Psalm 7:16 - I Take Refuge in You
Audio Bible
Context
I Take Refuge in You
…15He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. 16His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head. 17I will thank the LORD for His righteousness and sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.…
Cross References
Proverbs 26:27
He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.Matthew 7:2
For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.Obadiah 1:15
For the Day of the LORD is near for all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your recompense will return upon your own head.Esther 7:10
So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.Proverbs 11:5-6
The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness. / The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the faithless are trapped by their own desires.Psalm 9:15-16
The nations have fallen into a pit of their making; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. / The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion SelahProverbs 1:31
So they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.Job 4:8
As I have observed, those who plow iniquity and those who sow trouble reap the same.Revelation 13:10
“If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he will go; if anyone is to die by the sword, by the sword he must be killed.” Here is a call for the perseverance and faith of the saints.Hosea 8:7
For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. There is no standing grain; what sprouts fails to yield flour. Even if it should produce, the foreigners would swallow it up.Matthew 26:52
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.Psalm 35:8
May ruin befall them by surprise; may the net they hid ensnare them; may they fall into the hazard they created.Jeremiah 6:19
Hear, O earth! I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their own schemes, because they have paid no attention to My word and have rejected My instruction.Isaiah 3:11
Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.
Treasury of Scripture
His mischief shall return on his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down on his own pate.
Psalm 36:4,12
He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil…
Psalm 37:12,13
The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth…
1 Samuel 23:9
And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.
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Behaviour Causes Crown Dealing Descend Descends Head Mischief Perverseness Recoils Returns Trouble Violence Violent WrongdoingJump to Next
Behaviour Causes Crown Dealing Descend Descends Head Mischief Perverseness Recoils Returns Trouble Violence Violent WrongdoingPsalm 7
1. David prays against the malice of his enemies, professing his innocence10. By faith he sees his defense, and the destruction of his enemies
His trouble recoils on himself
This phrase reflects the biblical principle of reaping what one sows, as seen in Galatians 6:7. The concept of trouble or evil returning upon the perpetrator is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing divine justice. In the historical context of ancient Israel, this idea would resonate with the understanding of God's righteousness and the moral order He established. The imagery of trouble recoiling suggests a boomerang effect, where one's malicious intentions or actions inevitably return to impact the instigator. This principle is evident in the lives of biblical figures such as Haman in the Book of Esther, whose plot against Mordecai ultimately led to his own downfall.
and his violence falls on his own head
The imagery of violence falling on one's own head underscores the self-destructive nature of wickedness. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, the head was often seen as the seat of life and identity, making this phrase particularly potent. This concept is mirrored in Proverbs 26:27, which warns that those who dig a pit for others will fall into it themselves. Theologically, this reflects God's sovereign justice, where evil is not left unpunished. This phrase can also be seen as a type of Christ, who, though innocent, bore the violence and sin of humanity upon Himself, offering redemption and illustrating the ultimate reversal of evil through His resurrection.
Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of Psalm 7, traditionally believed to be King David, who often wrote psalms during times of distress and persecution.
2. Cush, a Benjamite
Mentioned in the title of Psalm 7, possibly a figure who accused or pursued David, though not much is known about him.
3. God
The ultimate judge and protector, to whom David appeals for justice and deliverance from his enemies.
Teaching Points
The Principle of Retribution
The verse highlights a biblical principle where evil actions often lead to self-destruction. This serves as a warning against engaging in violence or deceit.
God's Justice
Trust in God's justice is paramount. Believers are encouraged to leave vengeance to God, who ensures that justice is served in His perfect timing.
Self-Reflection
This verse invites introspection about our actions and their potential consequences. It encourages believers to live righteously and avoid causing harm to others.
Encouragement in Persecution
For those facing false accusations or persecution, this verse offers comfort that God sees and will ultimately vindicate the righteous.
Verse 16. - His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing upon his own pate. Some critics see in this a continuation of the metaphor, and suppose that, while the sinner is in the pit, the heap which his own hands have thrown out falls in upon him and crushes him. But it is perhaps better to understand the words in a more general way. Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
His trouble
עֲמָל֣וֹ (‘ă·mā·lōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5999: Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind
recoils
יָשׁ֣וּב (yā·šūḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again
on himself,
בְרֹאשׁ֑וֹ (ḇə·rō·šōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head
and his violence
חֲמָס֥וֹ (ḥă·mā·sōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2555: Violence, wrong, by meton, unjust gain
falls
יֵרֵֽד׃ (yê·rêḏ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend
on
וְעַ֥ל (wə·‘al)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against
his own head.
קָ֝דְקֳד֗וֹ (qā·ḏə·qo·ḏōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6936: Head, crown of the head
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Psalm 7:16 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 7:16 The trouble he causes shall return (Psalm Ps Psa.)