PSALM 54

Ps 54:1-7. See on [596]Ps 4:1, title; [597]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 Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.

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

3 For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.

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 Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.

4. (Compare Ps 30:10).

with them-on their side, and for me (compare Ps 46:11).

5 He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.

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 sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good.

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

7 For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.

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).