It is believed that Psalm 7 refers to the time when David in tears had to leave Jerusalem to save his life following his son Absalom’s rebellion. As he left a man called Shimei (or Cush) of Saul’s family hurled both insults and stones at David and his men. (2 Samuel 16 v5-14)

Psalm 7 shows David’s response to this situation. In v1-5 David expresses trust in God and states if he is guilty of shedding innocent blood as Shimei accused him, then he is willing to be repaid for this evil. David when attacked by Shimei refused to let his men kill him. Rather as we see in v6-16, he wants God to judge between them and vindicate his innocence on  this  matter.  ‘My defence  is  of  God  who saves the upright in heart’ (v10). Rather than take the law into his own hands, he is content to let the Lord deal with his accusers. It is his confidence in God (v17) that gives him peace in this situation.

One of our constant temptations is to think that we ourselves have to sort everything out. There are times when we need to ‘back off’ and pray for the Lord to deal with it in His perfect time.