Psalm 54:1

Translations

Modern

For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. When the Ziphites went to Saul and said, “Is David not hiding among us?” Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your might!

Traditional

To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us? Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.

Literal

For the one directing. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David, at the coming of the Ziphites, when they said to Saul, “Is not David hiding himself with us?” O God, by Your name save me, and by Your might defend me!

Latin

In finem, in carminibus. Intellectus David, cum venissent Ziphæi, et dixissent ad Saul: Nonne David absconditus est apud nos? Deus, in nomine tuo salvum me fac, et in virtute tua judica me.

Original

Hebrew

English

For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. When the Ziphites went to Saul and said, “Is David not hiding among us?” Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your might!

Notes

Psalms 54:1

The Ziphites intended to use violence.

Psalms 54:1–7

This personal lament was caused by violent and godless people (Psalm 54:3). The psalmist prays to God and focuses on God's help (54:4). He asks God to save him from evil and judge his enemies (Psalm 54:5, 7).

Psalms 51:1–65:13

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Related verses

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
1 Samuel 26:1
Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding on the hill of Hachilah, opposite Jeshimon?”
Psalm 20:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
Psalm 79:9
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for the sake of Your name.
Acts 4:12
Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
Psalm 48:10
Your name, O God, like Your praise, reaches to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness.
Matthew 1:21
She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”
Isaiah 30:27
Behold, the Name of the LORD comes from afar, with burning anger and dense smoke. His lips are full of fury, and His tongue is like a consuming fire.
Exodus 3:14–15
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
1 Samuel 23:19–20
Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon?
Psalm 26:1
Of David. Vindicate me, O LORD! For I have walked with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
Exodus 34:5–6
And the LORD descended in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed His name, the LORD.

Parallels

1 Samuel 23:7–29

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Maskil: A musical or literary term in the Psalms Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel

Places

Ziph: A town in Judah where David hid from Saul

Glossary

David Music Neginah, Neginoth Psalms, Book of Ziph (Place) Ziphims Ziphite

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In David: King of Israel: Writes a Psalm on the Betrayal Harp: The Symbol Used in the Psalmody to Indicate when the Harp Was to be Introduced in the Music Was |Neginoth| See Titles of Music: Maschil: This Musical Sign Occurs in the Titles of Music: Neginah and Neginoth: Appear in the Titles of Psalms: Afflictions

Psalm 54:1

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