PSALM LIV _The psalmist complains that strangers were risen up against_ _him to take away his life_, 1-3; _expresses his confidence in God that he will uphold him, and_ _punish his enemies_, 4, 5; _on which he promises to sacrifice to God_, 6; _he speaks of his deliverance_, 7. NOTES ON PSALM... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 54:2. _HEAR MY PRAYER_] In his straits he had recourse to God; for from him alone, for the reasons alleged above, his deliverance must proceed.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 54:3. _STRANGERS ARE RISEN UP AGAINST ME_] The _Ziphites_. _AND OPPRESSORS_] Saul, his courtiers, and his army. _THEY HAVE NOT SET GOD BEFORE THEM._] It is on _no religious_ _account_, nor is it to accomplish any _end_, on which they can ask the _blessing_ of God. _SELAH._] This is t... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 54:4. _BEHOLD, GOD_ IS _MINE HELPER_] This would naturally occur to him when he saw that Saul was obliged to leave the pursuit, and go to defend his territories, when he was on the very point of seizing him. God, whose providence is ever watchful, had foreseen this danger, and stirred u... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 54:5. _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... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 54:6. _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 ma... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 54:7. _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 Psal... [ Continue Reading ]