Psalms 54 A Prayer for Deliverance

See on ps 4:1, title; Ps 32:1, title; For the history, see 1sa 23:19, 29; 26:1-25. After an earnest cry for help, the psalmist promises praise in the assurance of a hearing

1

by thy name — (Ps 5:11), specially, power. judge me — as in Ps 7:8; 26:1.

2

(Compare Ps 4:1; 5:1).

3

strangers — perhaps Ziphites. oppressors — literally, "terrible ones" (Isa 13:11; 25:3). Such were Saul and his army. not set... them — acted as atheists, without God's fear (compare Ps 16:8).

4

(Compare Ps 30:10). with them — on their side, and for me (compare Ps 46:11).

5

He shall... evil — or, "Evil shall return on" (Ps 7:16) my enemies or watchers, that is, to do me evil (Ps 6:7). in thy truth — Thy verified promise.

6

I will freely, &c. — or, present a freewill offering (Le 7:16; Nu 15:3).

7

mine eye... desire — (compare Ps 59:10; 112:8), expresses satisfaction in beholding the overthrow of his enemies as those of God, without implying any selfish or unholy feeling (compare Ps 52:6, 7).