Psalms 54
What Happens in This Chapter
David is in danger from people who want to kill him, and he asks God for help. He says he is sure God will keep him safe and stop his enemies. Then he promises to bring God a gift and to thank him. It is a short prayer that moves from asking to trusting.
Plain reading written for kids. Short sentences, everyday words, one idea at a time.
Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.
1God, save me by the power of your name. Use your strength to show that I am right.
"Judge me" here does not mean God is deciding if David did wrong. It means God should show everyone that David is in the right.
2Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.
2God, listen to my prayer. Hear the words I am saying.
3For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.
3Strangers have turned against me. Cruel men want to kill me. They do not care about God at all. Selah.
"Selah" is a word from music. It may mean pause here, or play louder. Nobody today knows for sure.
4Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.
4Look! God is the one who helps me. The Lord is the one who keeps me going.
5He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.
5He will pay my enemies back with harm. You always keep your word, so put an end to them.
6I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good.
6I will bring you a gift gladly, because I want to. I will praise your name, LORD, because your name is good.
A gift to God in those days was often a sacrifice, an animal or food brought to God's altar as a thank you.
7For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.
7You have saved me from every trouble. I have watched my enemies lose.
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