Psalm 54 is one of a handful of Psalms linked by its superscription to a specific episode in David's life--the time "when the Ziphites went and told Saul, 'Is not David hiding among us? ' " The reference here is to 1 Sam 23:19. Ziph was in the territory of Judah (Joshua 15:55), west of the Dead Sea.
The midrash on Psalm 54 comments that the bad behavior of King Saul led to further bad behavior among his subjects, based on the principle stated in Proverbs 29:12: "If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked."
The midrash also observes that if you are being pursued by the king, as David was, there is no one to turn to but the King of the Universe. And David did just that. "O God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might," he prayed (Ps 54:1). God's name is associated with his faithfulness and saving activity on behalf of his people.
An additional comment in Midrash Psalms 54 associates God's "might" with God's instruction. David is pictured saying to God that since escaped slaves are not to be returned to their masters (Deut 23:15-16), how much more should a prince like David not be turned over to the king who wants to kill him.
"For strangers have risen against me," David continues (v 3). Some manuscripts have "insolent men" rather than "strangers." The two are really very similar. "Strangers" can be those who have become estranged from God by their disobedience or insolence. These are people who do not recognize God's authority.
David is confident that God will protect him and sustain his life (v 4). He is also confident that those who seek to kill him will receive the punishment due to them for their actions (v 5). He looks forward to bringing an offering in gratitude for his deliverance and celebrating God's goodness with the community of faith (vv 6-7).
No comments:
Post a Comment