United Commentaries

Ps.51.1-65.13

These psalms of David share a common thread in their reflection on the experience of evil. In Ps 51, the psalmist confesses the evil he has done and asks God’s forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 lament specific evils that David experienced. A song of praise (Ps 65) brings David’s laments to an end.

Ps.54.1-7

In this individual lament, occasioned by violent and godless people (54:3), the psalmist turns to God in prayer and maintains his focus on God’s help (54:4). He prays for God to save him from evil and to judge his enemies (54:5, 7).

Ps.54.1

title This psalm refers to the account of 1 Sam 23:19-20, when the Ziphites were bent on violence.

Ps.54.3

The strangers were alienated from the covenant community (see 109:11; Prov 5:10).

Proud and violent people hold no regard for God or for other people (see Pss 35:11, 25; 86:14; Prov 11:16).

Ps.54.6-7

In anticipation of God’s response, the mood of the psalm changes from gloom to thanksgiving.

Ps.54.6

A voluntary offering is a sacrifice of praise. Sacrifices of praise are the kind of offering God most desires (see Ps 50:14-15, 23).