Psalms 54

Psalms 54:1

Title. Maschil = Instruction. The seventh of thirteen Psalms so named. See note on Title, Psalms 32, and App-65.

when, &c Compare 1 Samuel 23:19; 1 Samuel 26:1.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

Thy name = Thine own self. See note on Psalms 20:1.

judge = vindicate.

Psalms 54:3

strangers = aliens: the Ziphites, or the men of Keilah (1 Samuel 23:12). Some codices, with two early printed editions and Arm., read “insolent men”. Compare Psalms 86:14.

my soul = me, or my life. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

Selah. Connecting David’s danger with David’s true and only source ofhelp (App-66).

Psalms 54:4

LORD *. One of the 134 alterations of Jehovah to Adonai by the Sopherim. App-32.

Psalms 54:5

evil = the evil. Hebrew. ra’a’ (with Art.) App-44.

Psalms 54:6

freely sacrifice: Hebrew with a freewill offering will I sacrifice. Compare Numbers 15:3.

LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

Psalms 54:7

delivered = rescued.

seen his desire: or, looked upon, and thus seen Jehovah’s deliverance. To the chief Musician. See App-64.

on = relating to.

Neginoth = smitings : i.e. the great smitings of my enemies by Jehovah. App-65.