A Meditation on Psalm 54

 This Psalm is an individual lament, asking for God’s help against those who threaten the lives of the faithful. The title connects the song to the events of 1 Sam. 23:19, where the Ziphites, among whom David was hiding, informed Saul of where David was, promising to hand David over to him. “The psalm directs its singers to God’s protection and is therefore well suited for the pious to use when they are under threat of deadly persecution; for those who do not face such persecution, this psalm is appropriate to sing on behalf of their brethren in danger” (ESV Study Bible).

O God, save me by your name,

and vindicate me by your might.

O God, hear my prayer;

give ear to the words of my mouth.

For strangers have risen against me;

ruthless men seek my life;

they do not set God before themselves. Selah

Behold, God is my helper;

the Lord is the upholder of my life.

 He will return the evil to my enemies;

in your faithfulness put an end to them.

With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;

I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good.

For he has delivered me from every trouble,

and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.

  Thought for Personal/Family Worship: Psalm 54

(Taken from The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible)

“David knew what it was to be betrayed by his kinsmen.  Trouble is bad enough when it comes from expected sources, but it always feels worse when it comes from those with whom we have some relationship.  How painful it must have been for the Lord Jesus for His fellow Israelites to hand Him over to the Gentiles to be crucified!  Although we may be hurt or even betrayed by those close to us, there is one who has promised never to forsake us in adversity.  We can wholly rely on Him, and He will not fail us.  Since we are safe in God’s keeping, let us not give way to unrestrained anxiety.  Rather, let us praise the Lord that He is with us and that soon we shall be both free and triumphant.”