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Day 51

"O LORD my God, if I have done this..."

Day 51 – Psalm 7

“O LORD my God, if I have done this…” Psalm 7:3a

SELF-EXAMINATION

The psalmist did a little soul-searching even as he cried out to God for Divine help. What lay behind this self-examination?

“O LORD my God, if I have done this:
If there is iniquity in my hands,
If I have repaid evil to him who was at peace with me,
Or have plundered my enemy without cause,
Let the enemy pursue me and overtake me;
Yes, let him trample my life to the earth,
And lay my honour in the dust.”
Psalm 7:3-5

1. No claim to perfection

a) This self-examination is no claim to perfection.
b) Neither is it to claim merit from God.
c) It is certainly not to boast about self being better than enemies.

2. What is the significance of these “If” statements?

a) These statements reveal that David knew that God would examine his life thoroughly.
b) He knew that God would act justly.
c) He knew that if he were guilty of any of the “If” statements, his cause before God would be adversely affected.

3. Acceptance of consequences of wrong-doing

a) He could not plead for protection from the wrath of his enemies.
b) His enemies would have the right to pursue him and overtake him.
c) His enemies would not be wrong to trample his life to the earth.
d) His enemies could dishonour him.
e) It would be justice well served.

David had a wonderful sense of honour and integrity indeed!