if I have rewarded my ally with evil
This phrase reflects a deep introspection and a plea for divine justice. The psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, is asserting his innocence before God. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, loyalty to allies was a significant moral and social obligation. Betraying an ally would have been seen as a grave sin, violating the covenantal relationships that were central to Israelite society. This plea can be connected to the broader biblical theme of integrity and righteousness, as seen in Proverbs 17:13, which warns against repaying good with evil. The phrase also foreshadows the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, highlighting the ultimate act of rewarding good with evil.

if I have plundered my foe without cause
Here, the psalmist is emphasizing his commitment to justice, even towards his enemies. In the historical context, plundering was a common practice in warfare, yet the psalmist claims innocence of such acts without justification. This reflects the biblical principle of just warfare and the importance of righteous conduct, even in conflict, as seen in Deuteronomy 20, which outlines ethical warfare practices. The phrase underscores the importance of motive and justice, aligning with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:44, where He instructs to love enemies and pray for those who persecute you. This commitment to justice and righteousness, even towards foes, is a type of Christ, who exemplified perfect justice and mercy.

1. David
The author of the psalm, traditionally believed to be King David, who often wrote psalms during times of distress and persecution.

2. Cush, a Benjamite
The psalm is attributed to David concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. This may refer to a specific adversary or symbolize those who falsely accuse David.

3. Enemies and Allies
The psalm speaks to the relationships David has with both his allies and his foes, highlighting themes of justice and righteousness.Integrity in Relationships
As believers, we are called to maintain integrity in our relationships, ensuring that we do not repay evil for good or harm others without cause.

Self-Examination
This verse encourages us to examine our actions and motives, ensuring that we are not guilty of wrongdoing against others.

Trust in God's Justice
Instead of seeking personal vengeance, we should trust in God's justice and timing, knowing that He will vindicate the righteous.

Peacemaking
We are called to be peacemakers, striving to live in harmony with others and resolving conflicts in a godly manner.

Repentance and Forgiveness
If we find ourselves guilty of wrongdoing, we should seek repentance and offer forgiveness to those who have wronged us.(4) Yea, I have--i.e., on the contrary, so far from returning evil for good, I have returned good for evil. With allusion, there can be little doubt, to the incidents referred to in the last Note. From metrical reasons, and also to avoid the abruptness of the change of construction, Ewald conjectures that two clauses have dropped out of the text, and restores as follows--

"If I have rewarded evil unto him that dealt friendly with me

(And cunning unto him that was at peace with me,

Yea, if I have not rewarded his soul with good).

And delivered him that without cause is my enemy."

Milton's translation gives yet another colour to the passage--

"If I have wrought

Ill to him that meant me peace,

Or to him have rendered less,

And not freed my foe for nought."

The conjecture of a corruption of the text is supported by the rendering of the LXX. and Vulg., and a very slight change gives the probable rendering: "If I have returned evil to him that dealt friendly with me, and injured my enemy without cause."

Verse 4. - If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me. This is probably the true meaning. David denies that he has wantonly attacked and injured any one with whom he was on friendly and peaceable terms. No doubt he was accused of having estranged Saul by plotting to take the crown from him. (Yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy.) This translation, which is retained by our Revisers, has the support also of Ewald, Hupfeld, Mr. Aglen, and the 'Speaker's Commentary.' If accepted, it must be considered as a reference to 1 Samuel 24:7, or else to 1 Samuel 26:9, or both, and as a sort of parenthetic protest, "Nay, not only have I not injured a friend, but I have gone so far as to let my enemy escape me." A different meaning is, however, given to the passage by many critics, as Rosenmuller, Hengstenberg, Bishop Horsley, Cheyne, etc., who regard the sense as running on without any parenthesis, and translate, "If I have oppressed him who without cause is mine enemy." David, according to this view, denies that he has either injured a friend or requited evil to a foe.

Parallel Commentaries ...


if
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

I have rewarded
גָּ֭מַלְתִּי (gā·mal·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1580: To deal fully or adequately with, deal out to, wean, ripen

my ally
שֽׁוֹלְמִ֥י (šō·wl·mî)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7999: To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate

with evil,
רָ֑ע (rā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

if I have plundered
וָאֲחַלְּצָ֖ה (wā·’ă·ḥal·lə·ṣāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 2502: To pull off, to strip, to depart, to deliver, equip, present, strengthen

my foe
צוֹרְרִ֣י (ṣō·wr·rî)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6887: To bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, or cramped

without cause,
רֵיקָֽם׃ (rê·qām)
Adverb
Strong's 7387: Emptily, ineffectually, undeservedly


Psalm 7:4 NIV
Psalm 7:4 NLT
Psalm 7:4 ESV
Psalm 7:4 NASB
Psalm 7:4 KJV

Psalm 7:4 BibleApps.com
Psalm 7:4 Biblia Paralela
Psalm 7:4 Chinese Bible
Psalm 7:4 French Bible
Psalm 7:4 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Psalm 7:4 If I have rewarded evil to him (Psalm Ps Psa.)