/hebrew/6083.htm" title="6083: le·‘ā·p̄ār (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Dry earth, dust. From aphar; dust; hence, clay, earth, mud.">in the dust.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5542.htm" title="5542: se·lāh (Interjection) -- To lift up, exalt. From calah; suspension, i.e. Pause.">Selah</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; rise up against the fury of my enemies. Awake, my God, and ordain judgment.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-12.htm">1 Samuel 24:12</a></span><br />May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9-11</a></span><br />But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-12.htm">2 Samuel 16:12</a></span><br />Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-32.htm">2 Samuel 18:32</a></span><br />The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” And the Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up against you to harm you be like that young man.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-32.htm">1 Kings 2:32</a></span><br />The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/31-7.htm">Job 31:7-8</a></span><br />If my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has followed my eyes, or if impurity has stuck to my hands, / then may another eat what I have sown, and may my crops be uprooted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/31-38.htm">Job 31:38-40</a></span><br />if my land cries out against me and its furrows weep together, / if I have devoured its produce without payment or broken the spirit of its tenants, / then let briers grow instead of wheat and stinkweed instead of barley.” Thus conclude the words of Job.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/18-20.htm">Jeremiah 18:20</a></span><br />Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/20-12.htm">Jeremiah 20:12</a></span><br />O LORD of Hosts, who examines the righteous, who sees the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-24.htm">Ezekiel 18:24</a></span><br />But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39</a></span><br />But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-2.htm">Matthew 7:2</a></span><br />For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52</a></span><br />“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-29.htm">Luke 6:29</a></span><br />If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-36.htm">Luke 22:36</a></span><br />“Now, however,” He told them, “the one with a purse should take it, and likewise a bag; and the one without a sword should sell his cloak and buy one.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yes, let him tread down my life on the earth, and lay my honor in the dust. Selah.</p><p class="hdg">Let</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/31-5.htm">Job 31:5-10,38-40</a></b></br> If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit; … </p><p class="hdg">tread</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/44-5.htm">Psalm 44:5</a></b></br> Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/60-12.htm">Psalm 60:12</a></b></br> Through God we shall do valiantly: for he <i>it is that</i> shall tread down our enemies.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/40-12.htm">Job 40:12</a></b></br> Look on every one <i>that is</i> proud, <i>and</i> bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.</p><p class="hdg">lay</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/49-12.htm">Psalm 49:12</a></b></br> Nevertheless man <i>being</i> in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts <i>that</i> perish.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/16-15.htm">Job 16:15</a></b></br> I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and defiled my horn in the dust.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/40-13.htm">Job 40:13</a></b></br> Hide them in the dust together; <i>and</i> bind their faces in secret.</p><p class="hdg">Selah</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/3-2.htm">Psalm 3:2</a></b></br> Many <i>there be</i> which say of my soul, <i>There is</i> no help for him in God. Selah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/habakkuk/3-13.htm">Habakkuk 3:13</a></b></br> Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, <i>even</i> for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/1-4.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/psalms/2-10.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/7-4.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/psalms/4-2.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/job/39-24.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/psalms/5-5.htm">Hater</a> <a href="/psalms/4-2.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/psalms/3-3.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/job/42-16.htm">Life</a> <a href="/job/30-16.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/genesis/44-6.htm">Overtaketh</a> <a href="/psalms/7-1.htm">Persecute</a> <a href="/job/19-8.htm">Placeth</a> <a href="/psalms/7-1.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/job/30-15.htm">Pursueth</a> <a href="/psalms/4-4.htm">Selah</a> <a href="/psalms/7-2.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/job/39-15.htm">Trample</a> <a href="/job/40-12.htm">Tread</a> <a href="/job/9-8.htm">Treadeth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/18-42.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/psalms/7-15.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/8-2.htm">Enemy</a> <a href="/psalms/8-1.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/psalms/12-6.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/psalms/18-17.htm">Hater</a> <a href="/psalms/8-5.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/psalms/8-1.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/psalms/16-11.htm">Life</a> <a href="/psalms/18-37.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-9.htm">Overtaketh</a> <a href="/psalms/10-2.htm">Persecute</a> <a href="/psalms/107-41.htm">Placeth</a> <a href="/psalms/10-2.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/psalms/109-16.htm">Pursueth</a> <a href="/psalms/9-16.htm">Selah</a> <a href="/psalms/11-1.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/44-5.htm">Trample</a> <a href="/psalms/11-2.htm">Tread</a> <a href="/psalms/60-12.htm">Treadeth</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/7-1.htm">David prays against the malice of his enemies, professing his innocence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/7-10.htm">By faith he sees his defense, and the destruction of his enemies</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me;</b><br>This phrase reflects a conditional statement, where the psalmist, David, is expressing his innocence. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, such a declaration was a way to invoke divine justice. The idea of an enemy pursuing and overtaking is reminiscent of the pursuit of David by King Saul, as recorded in 1 Samuel. David often found himself fleeing from Saul, who unjustly sought his life. Theologically, this reflects the principle of retributive justice, where wrongdoing is met with appropriate consequences. The pursuit and overtaking symbolize the complete victory of the enemy, which David is willing to accept if he is guilty.<p><b>may he trample me to the ground</b><br>The imagery of being trampled to the ground suggests utter defeat and humiliation. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, trampling an enemy was a sign of total conquest. This phrase underscores David's confidence in his innocence, as he is willing to accept such a fate if he has wronged others. Theologically, it points to the humility and submission to God's justice, trusting that God will vindicate the righteous. This can be connected to the humility of Christ, who, though innocent, submitted to suffering and death.<p><b>and leave my honor in the dust.</b><br>Honor was a crucial aspect of identity and social standing in ancient Israelite culture. To have one's honor left in the dust signifies complete disgrace and loss of reputation. Dust is often associated with death and mourning in the Bible, as seen in <a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a>, where humanity is reminded of their mortality. This phrase highlights the seriousness of David's plea, as he stakes his reputation and legacy on his innocence. It also foreshadows the ultimate honor and vindication that comes through Christ, who, though humiliated, was exalted by God.<p><b>Selah</b><br>The term "Selah" is often found in the Psalms and is thought to be a musical or liturgical pause, inviting the reader or listener to reflect on the preceding words. It serves as a moment to contemplate the gravity of David's declaration and the trust he places in God's justice. In a broader biblical context, it encourages meditation on the themes of innocence, justice, and divine vindication, which are central to the message of the Psalms and the life of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of this psalm, traditionally believed to be King David, who often wrote psalms as prayers or songs to God during times of distress or reflection.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/cush,_a_benjamite.htm">Cush, a Benjamite</a></b><br>The superscription of <a href="/bsb/psalms/7.htm">Psalm 7</a> mentions Cush, a Benjamite, which suggests a specific context or individual who may have been involved in the events leading to this psalm's composition.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies/foes.htm">Enemies/Foes</a></b><br>The psalm references adversaries or foes, which in David's life often included those who opposed him politically or personally, such as King Saul or other hostile nations.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/allies.htm">Allies</a></b><br>The mention of an ally suggests a relationship of trust or covenant, which David is reflecting upon in terms of his own integrity and actions.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate judge and refuge for David, to whom he appeals for justice and vindication.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_relationships.htm">Integrity in Relationships</a></b><br>David's reflection on his actions towards allies and foes challenges us to examine our own integrity in relationships. Are we acting justly and with righteousness towards others?<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_divine_justice.htm">Trust in Divine Justice</a></b><br>The psalm underscores the importance of trusting God to be the ultimate judge. We are encouraged to leave vengeance to God and not take matters into our own hands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>David's willingness to be judged by God if he has wronged others invites us to practice self-examination and repentance, seeking to align our actions with God's standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_and_mercy.htm">Forgiveness and Mercy</a></b><br>The refusal to repay evil with evil highlights the Christian call to forgiveness and mercy, reflecting the character of Christ in our interactions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/covenant_faithfulness.htm">Covenant Faithfulness</a></b><br>The mention of an ally suggests the importance of faithfulness in our commitments and covenants, whether in friendships, marriages, or community relationships.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_the_bible_say_'kill'_or_'murder'.htm">What does 'You anoint my head with oil' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_psalm_54_5_differ_from_matt_5_44.htm">Why does Psalm 54:5 predict exact retribution from God, when other biblical passages (e.g., Matthew 5:44) recommend praying for enemies instead?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_psalm_81_13-14_with_defeats.htm">In Psalm 81:13-14, how can we reconcile God's promise to subdue Israel's enemies with historical records of Israel's defeats?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_129_5_align_with_loving_enemies.htm">How does Psalm 129's wish for adversaries to be shamed (Psalm 129:5) fit with New Testament teachings that urge believers to love and forgive their enemies?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">Let the enemy.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">let an enemy.</span><p><span class= "bld">Persecute.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">burn. </span>(See Note on <a href="/psalms/10-2.htm" title="The wicked in his pride does persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.">Psalm 10:2</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Tread.</span>--Used of a potter treading the clay (<a href="/isaiah/41-25.htm" title="I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call on my name: and he shall come on princes as on mortar, and as the potter treads clay.">Isaiah 41:25</a>); of the trampling of horses (<a href="/ezekiel/26-11.htm" title="With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all your streets: he shall slay your people by the sword, and your strong garrisons shall go down to the ground.">Ezekiel 26:11</a>); of a herd trampling down their pasture (<a href="/ezekiel/34-28.htm" title="And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.">Ezekiel 34:28</a>).<p><span class= "bld">Dust.</span>--Either as <a href="/psalms/22-15.htm" title="My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue sticks to my jaws; and you have brought me into the dust of death.">Psalm 22:15</a>, "the dust of death," and if so, then <span class= "ital">khabod'.</span> . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it.</span> "If I have been guilty of any of these acts, then let my enemy not only <span class="accented">persecute</span> my soul, as he is doing (vers. 1, 2), but take it - make it his prey - obtain full power over it." Yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth; <span class="accented">i.e</span>. "utterly destroy me and bring me to ruin." And not only so, but also lay mine honour in the dust; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "bring me down to the grave with shame." Compare the imprecations of Job upon himself (<a href="/job/31-8.htm">Job 31:8, 10, 22, 40</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/7-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">then may my enemy</span><br /><span class="heb">אוֹיֵ֨ב ׀</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·w·yêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_341.htm">Strong's 341: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hating, an adversary</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pursue</span><br /><span class="heb">יִֽרַדֹּ֥ף</span> <span class="translit">(yi·rad·dōp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pursue, chase, persecute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and overtake</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיַשֵּׂ֗ג</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yaś·śêḡ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5381.htm">Strong's 5381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To reach, overtake</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me;</span><br /><span class="heb">נַפְשִׁ֡י</span> <span class="translit">(nap̄·šî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">may he trample</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיִרְמֹ֣ס</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yir·mōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7429.htm">Strong's 7429: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tread upon</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me</span><br /><span class="heb">חַיָּ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(ḥay·yāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the ground</span><br /><span class="heb">לָאָ֣רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(lā·’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and leave</span><br /><span class="heb">יַשְׁכֵּ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(yaš·kên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7931.htm">Strong's 7931: </a> </span><span class="str2">To settle down, abide, dwell</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my honor</span><br /><span class="heb">וּכְבוֹדִ֓י ׀</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḵə·ḇō·w·ḏî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3519.htm">Strong's 3519: </a> </span><span class="str2">Weight, splendor, copiousness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the dust.</span><br /><span class="heb">לֶעָפָ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(le·‘ā·p̄ār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6083.htm">Strong's 6083: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dust, clay, earth, mud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Selah</span><br /><span class="heb">סֶֽלָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(se·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5542.htm">Strong's 5542: </a> </span><span class="str2">Suspension, pause</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/7-5.htm">Psalm 7:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/7-5.htm">Psalm 7:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/7-5.htm">Psalm 7:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/7-5.htm">Psalm 7:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/7-5.htm">Psalm 7:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/7-5.htm">Psalm 7:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/7-5.htm">Psalm 7:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/7-5.htm">Psalm 7:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/7-5.htm">Psalm 7:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/7-5.htm">Psalm 7:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/7-5.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 7:5 Let the enemy pursue my soul (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/7-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 7:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 7:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/7-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 7:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 7:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>