PSALM 54

Ps 54:1-7. 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).