Psalms 7

9. the hearts and reins--the affections and motives of men, or the seat of them (compare Psalms 16:7 , 26:2 ); as we use heart and bosom or breast.

10. defence--literally, "shield" ( Psalms 5:12 ).

11. judgeth--as in Psalms 7:8 .
the wicked--Though not expressed, they are implied, for they alone are left as objects of anger.

12, 13. They are here distinctly pointed out, though by changing the person, a very common mode of speech, one is selected as a representative of wicked men generally. The military figures are of obvious meaning.

13. against the persecutors--Some render "for burning," but the former is the best sense. Arrows for burning would be appropriate in besieging a town, not in warring against one man or a company in open fight.

14. The first clause expresses the general idea that wicked men labor to do evil, the others carry out the figure fully.

15, 16. 1 Samuel 18:17 , 31:2 illustrate the statement whether alluded to or not. These verses are expository of Psalms 7:14 , showing how the devices of the wicked end in disappointment, falsifying their expectations.

17. his righteousness--( Psalms 5:8 ). Thus illustrated in the defense of His servant and punishment of the wicked.