Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary < 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. Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. 2. (Compare Ps 4:1; 5:1).
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). 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). 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. 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).
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). |
