FRAMEWORKS:
Psa 54
(The
objective of these ‘Frameworks' is to provide an easy-to-read
layout of the text in order then to use these individual verses
for meditation. To focus each verse we have also added a subheading
summary as a description of what is happening)
FRAMEWORKS:
Psalm
54
For
the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil of
David. When the Ziphites had gone to Saul and said, “Is not David
hiding among us?”
[Preliminary
Comments: Another of those psalms where the title gives
us the historical context. 1 Sam 23 shows David on the run from
Saul and the occupants of Ziph, one
of the towns of the desert region where David was, knew of David's
activities in their area of Judah and went and told Saul and offered
to pass on intelligence of David's movements if Saul brought his
troops to them. David's intelligence sources were better and so
he was able to evade them but, as so often, he expresses his feelings
in this song. A simple psalm that calls on the Lord [v.1,2], in
the face of enemy attacks [v.3], knowing that the Lord helps him
[v.4] and asks the Lord to destroy them [v.5]. In the meanwhile
he maintains he will praise and worship the Lord [v.6], knowing
that the Lord has saved him [v.7] – a declaration of faith?]
v.1
A call by David to the Lord to save him
v.1
Save
me, O God, by your name;
vindicate me by your might.
v.2
A request for the Lord to hear his prayer
v.2
Hear
my prayer, O God;
listen to the words of my mouth.
v.3
His need: deliverance enemies attacking him
v.3
Arrogant
foes are attacking me;
ruthless people are trying to kill me—
people without regard for God.
v.4
He reassures himself that the Lord is his helper
v.4
Surely
God is my help;
the Lord is the one who sustains me.
v.5
His request that the Lord destroy those who speak badly of him
v.5
Let
evil recoil on those who slander me;
in your faithfulness destroy them.
v.6
He himself will continue to worship & praise the Lord
v.6
I
will sacrifice a freewill offering to you;
I will praise your name, Lord, for it
is good.
v.7
A declaration of his testimony – the Lord has saved him
v.7
You
have delivered me from all my troubles,
and my eyes have looked in triumph on
my foes.
[Additional
Thoughts: In trouble with attackers, trust in your testimony
of what God has done for you in the past as you pray for His help
against them and as you do, faith will rise and give you confidence
and assurance of a good outcome.]
Continue
to Psa 55