Bible/Psalms/54

Psalms 54:1

Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.

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For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “Isn’t David hiding himself among us?” Save me, God, by your name. Vindicate me in your might.

Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.

Save me, O God, by your name, and judge me by your strength.

Save me, O God, by thy name, And judge me in thy might.

54:2 Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.

What does Psalms 54:1 mean?

Psalms 54:1 is a verse in the book of Psalms, in the Old Testament. In the original Hebrew, key words include נָצַח (nâtsach), נְגִינָה (nᵉgîynâh), מַשְׂכִּיל (maskîyl). It connects to 32 cross-referenced passages elsewhere in Scripture.

Hebrew interlinear

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To
the
chief
Musicianנָצַחnâtsach/naw-tsakh'/H5329properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the Temple services and its music); to be permanent
on
Neginoth,נְגִינָהnᵉgîynâh/neg-ee-naw'/H5058properly, instrumental music; by implication, a stringed instrument; by extension, a poem set to music; specifically, an epigram
Maschil,מַשְׂכִּילmaskîyl/mas-keel'/H4905instructive, i.e. a didactic poem
A
Psalm
of
David,דָּוִדDâvid/daw-veed'/H1732David, the youngest son of Jesse
when
the
ZiphimsזִיפִיZîyphîy/zee-fee'/H2130a Ziphite or inhabitant of Ziph
cameבּוֹאbôwʼ/bo/H935to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
and
saidאָמַרʼâmar/aw-mar'/H559to say (used with great latitude)
to
Saul,שָׁאוּלShâʼûwl/shaw-ool'/H7586Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites
Doth
not
DavidדָּוִדDâvid/daw-veed'/H1732David, the youngest son of Jesse
hideסָתַרçâthar/saw-thar'/H5641to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
himself
with
us?
Saveיָשַׁעyâshaʻ/yaw-shah'/H3467properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
me,
O
God,אֱלֹהִיםʼĕlôhîym/el-o-heem'/H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
by
thy
name,שֵׁםshêm/shame/H8034an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
and
judgeדִּיןdîyn/deen/H1777a straight course, i.e. sail direct
me
by
thy
strength.גְּבוּרָהgᵉbûwrâh/gheb-oo-raw'/H1369force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

Commentary on Psalms 54:1

CLARKE · whole chapter
Verse 5 He shall reward evil - Saul and his courtiers, instead of having God's approbation, shall have his curse. Cut them off in thy truth - Thou hast promised to save me; these have purposed to destroy me. Thy truth is engaged in my defence; they will destroy me if permitted to live: to save thy truth, and to accomplish its promises, thou must cut them off. Verse 6 I will freely sacrifice unto thee - Or, I will sacrifice nobly unto thee. Not only with a willing mind, but with a liberal hand will I bring sacrifice unto thee. For it is good - Thy name is good; it is descriptive of thy nature; full of goodness and mercy to man. And it is good to be employed in such a work: whoever worships thee in sincerity is sure to be a gainer. To him who orders his conversation aright, thou dost show thy salvation. Verse 7 For he hath delivered me - Saul had now decamped; and was returned to save his territories; and David in the meanwhile escaped to En-gedi. God was most evidently the author of this deliverance. Mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies - It is not likely that this Psalm was written after the death of Saul; and therefore David could not say that he had seen his desire. But there is nothing in the text for his desire; and the words might be translated, My eye hath seen my enemies - they have been so near that I could plainly discover them. Thus almost all the Versions have understood the text. I have seen them, and yet they were not permitted to approach me. God has been my Deliverer. Introduction David, in great danger and distress from the implacable malice of his enemies, calls on God for mercy, Psa 55:1-5; wishes he had the wings of a dove, that he might flee away, and be at rest, Psa 55:6-8; prays against his enemies, and describes their wickedness, Psa 55:9-11; speaks of a false friend, who had been the principal cause of all his distresses, Psa 55:12-14; again prays against his enemies, Psa 55:15; expresses his confidence in God, Psa 55:16-18; gives a farther description of the deceitful friend, Psa 55:19-21; encourages himself in the Lord, and foretells the destruction of his foes, Psa 55:22, Psa 55:23. The title, "To the chief Musician upon Neginoth, A Psalm of David, giving instruction." This is the same as the preceding, Psa 54:1-7 (note), which see. Verse 1 Give ear to my prayer - The frequency of such petitions shows the great earnestness of David's soul. If God did not hear and help, he knew he could not succeed elsewhere; therefore he continues to knock at the gate of God's mercy. Verse 2 I mourn in my complaint - בשיחי besichi, in my sighing; a strong guttural sound, expressive of the natural accents of sorrow. And make a noise - I am in a tumult - I am strongly agitated. Verse 3 They cast iniquity upon me - To give a colourable pretense to their rebellion, they charge me with horrible crimes; as if they had said: Down with such a wretch; he is not fit to reign. Clamour against the person of the sovereign is always the watch-word of insurrection, in reference to rebellion. Verse 4 The terrors of death are fallen upon me - I am in hourly expectation of being massacred. Verse 5 Fearfulness - How natural is this description! He is in distress; - he mourns; - makes a noise; - sobs and sighs; - his heart is wounded - he expects nothing but death; - this produces fear; - this produces tremor, which terminates in that deep apprehension of approaching and inevitable ruin that overwhelms him with horror. No man ever described a wounded heart like David. Verse 6 O that I had wings like a dove! - He was so surrounded, so hemmed in on every side by his adversaries, that he could see no way for his escape unless he had wings, and could take flight. The dove is a bird of very rapid wing; and some oil them passing before his eyes at the time, might have suggested the idea expressed here. And be at rest - Get a habitation. Verse 7 Would I wander far off - He did escape;
WESLEY · Psalms 54:1
Name - By thy own strength. Judge - Plead my cause.
HENRY_FULL · Psalms 54:1–3
Complaints. 1 Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength. 2 Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. 3 For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah. We may observe here, 1. The great distress that David was now in, which the title gives an account of. The Ziphim came of their own accord, and informed Saul where David was, with a promise to deliver him into his hand. One would have thought that when David had retired into the country he would not be pursued, into a desert country he would not be discovered, and into his own country he would not be betrayed; and yet it seems he was. Never let a good man expect to be safe an easy till he comes to heaven. How treacherous, how officious, were these Ziphim! It is well that God is faithful, for men are not to be trusted, Mic. vii. 5 . 2. His prayer to God for succour and deliverance, v. 1, 2 . He appeals to God's strength, by which he was able to help him, and to his name, by which he was engaged to help him, and begs he would save him from his enemies and judge him, that is, plead his cause and judge for him. David has no other plea to depend upon than God's name, no other power to depend upon than God's strength, and those he makes his refuge and confidence. This would be the effectual answer of his prayers ( v. 2 ), which even in his flight, when he had not opportunity for solemn address to God, he was ever and anon lifting up to heaven: Hear my prayer, which comes from my heart, and give ear to the words of my mouth. 3. His plea, which is taken from the character of his enemies, v. 3 . (1.) They are strangers; such were the Ziphites, unworthy the name of Israelites. "They have used me more basely and barbarously than the Philistines themselves would have done." The worst treatment may be expected from those who, having broken through the bonds of relation and alliance, make themselves strangers. (2.) They are oppressors; such was Saul, who, as a king, should have used his power for the protection of all his good subjects, but abused it for their destruction. Nothing is so grievous as oppression in the seat of judgment, Eccl. iii. 16 . Paul's greatest perils were by his own countrymen and by false brethren ( 2 Cor. xi. 26 ), and so were David's. (3.) They were very formidable and threatening; they not only hated him and wished him ill, but they rose up against him in a body, joining their power to do him a mischief. (4.) They were very spiteful and malicious: They seek after my soul; they hunt for the precious life; no less will satisfy them. We may, in faith, pray that God would not by his providence give success, lest it should look like giving countenance, to such cruel bloody men. (5.) They were very profane and atheistical, and, for this reason, he thought God was concerned in honour to appear against them: They have not set God before them, that is, they have quite cast off the thoughts of God; they do not consider that his eye is upon them, that, in fighting against his people, they fight against him, nor have they any dread of the certain fatal consequences of such an unequal engagement. Note, From those who do not set God before them no good is to be expected; nay, what wickedness will not such men be guilty of? What bonds of nature, or friendship, or gratitude, or covenant, will hold those that have broken through the fear of God? Selah—Mark this. Let us all be sure to set God before us at all times; for, if we do not we are in danger of becoming desperate.

Cross-references

Related passages from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Exodus 3:14

And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

Exodus 10:7

And Pharaoh’s servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?

Exodus 12:30

And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.

Exodus 14:30

Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.

Exodus 14:31

And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.

Exodus 23:21

Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.

Exodus 34:5

And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord.

Numbers 23:23

Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!

Joshua 11:20

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the Lord commanded Moses.

1 Samuel 23:19

Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon?

1 Samuel 26:1

And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?

2 Chronicles 20:6

And said, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?

2 Chronicles 20:23

For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.

2 Chronicles 20:24

And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.

Psalms 20:1

The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;

Psalms 26:1

Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.

Psalms 43:1

Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.

Psalms 48:10

According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.

Psalms 66:5

Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.

Psalms 79:9

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake.

Psalms 99:4

The king’s strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.

Proverbs 18:10

The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Proverbs 23:11

For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.

Isaiah 24:1

Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.

Isaiah 30:27

Behold, the name of the Lord cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire:

Isaiah 34:2

For the indignation of the Lord is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter.

Jeremiah 50:34

Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of hosts is his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.

Micah 7:5

Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Matthew 10:21

And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

Acts 4:12

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Verses like this

Other verses that share key original-language words with Psalms 54:1.

Psalms 55:1

Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

Genesis 6:13

And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

Genesis 7:1

And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

Psalms 4:1

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

Psalms 42:1

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

Psalms 44:1

We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.

Psalms 45:1

My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.

Psalms 52:1

Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.

Frequently asked questions

What does Psalms 54:1 say?

Psalms 54:1 (King James Version) reads: "Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength."

Is Psalms 54:1 in the Old or New Testament?

Psalms 54:1 is in the Old Testament of the Bible, in the book of Psalms.

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As you read Psalms 54:1, what is one truth here you can carry into today?

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