READ: Ps. 54:1-9: … Behold, God is my Helper … I will freely sacrifice to You … I will praise Your name … for He has delivered me out of all trouble …
Again David complains about the betrayal by his people. What is the situation? The Ziphites made David’s hiding place known to Saul (1 Sam. 23:19,20), while he nevertheless is the anointed of the LORD and has always conducted himself loyally toward Saul.
Shortly before this the LORD had already warned him that the inhabitants of Keilah would deliver him over to Saul, after he had just delivered this city from the Philistines (1 Sam. 23:1-13). Now the people in the wilderness of Ziph betray to Saul that he is in Horesh.
But David, who meanwhile has departed to Maon, is warned there by the people that Saul also is on his way there. Saul and his men succeed in surrounding David around a mountain so that he can go nowhere. But then a messenger comes to Saul to report that the Philistines have invaded the land (1 Sam. 23:14-28). Thus the LORD again saved David from mortal danger.
Yet David experiences it as great distress that among people he is nowhere safe from Saul. He can do nothing else than seek refuge with the LORD in order to be delivered from his enemies. And the LORD does not disappoint him! History teaches precisely that the LORD again and again saves and helps David. This has also become very clear to David: thus He is and thus is His name (vs.3).
In this Psalm he asks the LORD to listen to him. He pleads with Him to continue delivering and helping him. For he does not have to deal with foreigners, but with members of God’s people who have estranged themselves from Him and use violence. But with God at his side David knows himself strong. He shall not only let David live but also deliver him from his opponents, who shall find death (vs.6,7).
Again David appeals to God’s faithfulness. He is certain of God’s help. This is also evident from the promised freewill thank offerings and praise. The deliverance from all his enemies gives joy because here it concerns the cause of the LORD: the preservation of His people and church. In the Old Testament also in connection with the coming of the Christ.
How are we strengthened by the Lord?
Singing: Ps. 54:1,2,3