Psalm 54

1. Psalm 52 was written in the historical context of First Samuel 23. Psalm 54 also seems to be written during this time frame. As are many other psalms, this one seems to be a cry to God for vindication from enemies. For historical context, read First Samuel 23 and 26.

2. By asking God to save him “by Your name,” David invoked an ancient practice of using the name of someone to mean the actual person. David wasn’t simply asking for a signed document or something of that nature, he was, in a poetic way, asking for God’s personal help.

3. Verse 2 is not just a request for God to hear the prayer of David as He would any other prayer. Instead, David is asking God to “pay attention.” When I have a need, God knows, but I can still pray fervently for His aid and His listening ear.

4. David admits to having many enemies, but what makes them his enemies is that, actually, they are against God (verse 3). While people may not seek to kill me for being a Christian, those who do not follow God do stand in opposition to the Truth.

5. Verses 4 and 5 constitute an interesting few lines. David praises God for being a helper and for sustaining his life, and then asks for a very special favor: to destroy his enemies. David knows that God can do this, and he is not afraid to ask God to sustain his life one more time. At the end of verse 5, he asks God to “destroy them in Your faithfulness.” This is a fascinating juxtaposition of God’s love (or faithfulness) and power (or justice).

6. Verses 6 and 7 are not saying that David will only sacrifice (worship) God when he is given something. Rather, David is saying that he will sacrifice in a special way, or with a special attitude, because of God’s faithfulness.