Psalms 7:16-17

Context

7:16 He becomes the victim of his own destructive plans¹

and the violence he intended for others falls on his own head.²

7:17 I will thank the Lord for³ his justice;

I will sing praises to the sovereign Lord!⁴

[7:16] ¹tn Heb “his harm [i.e., the harm he conceived for others, see v. 14] returns on his head.”

[7:16] ²tn Heb “and on his forehead his violence [i.e., the violence he intended to do to others] comes down.”

[7:17] ³tn Heb “according to.”

[7:17] ⁴tn Heb “[to] the name of the Lord Most High.” God’s “name” refers metonymically to his divine characteristics as suggested by his name, in this case the compound “Lord Most High.” The divine title “Most High” (עֶלְיוֹן, ’elyon) pictures God as the exalted ruler of the universe who vindicates the innocent and judges the wicked. See especially Ps 47:2.