Psalm 7:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In the same way, God relates to the righteous, proclaiming Himself especially as the God of the just: "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Consider the words of the prophet; after proclaiming, "O Lord my God, in Thee I trust," he refrained from requesting, "Punish my adversary, annihilate my enemy," but instead sought personal deliverance, saying, "Save me from all my persecutors, and deliver me." Notice that even in his suffering, he does not call his father by name; he acknowledges his lineage even in his struggles, remembering paternal sentiments in times of peril. Thus, he was loving toward both his father and humanity, possessing a balanced heart. It was not merely instinct but the gentleness of his spirit that drove him to this disposition, as he placed greater emphasis on the collective rather than the tyrant alone; thus, he pleads, "Save me from all my persecutors, and deliver me." Notice how he characterizes them with compassion; he does not say, "Save me from those who oppose me, from those who seize my belongings, from those who indulge in my royal treasures," but rather simply refers to them as "my persecutors."

Why does the Prophet first implore to be saved from his persecutors and then to be delivered? The clarity of his request can be observed: Save me from all those who pursue me, and rescue me; lest any man seize my soul like a lion. What distinguishes salvation from deliverance? Salvation pertains to the weak in need of rescue, while deliverance addresses those who find themselves captive. Therefore, anyone who recognizes their own weakness but also possesses faith is guided towards salvation through that very faith, as stated: Your faith has saved you (Luke 7:50), and again: As you have believed, so let it be done for you (Matthew 8:13). Conversely, one who seeks deliverance anticipates that the appropriate cost will be paid by others. Thus, anyone facing death, aware that there is one Savior and Redeemer, exclaims: In You I trust, save me from my weakness and deliver me from my captivity.

Consider the brave ascetics of God, who throughout their lives have battled unseen foes: at the end of their journey, if they manage to escape all persecution, the ruler of this world might still attempt to claim them if they bear wounds from the struggle or any blemishes of sin. Yet, if they are found unscathed and pure, they will be welcomed by Christ as victorious and free. Hence, the Prophet prays for both the present and future. Here he pleads: Save me from my persecutors, and in times of trial, he calls out: Deliver me, lest my soul be taken like a lion's prey. This is reflected in the words of the Lord Himself, who before His suffering proclaimed: The ruler of this world is coming, and he has no hold on Me (John 14:30). He, who is without sin, affirmed: I shall lack nothing; however, it is sufficient for mankind to acknowledge, 'The ruler of this world is coming, and he shall find very little in me.' It is a precarious situation indeed if we are without both the Deliverer and the Savior. These two needs echo the dual calls: save me from the multitude of my persecutors, and deliver me, lest when I am seized, there be none to rescue me.

“Save.” - He will be saved who is shielded from wounds amidst the conflict: “Deliver.” - He will be delivered who is completely safeguarded from attackers, “from all who persecute,” referring to those who have set themselves against the innocent, tainting themselves with blood, and desiring the prophet's demise. Alternatively, the sick person is saved, but one in captivity is delivered. “Save,” then, says the prophet, me as one who is ill, and “deliver” me as a captive, for I dread falling again into the grasp of my foes. Or again, “save,” he implores, me from the visible adversaries who chase me in this life, and “deliver” me from the unseen foes who, immediately after human death, will seek zealously for the blemishes of sin upon my soul, striving in every manner to claim it for themselves. Thus, we find a dual prayer from the prophet: first, concerning this present life, and secondly, regarding the life to come.

Moreover, we should understand that sincere faith calls upon God genuinely. David proclaims, “My God is my God,” acknowledging that while God is also the deity for all believers, his personal relationship reflects a deeper connection.

We also discern that both eternal and temporal rescue cannot be attained without God. He pleads, “Let him not seize my soul like a lion, when there is no deliverer and savior.” Our adversary, the devil, prowls like a roaring lion, seeking whom he can devour (1 Pet. 5:8). His wicked agents mimic this pursuit, like ravenous dogs, striving to ensnare and destroy faithful souls. Who can escape their traps? No one can be saved from their schemes without divine intervention, for “salvation is of the Lord” (Psalm 3:9).

Furthermore, let us learn from St. David’s example to place our confidence not in power, honor, wisdom, riches, or any earthly means, but solely in the one true God. In times of sorrow, hardship, and all forms of distress, we must turn to Him alone for aid and safety, as He alone provides deliverance, controlling all through His infinite might.

Additionally, David’s experience teaches us that holy and righteous individuals will encounter significant persecution and trials in this world: “Many are the tribulations of the righteous” (Ps. 33:20), and “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). The righteous are not of this world; as the Lord states, “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19). Thus, He also reminds us, “In the world you will have tribulation” (Jn. 16:33).

It is impossible to place trust in both God the Creator and created things, such as man, wealth, power, and wisdom; one must choose one over the other. Therefore, to claim, “My Lord God, I have trusted in You,” while relying on creatures rather than God is falsehood. In times of trouble, if one seeks help from created beings instead of the Creator, the heart's true allegiance is revealed. God examines not just our words but the trust held within our hearts—whether it clings to Him or something else.

Our faith, hope, trust, and patience are truly evident not in times of prosperity, but in hardship. Adversity reveals the foundation of our trust; whether in God or something else. In this sense, misfortune serves as a revealing agent, uncovering what lies within us—whether it is faith in God or reliance on other matters. Thus, one's heart's depths are illustrated through trials, allowing a person to recognize their own faith, as understanding one’s heart often eludes us, for it is profound.

Lastly, we must acknowledge that it is misguided to consider God as one who does not obey Him or keep His commandments: “Whoever says, ‘I have known Him,’ but does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and there is no truth in him” (1 John 2:4). Thus, one who claims God as their own must exhibit genuine obedience, lest the Lord respond, “Why do you call Me: Lord! Lord!—and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). Therefore, “Let everyone who confesses the name of the Lord” (2 Tim. 2:19) “depart from unrighteousness” (2 Tim. 2:19).

It is also noteworthy that in the same seventh Psalm, David the saint proclaims, “My help is from God, who saves the upright in heart” (Ps. 7:11). We should take note of to whom God extends His aid and salvation: the pure in heart. Who are the pure in heart? They are those who are sincerely turned to Him, who believe, live in holiness, fulfill His will, and seek to please Him wholeheartedly. Such individuals receive divine help and salvation. Let us also strive to follow God's guidance, turning away from our own desires to please Him, and He will deliver us. Be saved.