Bible Commentaries
Psalms 54

Verses 1-7

PSALM 54

The prayer of the godly remnant of the Jews that they may be delivered “by the Name of God” - that is in accord with all that God is revealed to be.

(vv. 1-3) The opening portion of the psalm is the prayer of a godly man who pleads the “Name” and the “strength” of God. The psalmist pleads that God, in accord with the revelation of Himself, would act in power to grant justice to His people.

Having pleaded his dependence upon God, he spreads out his trial before God. He is oppressed by strangers, those who are enemies outside the nation; and oppressors - the enemies amongst the people of God. In contrast to the godly they have not set God before them. Having no fear of God they are not dependent upon God.

(vv. 4-7) The second portion of the psalm anticipates the answer to the prayer. The psalmist is confident that God will answer his prayer; for God is his helper, and, though others seek after his soul (v. 3), God is the upholder of his soul. The Lord is with them that uphold his soul, but will requite evil unto the enemies of His people, and cut them off in accord with the demands of truth.

Delivered from his enemies, the godly man will, with a willing heart, bring his sacrifice to Jehovah. His sacrifice would no more be the carrying out of legal obligation, or mere compliance with an outward form, but would be the expression of a grateful heart that recognizes how good is the Name of Jehovah. The psalmist can say that God has answered his prayer, and has acted according to His Name in delivering him out of all trouble, and giving him to see the overthrow of his enemies.