Psalm 54: Cast Your Burdens on the Lord

Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. —Psalm 54:2, 3

Psalm 54, a rather short psalm, was written after David learned he was being betrayed by the Ziphites. “The psalm consists of two parts, with an abrupt change from the first to the second. Verses 1–3 are an earnest prayer for deliverance; vs. 4–7 an expression of gratitude for deliverance which the psalmist sees with all the certainty of accomplished fact.” “Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength” (v. 1).

David is relying on the character of God as expressed in His name—Jehovah. He pleads for salvation and asks the Lord to hear his cry for help.

When we are in trouble, how often do we, as Christians, forget God is waiting to render assistance? But for His help, we must ask.

“For strangers are risen up against me” (v. 3). The Ziphites were not of the tribe of Benjamin and therefore were strangers to David’s tribe. These were men who did not fear God and had no concept of honor. They sought to have David handed over to an executioner and even went so far as to aid and abet the crime of murder. The psalm shifts dramatically from outlining the problem to a strong statement of faith in God’s power to deliver. Even though certain men are against David, seeking to betray him, God is still with him, and he places his trust in the One who will never fail. Truth will ultimately triumph! “Behold, God is mine helper: the LORD is with them that uphold my soul. He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth” (vv. 4, 5). David is so certain God will save him that he is ready to offer freewill offerings of thanks for God’s loving care. “I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good. For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies” (vv. 6, 7). God is our Protector and Best Friend when weighed down by the cares of life. “Oh, the best friend to have is Jesus; / When the cares of life upon you roll, / He will heal the wounded heart, / He will strength and grace impart.”