New International VersionFor the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil of David. When the Ziphites had gone to Saul and said, “Is not David hiding among us?” Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might.
New Living TranslationCome with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might.
English Standard VersionO God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might.
Berean Standard BibleFor the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. When the Ziphites went to Saul and said, “Is David not hiding among us?” Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your might!
King James BibleTo 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? Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.
New King James VersionTo the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Contemplation of David when the Ziphites went and said to Saul, “Is David not hiding with us?” Save me, O God, by Your name, And vindicate me by Your strength.
New American Standard BibleFor the music director; on stringed instruments. A Maskil of David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “Is David not keeping himself hidden among us?” Save me, God, by Your name, And vindicate me by Your power.
NASB 1995For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Maskil of David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “Is not David hiding himself among us?” Save me, O God, by Your name, And vindicate me by Your power.
NASB 1977Save me, O God, by Thy name, And vindicate me by Thy power.
Legacy Standard BibleFor the choir director. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. When the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “Is not David hiding himself among us?” O God, save me by Your name, And render justice to me by Your might.
Amplified BibleTo the Chief Musician; with stringed instruments. A skillful song, or a didactic or reflective poem, of David, when the Ziphites went and told Saul, “David is hiding among us.” Save me, O God, by Your name; And vindicate me by Your [wondrous] power.
Christian Standard BibleFor the choir director: with stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. When the Ziphites went and said to Saul, “Is David not hiding among us? ” † God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might!
Holman Christian Standard BibleFor the choir director: with stringed instruments. A Davidic Maskil. When the Ziphites went and said to Saul, “Is David not hiding among us?” God, save me by Your name, and vindicate me by Your might!
American Standard VersionFor the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David; when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us? Save me, O God, by thy name, And judge me in thy might.
Contemporary English VersionSave me, God, by your power and prove that I am right.
English Revised VersionFor the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David: when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us? Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me in thy might.
GOD'S WORD® Translation[For the choir director; on stringed instruments; a [maskil] by David when people from the city of Ziph told Saul that David was hiding among them.] O God, save me by your name, and defend me with your might.
Good News TranslationSave me by your power, O God; set me free by your might!
International Standard VersionGod, by your name deliver me, and by your power vindicate me.
NET BibleFor the music director, to be accompanied by stringed instruments; a well-written song by David. It was written when the Ziphites came and informed Saul: "David is hiding with us." O God, deliver me by your name! Vindicate me by your power!
New Heart English Bible[For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, "Isn't David hiding himself among us?"] Save me, God, by your name. Vindicate me in your might.
Webster's Bible TranslationTo 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? Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. A Maskil of David. When the Ziphites went to Saul and said, “Is David not hiding among us?” Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your might!
World English BibleFor the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “Isn’t David hiding himself among us?” Save me, God, by your name. Vindicate me in your might. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionTO THE OVERSEER. WITH STRINGED INSTRUMENTS. AN INSTRUCTION OF DAVID, IN THE COMING IN OF THE ZIPHIM, AND THEY SAY TO SAUL, “IS DAVID NOT HIDING HIMSELF WITH US?” O God, save me by Your Name, and judge me by Your might.
Young's Literal Translation To the Overseer with stringed instruments. -- An instruction, by David, in the coming in of the Ziphim, and they say to Saul, 'Is not David hiding himself with us?' O God, by Thy name save me, and by Thy might judge me.
Smith's Literal TranslationTo the overseer upon the stringed instrument, instruction to David: In the going of the Ziphims, and they will say to Saul, Is not David hiding with us? O God, in thy name save me, and in thy strength thou wilt judge me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSave me, O God, by thy name, and judge me in thy strength.
Catholic Public Domain VersionUnto the end. In verses, the understanding of David,when the Ziphites had arrived and they said to Saul, “Has not David been hidden with us?”Save me, O God, by your name, and judge me in your virtue.
New American Bible
For the leader. On stringed instruments. Amaskil of David, [2] when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “David is hiding among us.” [3] O God, by your name save me. By your strength defend my cause.
New Revised Standard Version
Save me, O God, by your name, and vindicate me by your might.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
SAVE me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength,
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
God, save me by your Name and judge me by your power!OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
For the Leader; with string-music. Maschil of David: when the Ziphites came and said to Saul: 'Doth not David hide himself with us?' O God, save me by Thy name, And right me by Thy might.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
For the end, among Hymns of instruction by David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, Lo, is not David hid with us? Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy might.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Vindicate Me by Your Might1For the choirmaster.With stringed instruments.A Maskilof David.When the Ziphiteswentto Sauland said,“Is Davidnothidingamong us?” Save me,O God,by Your name,and vindicate meby Your might!2Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.…
Cross References Psalm 18:6In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears.
Psalm 20:1For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
Psalm 31:1-2For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; save me by Your righteousness. / Incline Your ear to me; come quickly to my rescue. Be my rock of refuge, the stronghold of my deliverance.
Psalm 50:15Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”
Psalm 55:16But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.
Psalm 86:1-2A prayer of David. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. / Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You.
Psalm 91:15When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.
Psalm 118:5In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free.
Isaiah 12:2Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 33:22For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our King. It is He who will save us.
Jeremiah 17:14Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, for You are my praise.
Matthew 1:21She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”
Matthew 6:13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
Luke 1:69He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David,
John 12:27Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? No, it is for this purpose that I have come to this hour.
Treasury of Scripture Save me, O God, by your name, and judge me by your strength. A. 1 Samuel 23:19,20 Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, whichis on the south of Jeshimon? … 1 Samuel 26:1 And the Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah,which is before Jeshimon? Micah 7:5,6 Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom… by the name Psalm 20:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; Psalm 48:10 According to thy name, O God, sois thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness. Psalm 79:9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake. judge Psalm 26:1A Psalm of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD;therefore I shall not slide. Psalm 43:1,2 Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man… Psalm 99:4 The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob. Jump to Previous CauseChiefContemplationDavidDirectorHideHidingInstrumentsJudgeJudgedLeaderMaschilMusicMusicianNeginothPowerPsalmSaulSaveSecretStrengthStringedString-MusicVindicateZiphitesJump to Next CauseChiefContemplationDavidDirectorHideHidingInstrumentsJudgeJudgedLeaderMaschilMusicMusicianNeginothPowerPsalmSaulSaveSecretStrengthStringedString-MusicVindicateZiphitesPsalm 54 1.David, complaining of the Ziphims, prays for salvation4.Upon his confidence in God's help he promises sacrificeFor the choirmaster.This phrase indicates that the psalm was intended for public worship and was to be directed by the choirmaster, a leader in the musical aspect of temple worship. The role of the choirmaster was crucial in organizing and leading the musical elements of worship, which were an integral part of Israelite religious life. With stringed instruments.
Stringed instruments, such as the lyre and harp, were commonly used in ancient Israelite worship. These instruments added a melodic and harmonious element to the psalms, enhancing the worship experience. The use of stringed instruments is mentioned in several other psalms, indicating their importance in the musical tradition of Israel. A Maskil of David.
The term "Maskil" suggests a contemplative or instructive psalm, often conveying wisdom or insight. David, the attributed author, was known for his musical and poetic skills, as well as his deep relationship with God. This psalm reflects David's reliance on God during times of distress. When the Ziphites went to Saul and said, “Is David not hiding among us?”
This historical context refers to the events recorded in1 Samuel 23:19 and1 Samuel 26:1, where the Ziphites, inhabitants of the region of Ziph, betrayed David's location to King Saul. David was hiding from Saul, who sought to kill him. This betrayal highlights the political and personal challenges David faced, as well as his need for divine intervention. Save me, O God, by Your name,
The invocation of God's name signifies a call for divine intervention based on God's character and reputation. In biblical times, a name represented the essence and authority of a person. David appeals to God's covenantal faithfulness and power to deliver him from his enemies. and vindicate me by Your might!
David seeks vindication, asking God to demonstrate his innocence and righteousness by delivering him from his adversaries. The appeal to God's might underscores the belief in God's supreme power to act on behalf of His people. This plea for vindication is echoed in other psalms and reflects a common theme of seeking justice and deliverance from oppression. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of this Psalm, David is seeking God's intervention and deliverance from his enemies. This Psalm is traditionally linked to the time when the Ziphites betrayed David to Saul ( 1 Samuel 23:19-24). 2. GodThe central figure to whom David appeals for salvation and vindication. David acknowledges God's power and authority. 3. ZiphitesThe people who informed King Saul of David's location, thus endangering David's life. Their betrayal is the backdrop for this Psalm. 4. SaulThe King of Israel at the time, who was pursuing David to kill him. Saul's relentless pursuit is a significant event in David's life. 5. Wilderness of ZiphThe geographical location where David was hiding when the Ziphites betrayed him to Saul. Teaching Points The Power of God's NameDavid appeals to God's name, recognizing it as a source of power and authority. In our lives, we can call upon God's name in times of trouble, trusting in His ability to save and protect us. God as Our DefenderDavid seeks vindication from God, acknowledging that true justice comes from Him. We can trust God to be our defender and to bring justice in His perfect timing. Faith in God's MightDavid's plea is rooted in his faith in God's might. We are reminded to have faith in God's power to intervene in our circumstances, no matter how dire they may seem. Prayer in Times of DistressThis Psalm exemplifies turning to God in prayer during times of distress. We are encouraged to bring our concerns and fears to God, trusting in His willingness to hear and respond. Trust in God's SovereigntyDespite the betrayal and danger, David trusts in God's sovereign plan. We are called to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is in control of every situation. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 54
In Psalm 54:1–3, where is the archaeological or historical evidence confirming that David’s enemies were truly “strangers” seeking his life?
If this psalm is attributed to David (Psalm 54 title), is there verifiable historical proof of him composing it during his conflict with the Ziphites?
Why does Psalm 54:5 predict exact retribution from God, when other biblical passages (e.g., Matthew 5:44) recommend praying for enemies instead?
How do we reconcile Psalm 54:7's claim that God delivered the psalmist from all trouble with the ongoing struggles David faced elsewhere in Scripture?(1) By thy name.--See Note, Psalm 20:1. (Comp. Isaiah 30:27.) Judge me by thy strength--i.e., in Thy power see that justice is done me. Verse 1. - Save me, O God, by thy Name;i.e. by the qualities of which thy "Name" is significant - power, goodness, and truth. And judge me; i.e. "vindicate me," or "judge my cause." By thy strength; or, "thy might" - the might which thou possessest as a gibbor, or "hero."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew For the choirmaster.לַמְנַצֵּ֥חַ(lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ)Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5329:To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanentWith stringed instruments.בִּנְגִינֹ֗ת(bin·ḡî·nōṯ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5058:Instrumental music, a stringed instrument, a poem set to music, an epigramA Maskilמַשְׂכִּ֥יל(maś·kîl)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4905:Instructive, a didactic poemof David.לְדָוִֽד׃(lə·ḏā·wiḏ)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of JesseWhen the Ziphitesהַ֭זִּיפִים(haz·zî·p̄îm)Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 2130:Ziphites -- inhabitants of Ziphwentבְּב֣וֹא(bə·ḇō·w)Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goto Saulלְשָׁא֑וּל(lə·šā·’ūl)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586:Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelitesand said,וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ(way·yō·mə·rū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Is Davidדָ֝וִ֗ד(ḏā·wiḏ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jessenotהֲלֹ֥א(hă·lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nohidingמִסְתַּתֵּ֥ר(mis·tat·têr)Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5641:To hide, concealamong us?”עִמָּֽנוּ׃(‘im·mā·nū)Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 5973:With, equally withSave me,הוֹשִׁיעֵ֑נִי(hō·wō·šî·‘ê·nî)Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 3467:To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succorO God,אֱ֭לֹהִים(’ĕ·lō·hîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeby Your name,בְּשִׁמְךָ֣(bə·šim·ḵā)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8034:A nameand vindicate meתְדִינֵֽנִי׃(ṯə·ḏî·nê·nî)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 1777:A straight course, sail directby Your might!וּבִגְבוּרָתְךָ֥(ū·ḇiḡ·ḇū·rā·ṯə·ḵā)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1369:Force, valor, victory
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OT Poetry: Psalm 54:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
