Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on Psalms 54

PSALM 54

Psa 54:1-7. See on Psa 4:1, title; Psa 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--(Psa 5:11), specially, power.

judge me--as in Psa 7:8; 26:1.

2. (Compare Psa 4:1; 5:1).

3. strangers--perhaps Ziphites.

oppressors--literally, "terrible ones" (Is 13:11; 25:3). Such were Saul and his army.

not set ... them--acted as atheists, without God's fear (compare Psa 16:8).

4. (Compare Psa 30:10).

with them--on their side, and for me (compare Psa 46:11).

5. He shall ... evil--or, "Evil shall return on" (Psa 7:16) my enemies or watchers, that is, to do me evil (Psa 6:7).

in thy truth--Thy verified promise.

6. I will freely, &c.--or, present a freewill offering (Le 7:16; Nu 15:3).

7. mine eye ... desire--(compare Psa 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 Psa 52:6, 7).