PSALM 7

TITLE. English Version: Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite. Vulgate: Psalm of David, which he sang to the LORD for the words of Cush the Benjamite.

Shiggaion might perhaps be translated “descant,” or “rhapsody;” but in the other part of the title the critics find considerable difficulty. Some will have Cush to signify Saul, and imagine him to have been called Cush or an Ethiopian from the blackness of his character. Among the Fathers, S. Jerome and Ven. Bede are of this opinion: among the moderns, Jansenius. Others will have the name to be that of Cushi or Hushai, by whose wiliness the good counsel of Ahithophel was overruled: and this is held by the greater part of the Fathers. Arias will have Cush to be the same as Kish, the father or uncle of Saul; an opinion which has found no followers. Others would translate, “Concerning the words of the traitorous Benjamite,” and would refer them to Shimei, when he said to the flying and exiled king, “Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:” and if this interpretation may be thought admissible, it certainly adds great point and beauty to the literal meaning of the Psalm.