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).