Worthy.Bible » YLT » Psalms » Chapter 54 » Verse 1-7

Psalms 54:1-7 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 To the Overseer with stringed instruments. -- An instruction, by David, in the coming in of the Ziphim, and they say to Saul, `Is not David hiding himself with us?' O God, by Thy name save me, and by Thy might judge me.

2 O God, hear my prayer, Give ear to the sayings of my mouth,

3 For strangers have risen up against me And terrible ones have sought my soul, They have not set God before them. Selah.

4 Lo, God `is' a helper to me, The Lord `is' with those supporting my soul,

5 Turn back doth the evil thing to mine enemies, In Thy truth cut them off.

6 With a free will-offering I sacrifice to Thee, I thank Thy name, O Jehovah, for `it is' good,

7 For, from all adversity He delivered me, And on mine enemies hath mine eye looked!

Commentary on Psalms 54 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


PSALM 54

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.

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

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).

4. (Compare Ps 30:10).

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

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.

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

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).