otcanon
Psalms 54
David cries to Jehovah for deliverance when men who have set aside the fear of God rise against him — strangers and oppressors who seek his soul. The psalm moves from petition to confidence: Jehovah is named as helper, the one who upholds the covenanted soul against those who would destroy it. The vow of free sacrifice closes the psalm as an act of gratitude for a deliverance already counted as accomplished. Jehovah's name — the ground of the petition in verse one — is praised in the closing verse as good, completing the covenant frame the prayer opened.
1
Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.
2
Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.
3
For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.
4
Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.
5
He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.
6
I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good.
7
For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.
