Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET
PSALM 54
See on JFB for Ps 4:1, title; JFB for 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— (Psa 5:11), specially, power.
judge me—as in Psa 7:8; 26:1.
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 Psa 16:8).
4. (Compare Psa 30:10).
with them—on their side, and for me (compare Psa 46:11).
5. He shall...evil—or, "Evil shall return on" (Psa 7:16) my enemies or watchers, that is, to do me evil (Psa 6:7).
in thy truth—Thy verified promise.
6. I will freely, etc.—or, present a freewill offering (Lev 7:16; Num 15:3).
7. mine eye...desire—(compare Psa 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 Psa 52:6-7).