In Response to Backstabbing – Psalm 54

In keeping with the theme of Psalms 52-60, Psalm 54 provides a song of worship in the presence of our enemies. II Sam 22:35, Ps 18:34, & 144:1 speak of the Godly warrior prototype in terms of hands trained for war and fingers for battle. Ps 54 expounds the conditioning and disciplined mentality of the warring ambassador by example in this soldier's lament in first person. Hands trained for spiritual war are always directed heavenward by first priority before they reach down for the sword. This principle of war is repeatedly modeled by David in his Psalms and his administration as anointed magistrate. The historical context of this Psalm's inspiration is given in its title. Ziph was a city in the mountains of Judah about 5 miles south-east of Hebron... One of David's many hideouts during the fugitive years of Saul's jealous & obsessive oppression. The application points readily drawn from Ps 54 are pressing and numerous. Spurgeon reminds us from the first clause: “Oh God, Save me!” that these words are fitted for the lips of believers in so many circumstances: “...the exclamation of the newly pardoned penitent – the cry of the delivered saint – the song of the ripe Christian – the shout of the glorified believer.”