For 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.”
David wrote this song to the music director of the Levites. This song would be sung by the Levites during the feasts of Israel. When David wrote this song, he was a young man who was being hunted down by Saul. Saul wanted to kill David, so David hid among the Ziphites.
The Ziphites lived in a desert town in Judah which was originally built by Mesha the son of Caleb (1 Chronicles 2:42). The Ziphites were most likely from David’s own tribe, but they apparently allowed foreigners to live inside of their city. The Ziphites betrayed young David and gave his location to King Saul.
54:1 O God, deliver me by your name! Vindicate me by your power!
God promised David that he would one day be the anointed King of Israel. The satanic world system wanted David dead. Saul was possessed by demons, so Satan used this king to accuse David of being a national criminal. Saul sent the Israelite army to search and destroy David.
Since David was predicted to become the eventual king of Israel, then he was immortal at this time in his life. David asked God to deliver him by His name. The name of God reveals the character of God. God will not allow David to be killed, because of the promises which were made to David.
54:2 O God, listen to my prayer! Pay attention to what I say!
David asked God to listen to his prayer and to pay attention to his request.
54:3 For foreigners attack me; ruthless men, who do not respect God, seek my life. (Selah)
The foreigners were the Ziphites. They were ruthless men who did not honor Jehovah. They were seeking the life of David, possibly to gain a material reward from King Saul.
54:4 Look, God is my deliverer! The Lord is among those who support me.
David knew that God would deliver him from this situation.
54:5 May those who wait to ambush me be repaid for their evil! As a demonstration of your faithfulness, destroy them!
The Ziphites did not care that David was to be the next anointed King of Israel. They were attempting to ambush David and kill him. David asked God to intervene and repay them for their evil intentions. God had promised David that he would one day be king. Therefore, David asked God to demonstrate His faithfulness of this covenant.
54:6 With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you! I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good!
After God saves David from the Ziphites, then David will offer God a free will offering. David will give up something which is important to him to show his gratitude to God.
54:7 Surely he rescues me from all trouble, and I triumph over my enemies.
Jehovah rescues David from all of his troubles. The enemies of David will not be able to conquer him, because God made a promise to David. God keeps His promises.