Psalm 54:5

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 54:4-7

We have here the lively actings of David's faith in his prayer, by which he was assured that the issue would be comfortable, though the attempt upon him was formidable. I. He was sure that he had God on his side, that God took his part (Ps. 54:4); he speaks it with an air of triumph and exultation, Behold, God is my helper. If we be for him, he is for us; and, if he be for us, we shall have such help in him that we need not fear any power engaged against us. Though men and devils aim to be our... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 54:5

He shall reward evil unto mine enemies ,.... That eyed him as Saul did; that observed his haunts, where he resorted, and who were with him, as the Ziphites did under Saul's direction; as the Word F13 לשררי "observatoribus meis", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Michaelis. here used for "enemies" signifies: the mischief they had devised for him, he believed, would be returned upon their own heads; the pit they digged they would fall into themselves; and the net they had spread for... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 54:5

He shall reward evil - Saul and his courtiers, instead of having God's approbation, shall have his curse. Cut them off in thy truth - Thou hast promised to save me; these have purposed to destroy me. Thy truth is engaged in my defence; they will destroy me if permitted to live: to save thy truth, and to accomplish its promises, thou must cut them off. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 54:5

Verse 5 5.He shall reward evil unto mine enemies As the verb ישיב , yashib, may be rendered he shall cause to return, (292) it seems to point not only at the punishment, but the kind of punishment, which would be awarded to his enemies, in the recoiling of their wicked machinations upon their own heads. Some give an optative signification to the verb, understanding the words to express a wish or prayer; but I see no reason why it should not be taken strictly in the future tense, and imagine... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 54:1-7

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 54:1-7

Peril and prayer. Here we have— I. PERIL MOVING TO PRAYER . ( Psalms 54:1-3 .) Danger may arise from various causes. Soul-danger is the worst. Then when sore pressed and in trouble, the instinct of the heart is to cry to God, "Save me!" Prayer is "the mighty utterance of a mighty need" (Trench). II. PRAYER INSPIRING CONFIDENCE . ( Psalms 54:4 .) Prayer brings the soul into the very presence of God. The thought of what he is (" thy Name") and of what he has done ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 54:1-7

Prayer for deliverance. I. A PRAYER TO BE DELIVERED FROM IMPENDING DANGER . ( Psalms 54:1-3 .) The prayer is grounded: 1 . Upon the Divine nature. "By thy Name, by thy strength." It is God's nature to save; he uses his omnipotence on behalf of those who call upon him. 2 . Upon the righteousness of his cause. "Judge my cause [or, 'avenge me'] by thy strength." We can pray when we are pleading for a good cause. 3 . Upon the character of those who... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 54:5

He shall reward evil unto mine enemies ; literally, he shall return the wrong upon my adversaries. "The wrong" is that which his adversaries had wished to inflict upon the psalmist, viz. death (see 1 Samuel 23:19 , 1 Samuel 23:20 ). Cut them off in thy truth; or, "in thy truthfulness" (Cheyne). God had given his people—those who were faithful to him—the promise of his protection, and, being true, could not go back from his word. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 54:5

He shall reward evil unto mine enemies - Margin, “those that observe me.” The original word here means literally “to twist, to twist together;” then, to press together; then, to “oppress,” or to treat as an enemy. The reference here is to those who pressed upon him as enemies, or who endeavored to crush him. The idea is that God would recompense them for this conduct, or that he would deal with them as they deserved.Cut them off in thy truth - In thy faithfulness; in thy regard for what is... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 54:4-5

Psalms 54:4-5. Behold, God is my helper Consider it, and see the vanity of all your wicked practices against me. The Lord is with them that uphold my soul He fights for them, and on my behalf, and therefore against all mine enemies. He shall reward evil to mine enemies He shall bring upon themselves the mischief they intended for me. Cut them off in thy truth For, or according to, thy truth; whereby thou art engaged to fulfil thy promises made to me, and thy threatenings denounced... read more

Group of Brands