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Psalm 54

August 25, 2013 Speaker: Micheal Pardue, Sr. Series: Seven Sundays in the Psalms

Topic: Old Testament Passage: Psalm 54:1–54:7

Read: Psalm 54

1 Samuel 26

I. Introduction – Let’s look first at the occasion for which King David is writing these things. We do not always know this with each Psalm, but with this one we do. David wrote this when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, ‘Is not David hiding himself among us?’” (prelude to vs. 1). The Ziphites come to Saul twice, telling him where David is hiding. They take him the second time to the place and Saul camps there so that he can look for David to kill him. During the night David and a companion come into the camp undetected. The companion wishes to kill Saul so that he can no longer hunt down David and his men. David forbids this but does take Saul’s spear and cruse of water that was near Saul. David then leaves the camp and turning back, yells to awaken the camp. He shows evidence that he was capable of killing Saul and asks Saul why he is after him. David says if it be God who wants his dead, let it be, but if it is other men, then Saul should leave him alone. David then leaves to return to his place and Saul to his.

II. David knew God could save (vs. 1 & 3)

a. David had been saved by God many times. He had faced the Giant, he had fled from Saul, and he knew God had a plan for him (1 Samuel 26:19). He knew he had an inheritance from God. How could he get it if he was dead?

b. David also knew his reasoning was just. These men who were after him were not only violent, but they had not set God before them. He tells Saul, “If it be Jehovah that hath stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if it be the children of men, cursed be they before Jehovah: for they have driven me out this day that I should not cleave unto the inheritance of Jehovah, saying, Go, serve other gods” (1 Samuel 26:19)

III. David knew God would listen (vs. 2)

a. Not only would God save him, but he knew that God would listen. God always listens to those who He loves. We should remember this always. Our prayers are not empty words that never reach higher than the ceiling under which we pray. Our words to God are not in vain. Even when they never make it past our heart, He is listening.

IV. David knew God would sustain Him (vs. 4-5)

a. David also knew God would take care of Him. He was the sustainer of his soul. God was his helper when he faced the difficulties

b. He also says he knows God will sustain him by destroying his enemies. He had nothing to fear because God was in control and part of His sustaining power is the destruction of His enemies. David was walking with God, therefore the enemies of God’s chosen are the enemies of God.

V. David knew God would keep His promises (vs. 6-7)

a. David is now able to look back on this event from the past. He says he has delivered him from all trouble and that his eyes have looked with satisfaction on his enemies (vs. 7). David, therefore, says that he will willingly sacrifice to Him. He will give thanks to God’s name.

b. David in this is also expressing his trust. Compare what He says in 1 Samuel 26:19. David says he will be a sacrifice, that God will make him an offering. He is willing to do as God wants, even though it could cost him his life. If God wants it, he will die.

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