Psalms 54:1

Context

Psalm 54¹

For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a well-written song² by David. It was written when the Ziphites came and informed Saul: “David is hiding with us.”³

54:1 O God, deliver me by your name!⁴

Vindicate me⁵ by your power!

[54:1] ¹sn 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.

[54:1] ²tn 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.

[54:1] ³tn Heb “Is not David hiding with us?”

[54:1] ⁴tn 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).

[54:1] ⁵tn The imperfect verbal form is used here to express the psalmist’s wish or request.