תהלים, פרק ז׳, פסוק א׳

David's songs often arise from moments of deep personal struggle, capturing his prayers to God during times of severe persecution. In this instance, a plea to God is framed by an encounter with a mysterious figure from the tribe of Benjamin, prompting a reflection on past events and personal missteps. The primary approach among commentators is to view the introduction to this prayer as musical instruction, indicating a specific type of melody, instrument, or sweet poem [רד״ק, מאירי, אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The [מאירי] notes that the root of this musical concept implies delight, reflecting the sweetness of the song. Furthermore, the [אבן עזרא] suggests that the framing acts as a performance note, directing the musicians to a familiar tune.

Conversely, other commentators read the introduction not as a musical direction, but as a confession of an error [רש״י, מצודת ציון]. According to this view, David is praying over a mistake he made. Opinions vary on the nature of this misstep. He may have felt regret for singing over the downfall of King Saul [תורה תמימה], or for the moment he secretly cut the corner of Saul's robe in a cave [רש״י, מצודת דוד, אלשיך]. Another perspective suggests David accidentally asked God to deliver him into the hands of an enemy, and the song is a desperate prayer to reverse that request [רש״י]. In this context, the song was composed directly as a result of the many turbulent events and persecutions David endured [רד״ק, מאירי, מצודת ציון].

The central figure mentioned in the background of this prayer, a Benjaminite named Cush, is the subject of a fascinating debate. One approach maintains that this was a literal person from the tribe of Benjamin who fought, persecuted, or slandered David [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מלבי״ם]. The [אבן עזרא] firmly rejects the idea that this could be a reference to King Saul, arguing that David would never speak so harshly about God's anointed king.

However, the most common approach among commentators is that the name is indeed a secret code for King Saul, who was also from the tribe of Benjamin [תורה תמימה, רש״י, רד״ק, אלשיך, מצודת דוד, מאירי]. David deliberately concealed Saul's true identity to avoid the severe prohibition of cursing or speaking disparagingly about a king [רד״ק, מאירי]. The specific choice of this pseudonym carries several symbolic meanings. It may allude to Saul's striking physical beauty, drawing on a tradition where the term represents someone exceptionally attractive [רד״ק, מאירי]. Alternatively, just as a Cushite's skin color is visibly distinct, Saul's actions were highly unusual and stood out [תורה תמימה, רש״י, מצודת דוד]. Finally, the comparison might point to Saul's rigid nature; just as a person cannot change their skin color, Saul was dangerously stubborn, entirely incapable of changing his deep-seated hatred for David [רד״ק, אלשיך, מאירי].