Title.—(RV) 'For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David: when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us?' Whatever be the value of the title there is nothing in the Ps. to make us reject it, unless it be the allusion in Psalms 54:3 to the Ziphites as 'strangers.' For the historical incident see 1 Samuel 23:19; 1 Samuel 26:1. The Ps. consists of a prayer for deliverance from enemies (Psalms 54:1-3), and an expression of confidence and praise (Psalms 54:4-7). For Maschil see on Psalms 32. The Ps. is used on Good Friday.
Related Commentaries of Psalms 54:1
Psalms 54:1-7
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.