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).