Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 54
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 54
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 54
"Save me, O God, by thy name, And judge me in thy might. Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers are risen up against me, And violent men have sought after my soul: They have not set God before them. Selah" — Psalms 54:1-3 (ASV)
God is faithful, though people are not to be trusted, and it is well for us that it is so. David has no other plea to depend on than God's name, no other power to depend on than God's strength, and these he makes his refuge and confidence. This would be the effectual answer to his prayers.
Looking to David, betrayed by the men of Judah, and to Jesus, betrayed by one of his apostles, what can we expect from any who have not set God before them, except ingratitude, treachery, malice, and cruelty? What bonds of nature, or friendship, or gratitude, or covenant, will hold those that have broken through the fear of God?
Selah; Mark this. Let us set God before us at all times, for if we do not, we are in danger of despair.
"Behold, God is my helper: The Lord is of them that uphold my soul. He will requite the evil unto mine enemies: Destroy thou them in thy truth. With a freewill-offering will I sacrifice unto thee: I will give thanks unto thy name, O Jehovah, for it is good. For he hath delivered me out of all trouble; And mine eye hath seen [my desire] upon mine enemies. " — Psalms 54:4-7 (ASV)
Behold, God is my Helper. If we are for him, he is for us; and if he is for us, we need not fear. Every creature is to us only what God makes it to be. The Lord will in due time save his people, and in the meantime he sustains them and bears them up, so that the spirit he has made shall not fail.
There is truth in God's threats, as well as in his promises; sinners who do not repent will find it so to their cost. David's present deliverance was a pledge of further deliverance. He speaks of the completion of his deliverance as a thing done, though he still had many troubles before him; because, having God's promise for it, he was as sure of it as if it was done already.
The Lord would deliver him out of all his troubles. May he help us to bear our cross without complaining, and finally bring us to share his victories and glory. Christians should never allow the voice of praise and thanksgiving to cease in the church of the redeemed.
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