Epaggelia

Both Psalm 6 & 7 address God’s furious anger, 6:1 & 7:11. In Psalm 6, his anger is  towards David in relation to his enemies, and in Psalm 7 towards David’s enemies. Both Psalms are almost repetitive but there is a change in David’s attitude towards God. In Psalm 6, he is expressing the need to repent, while in Psalm 7 he is expressing a need for justice.

Another aspect these two Psalms have in common is that they both refer to tunes which are most likely very lively. 6:1 “sheminith” which may refer to being forceful, and 7:1 “shiggayon” translated as “musical composition”, that is most likely fast with rapid changes of rhythm. So there is obviously a lot of passion in both of these Psalms. When do we sing robustly or with great feeling? There are quite a few Psalms that obviously have the Spirit’s endorsement on this type of music. 

Some of David’s remorse is related to something he did towards his enemies. There is a strong possibility that David felt he had sinned against God because of a moment of weakness, cowardice or maybe even simply retreating as a bad strategy? (6:4) Whatever went wrong in his action toward his enemy, it angered God and David was convinced of this. Probably because he felt sickness overtaking him, 6:3. This might refer to Philistines (1 Samuel 21:10–13), King Saul (1 Samuel 19:2), or his rebellious son, Absalom (Psalm 3). But in the next Psalm, it references an enemy from the Tribe of Benjamin, named Cush. David pleads with God to spare him, pointing out that a dead body can not worship or praise Him (Psalm 6:4–5).

Despite a period of fear and despair (Psalm 6:6–7), David resolves that God will rescue him. He warns his enemies to retreat, knowing that the Lord has heard him and will respond (Psalm 6:8–10). David’s confidence in having an answer (6:9) warrants us to likewise have faith in God’s answers. How do you know God has answered your prayer?

The desire David has in being right with God is so strong in Psalm 7:3-5 & v9, as strong as the Apostle Paul’s desire is to save the lost and be with God. Paul could wish his own salvation to be exchanged because of his love for the enemies of God, see Romans 9:1-3. Do you ever feel in turmoil because of people who are enemies. Do you believe this is why Jesus instructs us to pray for them? Matthew 5:44 & Romans 12:19. 

Praising God for his justice (Psa. 7:17) sometimes seems lacking because of our lack of faith in the perfect timing of God. See Romans 11:30-36 is written like a song with the same sentiment. Do we have any songs in our hymnal that even come close to praising God for his justice?