Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 54

1. SAve me, O God, by thy Name , and judge me by thy strength.

(i. e.) By thy own strength, as the next Words explain it, because I have no other Refuge. Or, for thy Name, (i. e.) For thy own Glory, which is concerned in my Deliverance.

(i. e.) Judge or give Sentence for me, or plead my Cause, as this Phrase is oft taken, as we have seen.

3. For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul; they have not set God before them Selah.

The Ziphites, whom, though Israelites, he calls Strangers in regard of their Barbarous and perfidious Disposition, and Carriage towards him, by which they shewed themselves to be estranged from God, as the wicked are said to be, Psal. 58. 3. and from the Common-wealth of Israel, and from all the Laws of Piety and Humanity. For which Causes he calls such Persons Heathens, Psal. 59. 5. and elsewhere.

They cast off all Regard to thy Presence and Authority, and all Fear of thy Judgements.

Marginal references: Psal. 86. 14.

4. Behold , God is mine helper: the LORD is with them that uphold my soul .

Consider it, and see the Vanity of all your wicked Practices against me.

He fights for them, and on my behalf, and therefore against all mine Enemies.

Marginal references: Psal. 118. 7.

5. He shall reward evil unto mine Enemies; cut them off in thy truth .

Or, for or according to thy Truth; whereby thou art engaged to fulfil thy Promises made to me, and thy Threatnings denounced against thine and mine implacable Enemies.

Marginal references: Heb. those that [illegible: 1 word] me.

6. I will freely sacrifice unto thee; I will praise thy name, O LORD, for it is good .

Not by Constraint, as many do, because they are obliged to it, and cannot neglect it without Shame and Inconvenience to themselves, but with a willing and Cheerful mind; which thou lovest in and above all Sacrifices.

Either thy Name: Or rather, to Praise thy Name.

(i. e.) An act of Justice and Piety and Gratitude.

7. For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine Enemies.

He speaks of it as a thing already done; Either, to express his assurance of it: Or, because this Psalm was made after it was done.

Or, thy Vengeance: Which may be understood out of v. 5. But there is no necessity of any Supplement; the Words in the Hebrew run thus. Mine eye hath looked upon mine Enemies: Either with Delight, as this Phrase signifies, Psal. 22. 17. and 27. 4. and elsewhere: Or, without Fear or Shame. I shall not be afraid to look them in the Face, having God on my side.