Today we shall barely begin our discussion of Psalm 7. Technically, not even reaching verse 1. The Passage is labeled “Shiggaion of David.” Usually these descriptive words set the “mood” for the whole Psalm to which they are attached. (It is the trend of liberal, “progressive” theology today to discount all the superscripts of the Psalter. To consider them inaccurate, if not downright misleading. I disagree!)

But what does “Shaggaion of David” mean?

The word is only found twice in Scripture, Habakkuk 3:1 being the other reference. There too it introduces a Psalm, that lovely hymn Habakkuk sang about God. “A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth.” (Spelled slightly differently, but the same word.) A poetic prayer, indeed, psalmody at its best.

The exact definition and word history of the Shaggaion/Shigionoth” is not sure. The scholars do not all agree. But I’m going to share with you the “consensus” among conservative, fundamental writers.

“Shaggaion” means “to go astray.” Or “to wander.”

Now do remember that when David penned these words (Psalm 7) he was “fleeing” for his life … from the murderous hands of King Saul of Israel.

This fact alone could account for the Psalm’s title.

A wandering fugitive!

Then another great man of God (F. B. Meyer) thought that “shaggaion” might refer to the “musical shifts” in the Psalm, vacillations in tempo and mindset. David, that unsure of himself. David, that much in turmoil. David fretful! David, “up” and “down.”

Here’s how our Poem begins, for example: “O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me. Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.” Psalm 7:1-2

The trust in God is evident, “Save me, O Lord.”

But the sense of someone trying to kill him is evident as well, the possibility of his being “torn to pieces.” Like a lion would do!

A hint of desperation is here also … “There is none to deliver.”

Yet … under this pressure, under this threat … DAVID STILL COMES TO GOD!

DAVID PRAYS!

DAVID BELIEVES … WITH ALL THE FAITH HE POSSESSES!

That’s today’s Lesson!

When in turmoil, when torn a dozen different ways, when one’s thoughts and words are scrambled … reach out to your God!

David’s words in Psalm 56:3 are typical. “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.”

Wow!

Even if prayer is not as lovely, not as serene … PRAY ANYWAY!

“Without ceasing,” Paul taught.

Amen.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell