Psalms 54:1-2

Psalm 54 ¹ 

For the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a well-written song ²  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 me ⁵  by your power!

54:2 O God, listen to my prayer!

Pay attention to what I say! ⁶ 

[54:1]  ¹ 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.

[54:1]  ² 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.

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

[54:1]  ⁴ 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).

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

[54:2]  ⁶ tn Heb “to the words of my mouth.”