Psalm 54 Commentary

Psalm 54 Commentary

Chapter 23 of the first volume of Samuel provides context for this psalm. David is in the Desert of Ziph, while on the run from King Saul.

The Ziphites have just blown David’s cover, and he is nearly captured by King Saul. The LORD saves David by creating an emergency somewhere that requires Saul’s urgent attention. The pursuit of David is immediately halted.

“Save me, O God,” David prays. “Ruthless people are trying to kill me.”

The modern saint may have problems with everything happening here.

The LORD God is King over all. David is His chosen servant. With all the power and authority of Heaven, why is David on the run? The New Testament has the answer. “Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:53

We can leave it here. The LORD God does what the LORD God does. His works are all perfect! Always faithful! Always just! No mistakes! Deuteronomy 32:4

The question may force us to ask another question. Why this kind of salvation? God’s works are perfect. Again, we leave it here.

Mortals have built ways and means of doing things. We are conflicted whenever we encounter the ways of the LORD – ways that are above our own.

Mortals often expect grand and respectable victories. There should be a red carpet for the saint. But see how these imaginations are laced with pride and idolatry!

Nothing like this happens to David. Yet David is fully aware of the hand of God. There is a near miss, but who cares? The LORD sustains David. From God’s view of things, everything is perfect.

There could be countless interventions that the saint has enjoyed. But the lack of thanksgiving may suggest the thought that the saint isn’t entirely happy with the means. The saint may even think the LORD isn’t involved at all in the rescue.

David gives us a good example. The LORD is behind it all.

The God we define doesn’t exist. The God we manufacture using our tastes doesn’t exist.

The psalm informs us of the need to praise the LORD regardless of the means of salvation, grand, near-miss, or silent. The LORD knows best. The psalmist is so happy that he plans a freewill offering to the LORD. The LORD has delivered him from all his troubles.

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