Psalms 54:1-2

Psalm 54

For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a well-written song by David. It was written when the Ziphites came and informed Saul: “David is hiding with us.”

54:1 O God, deliver me by your name!

Vindicate me by your power!

54:2 O God, listen to my prayer!

Pay attention to what I say!


sn Psalm 54. The psalmist asks God for protection against his enemies, confidently affirms that God will vindicate him, and promises to give thanks to God for his saving intervention.

tn The meaning of the Hebrew term מַשְׂכִּיל (maskil) is uncertain. See the note on the phrase “well-written song” in the superscription of Ps 52.

tn Heb “Is not David hiding with us?”

tn God’s “name” refers here to his reputation and revealed character, which would instill fear in the psalmist’s enemies (see C. A. Briggs and E. G. Briggs, Psalms [ICC], 2:17).

tn The imperfect verbal form is used here to express the psalmist’s wish or request.

tn Heb “to the words of my mouth.”