Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 7:10-17

"My shield is with God, Who saveth the upright in heart. God is a righteous judge, Yea, a God that hath indignation every day. If a man turn not, he will whet his sword; He hath bent his bow, and made it ready. He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; He maketh his arrows fiery [shafts]. Behold, he travaileth with iniquity; Yea, he hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. He hath made a pit, and digged it, And is fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, And his violence shall come down upon his own pate. I will give thanks unto Jehovah according to his righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of Jehovah Most High." — Psalms 7:10-17 (ASV)

David is confident that he will find God his powerful Saviour. The destruction of sinners may be prevented by their conversion; for it is threatened, if he does not turn from his evil way, he should expect it will be his ruin. But amidst the threats of wrath, we have a gracious offer of mercy.

God gives sinners warning of their danger, and space to repent, and prevent it. He is slow to punish, and long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish. The sinner is described (see verses 14–16) as taking more pains to ruin his soul than, if directed rightly, would save it.

This is true, in a sense, of all sinners. Let us look to the Saviour under all our trials. Blessed Lord, give us grace to look to you in the path of tribulation, going before your church and people, and marking the way by your own spotless example. Under all the persecutions which in our lesser trials mark our way, let the looking to Jesus animate our minds and comfort our hearts.