The Psalms of David in Metre

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Psalm 54

This psalm was composed when the Ziphites, men of the same tribe with David, instigated Saul to destroy him, and directed him how to accomplish it, 1 Sam. 23-24. It contains, (1.) David’s strong cries to his God, that he would save and judge him, and hear his requests, ver. 1-2. (2.) Bitter complaints of the oppression and impiety of his enemies, ver. 3. (3.) His triumphant consolation in the view of what God was to him, and would do for him, intermixed with holy resolutions to praise God for his kindness, ver. 4-7.

While Satan and my lusts, and the men of the world, unite to destroy me, let me call on God. Let me be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Let me rejoice in him, who hath delivered, who doth deliver, and in whom I trust that he will deliver me.

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?

1 Save me, O God, by thy great name,
and judge me by thy strength:
2 My prayer hear, O God; give ear
unto my words at length.

3 For they that strangers are to me
do up against me rise;
Oppressors seek my soul, and God
set not before their eyes.

4 The Lord my God my helper is,
lo, therefore I am bold:
He taketh part with ev’ry one
that doth my soul uphold.

5 Unto mine enemies he shall
mischief and ill repay:
O for thy truth’s sake cut them off,
and sweep them clean away.

6 I will a sacrifice to thee
give with free willingness;
Thy name, O Lord, because ’tis good,
with praise I will confess.

7 For he hath me delivered
from all adversities;
And his desire mine eye hath seen
upon mine enemies.