Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

Psalms 54

Public-domain commentary by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown.

Commentary Notes

7 sections

Psalms 54:1

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

judge me —as in Ps 7:8; 26:1.

Ps 54 1-Ps 54 7
Ps 4 1
Ps 32 1
1Sam 23 19
1Sam 23 29
1Sam 26 1-1Sam 26 25
Ps 5 11
Ps 7 8
Ps 26 1

Psalms 54:2

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

Ps 4 1
Ps 5 1

Psalms 54:3

3. strangers —perhaps Ziphites.

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

not set … them —acted as atheists, without God's fear (compare Ps 16:8).

Isa 13 11
Isa 25 3
Ps 16 8

Psalms 54:4

4. (Compare Ps 30:10).

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

Ps 30 10
Ps 46 11

Psalms 54:5

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

in thy truth —Thy verified promise.

Ps 7 16
Ps 6 7

Psalms 54:6

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

Lev 7 16
Num 15 3

Psalms 54:7

7. mine eye … desire —(compare Ps 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 Ps 52:6, 7).

Ps 59 10
Ps 112 8
Ps 52 6
Ps 52 7