Psalm 54

The Voice

Psalm 54

For the worship leader. A contemplative song^[a] of David when his friends, the Ziphites, betrayed him to Saul. Accompanied by strings.

This is a lament reflecting the time when David was betrayed to Saul (1 Samuel 23:6–29). It expresses hope that God will save by His name. The name refers to the covenant name given to Moses at Mount Sinai (Exodus 3). We have translated it “the Eternal One.” For the ancients the name of God has power precisely because it embodies the presence of God. To call upon the name was to call upon God to remember His covenant promises and be present in power in order to rescue His people.

¹Liberate me, O God, by the authority of Your name.
Vindicate me through Your legendary power.
²Hear my prayer, O God;
let the words of my mouth reach Your sympathetic ear.

³The truth is, these strangers are rallying against me;
cold-blooded men seek to slay me;
they have no respect for You.

[pause]^[b]

⁴But see now! God comes to rescue me;
the Lord is my valiant supporter.
⁵He will repay my enemies for the harm they have done; they are doomed!
According to Your faithful promises, silence them.

⁶I will sacrifice to You willingly;
I will lift Your name by shouts of thanksgiving, O Eternal One, for Your name is good.
⁷God has pulled me out from every one of the troubles that encompass me,
and I have seen what it means to stand over my enemies in triumph.

Footnotes

54:title Hebrew, maskil
54:3 Literally, selah, likely a musical direction from a Hebrew root meaning “to lift up”

Psalm 54

New International Version

Psalm 54^[a]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil^[b] of David. When the Ziphites^(A) had gone to Saul and said, “Is not David hiding among us?”

¹Save me^(B), O God, by your name;^(C)
vindicate me by your might.^(D)
²Hear my prayer, O God;^(E)
listen to the words of my mouth.

³Arrogant foes are attacking me;^(F)
ruthless people^(G) are trying to kill me^(H)—
people without regard for God.^[c]^(I)

⁴Surely God is my help;^(J)
the Lord is the one who sustains me.^(K)

⁵Let evil recoil^(L) on those who slander me;
in your faithfulness^(M) destroy them.

⁶I will sacrifice a freewill offering^(N) to you;
I will praise^(O) your name, Lord, for it is good.^(P)
⁷You have delivered me^(Q) from all my troubles,
and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.^(R)

Footnotes

Psalm 54:1 In Hebrew texts 54:1-7 is numbered 54:3-9.
Psalm 54:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
Psalm 54:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.

The Voice (VOICE)

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 54

The Voice

Psalm 54

For the worship leader. A contemplative song^[a] of David when his friends, the Ziphites, betrayed him to Saul. Accompanied by strings.

Footnotes

Psalm 54

New International Version

Psalm 54^[a]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil^[b] of David. When the Ziphites^(A) had gone to Saul and said, “Is not David hiding among us?”

Footnotes

Cross references

More on the NIV

Psalm 54 The Voice

Psalm 54

For the worship leader. A contemplative song[a] of David when his friends, the Ziphites, betrayed him to Saul. Accompanied by strings.

Footnotes

Psalm 54 New International Version

Psalm 54[a]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil[b] of David. When the Ziphites(A) had gone to Saul and said, “Is not David hiding among us?”

Footnotes

Cross references

More on the NIV

Psalm 54

The Voice

For the worship leader. A contemplative song^[a] of David when his friends, the Ziphites, betrayed him to Saul. Accompanied by strings.

Psalm 54

New International Version

Psalm 54^[a]

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil^[b] of David. When the Ziphites^(A) had gone to Saul and said, “Is not David hiding among us?”