This psalm purports to be a psalm of David, and it bears all the internal marks of being his composition. The title suggests, doubtless with accuracy, the occasion on which it was composed, as well as the design for which it was intended. It is addressed or dedicated to the “chief Musician,” to be set by him to music, and to be employed in the public service of God. See Introduction to Psalms 4:1-8 - where, also, see the phrase “on Neginoth.” The word “Maschil” denotes that it was a didactic poem, or a poem designed to set forth important truth. See Introduction to Psalms 32:1-11. The occasion on which the psalm was composed is indicated by the statement that it was “when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us?” Such an occurrence is twice recorded; 1 Samuel 23:19; 1 Samuel 26:1. It would seem not improbable that they in fact made two communications to Saul on the subject at different times, or that David was twice in their country, and that they twice endeavored to betray him to Saul. On the first occasion (1 Samuel 23:19 ff) Saul, after commending them for their zeal, expressly desired them 1 Samuel 23:22 to return, and look carefully that they might be sure that he was there, or that he had not escaped into some other place, “for,” he adds, “it is told me that he dealeth very subtilly.” Before making the attempt himself to seize him, he wished to be certified that he was really there. On their return, the Ziphims found that David had escaped to “Maon” 1 Samuel 23:24, and they came again and informed Saul of that fact, After a vain effort on the part of Saul to find him, and after some other occurrences recorded in 1 Samuel 24; 1 Samuel 25, it would seem that David came again into the country of the Ziphites, and that they again informed Saul of that fact, 1 Samuel 26:1. Of course, it is not known precisely on which of these occasions the psalm was composed.
This psalm is similar in design to Psalms 52:1-9; and is intended, like that, to characterize the base conduct of informers. The psalm consists of three parts:
(1) An earnest prayer for deliverance, Psalms 54:1-3;
(2) an expression of confident belief that God would interpose and deliver him, Psalms 54:4-5;
(3) a resolution to render sacrifice to God, or to offer the tribute of praise, if he should be thus delivered, Psalms 54:6-7.