Psalm 54 is the 54th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 53. In Latin, it is known as "Deus in nomine tuo salvum me fac", Attributed to David, it was written for one who finds oneself betrayed by a friend.
The psalm forms a regular part of Jewish, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant liturgies.
Commentary
The historical setting of this short Psalm is given in its title, almost a direct quotation from 1 Samuel 23:19 (a similar style of historical setting as with Psalm 52). It is considered one of the psalms containing prayers against false accusations, linked with an ordeal, the taking of an oath, or an appeal to the 'higher court', as indicated in the following points:
- The phrase 'vindicate me' (verse 1)
- A royal perspective of opponents as 'strangers' (verse 3; the New Revised Standard Version amends to 'the insolent'), 'the ruthless' (verse 3), and 'enemies' (verse 5)
- A prayer before battle appealing to God as personal savior with a covenant 'faithfulness' (verse 5).
It can also be described as a lament, prayer, or complaint of an individual.
Verses 1-3 pray for help and answer. Following an appeal (verses 1–2), the psalmist describes the danger facing him (verse 3), but maintains his confidence in God. In the second half of the psalm (verses 4–7), the poet, in the certainty of being heard, rejoices in help, and makes a vow of thanksgiving, he promises to sacrifice a free-will offering to express 'the voluntary gratitude of a thankful heart' (verses 6–7, another example of the 'certainty of hearing').
Uses
Coptic Orthodox Church
In the Agpeya, the Coptic Church's book of hours, this psalm is prayed in the office of Sext.
Book of Common Prayer
In the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer, this psalm is appointed to be read on the evening of the tenth day of the month.
The Psalm is a Proper Psalm for Mattins on Good Friday.
Musical settings
Heinrich Schütz set Psalm 54 in a metred version in German, "Hilf mir, Gott, durch den Namen dein", SWV 151, as part of the Becker Psalter, first published in 1628. Alan Hovhaness set text from this Psalm and from Psalms 55 and 56 in his choral work Make a Joyful Noise.
Text
The following table shows the Hebrew text of the Psalm with vowels, alongside the Koine Greek text in the Septuagint and the English translation from the King James Version. Note that the meaning can slightly differ between these versions, as the Septuagint and the Masoretic text come from different textual traditions. In the Septuagint, this psalm is numbered Psalm 53.
The Ziphims lived in the wilderness of Ziph, a district to the south-east of Hebron in the Judean mountains.
Notes
References
External links
- Pieces with text from Psalm 54: Scores at the International Music Score Library Project
- Psalm 54: Free scores at the Choral Public Domain Library (ChoralWiki)
- Text of Psalm 54 according to the 1928 Psalter
- Psalms Chapter 54 text in Hebrew and English, mechon-mamre.org
- For the leader. On stringed instruments. A maskil of David, 2when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “David is hiding among us.” Oh God, by your name save me. text and footnotes, usccb.org United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Psalm 54:1 introduction and text, biblestudytools.com
- Psalm 54 – Help When Abandoned and Betrayed enduringword.com
- Psalm 54 / Refrain: Behold, God is my helper. Church of England
- Psalm 54 at biblegateway.com
- Hymns for Psalm 54 hymnary.org
