Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 54

By thy name. Compare Acts 4:12. Name stands for character (see on Ps. 7:17).

Strangers. Heb. zarim. Because zarim generally refers to foreigners, many scholars reject the authenticity of the superscription to Ps. 54, inasmuch as the Ziphites were not foreigners. However, zar is used of non-Aaronites and non-Levites (Lev. 22:10; Num. 1:51; 3:10), also of those from another family (Deut. 25:5). It is also possible that David used the term contemptuously. Before them. They have not acted as in God’s presence. They pay no attention to God’s authority. Selah. See p. 629.

Helper. With dramatic abruptness the psalmist now expresses his absolute confidence in God’s deliverance. The psalmist knows that God is with him, although men are against him. Them that uphold. The LXX has this phrase in the singular. In the LXX the second clause of the verse reads literally, “And the Lord is the helper [or protector] of my soul.”

In thy truth. That is, “in thy regard for what is right.” Thus the prayer transcends an attitude of private vindictiveness. David is praying that God’s will may prevail in the destruction of evil.

Freely. Heb. binedabah, “with willingness,” “with spontaneousness.” The reference is to a freewill offering (see Ex. 35:29; 36:3; Lev. 7:16; Num. 15:3) in contrast with one required by the law. The confidence expressed in v. 4 has now become a certainty. Name. See on Ps. 7:17.

Hath delivered. If the psalm was written prior to the actual deliverance, this verse is an expression of David’s absolute confidence in ultimate deliverance.