Psalms 7:1

PSALM 7 Shiggaion: this seems to be the name of a certain kind either of song, or tune, or instrument, which then was very well known, but now is only matter of conjecture; wherewith I think it not fit to trouble the unlearned reader; and the learned may consult my Latin Synopsis. Concerning the words; the false and slanderous reports raised or fomented by him. This was the occasion of this Psalm. Of Cush; by which he designs either,

1. Saul; whom he thought it indecent to express by his proper name, for which he might at this time have divers reasons, and therefore he deciphers him enigmatically, which is not unusual in Holy Scripture; where Babylon is called Sheshach, Jeremiah 25:26, Jeremiah 51:41, and Rome is called Egypt, and Sodom, and Babylon in the Revelation; and John the Baptist is called Elias. And he might call him Cush. partly by a tacit allusion to his father's name Kish, and partly with respect to his black and wicked disposition planted and firmly rooted in him. Compare Jeremiah 13:23 Amos 9:7. Or,

2. Some eminent and potent commander or courtier under Saul called Cush, though he be not elsewhere named; it being the lot of many other persons to be named but once in Scripture. And he is called the Benjamite, because he was one of that tribe, in which Saul put most confidence. See 1 Samuel 22:7. The psalmist prayeth for deliverance from his persecuting enemies, Psalms 7:1,2, and maketh a solemn profession of his innocency, Psalms 7:3. By faith he seeth his defence, Psalms 7:8, and the destruction of his enemies, Psalms 7:12. In thee do I put my trust; all my hope and confidence is in thy favour and faithfulness to make good thy promise made to me.