PSALM 54

. See on Psalms 4:1, title; Psalms 54:3, title; for the history, see 1 Samuel 23:19; 1 Samuel 23:29; 1 Samuel 26:1-25. After an earnest cry for help, the Psalmist promises praise in the assurance of a hearing.

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

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

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

4. (Compare ).
with them—on their side, and for me (compare ).

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

6. I will freely, c.—or, present a freewill offering (Leviticus 7:16 Numbers 15:3).

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