Psalm 54 – By Your Name

 December 17, 2024

What’s in a name, you might ask. As Shakespeare tells us, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. But apparently, if you are referring to our God Almighty, it means a lot, as we learn in Psalm 54 – By Your Name.

Psalm 54

The psalm is an individual lament with an appeal, complaint, petition, and vow. Short and sweet, it is the appeal of someone who has no other recourse but God to save him.

The writer of Psalm 54 – by your name, calls upon the name of God to save him

^“Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might.
Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.” (1-2)

He appeals to God to save him from his foes.

^“Arrogant foes are attacking me; ruthless people are trying to kill me—people without regard for God. Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.” (3-4)

Then makes his request and his vow:

^“Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them.

I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, Lord, for it is good.
You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.” (5-7)

Superscription – 1 Samuel 23 and 26

As in Psalm 52, there is a superscription that gives insight into the events behind this psalm.

“For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil of David. When the Ziphites had gone to Saul and said, “Is not David hiding among us?”

There were two times when David was betrayed by the Ziphites, 1 Samuel 23 and 1 Samuel 26.

“Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon? Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.” (1 Sam. 23:19-20)

“Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding on the hill of Hachilah, opposite Jeshimon?” So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there.” (1 Sam. 26:1-2)

In both of these instance, King Saul went to the hill country of Ziph where David was hiding. Each time David had the opportunity to kill Saul, but he chose not to kill the Lord’s anointed one. (1 Samuel 24 and 1 Samuel 26) Thus David places himself entirely in the Lord’s hands, refusing the ways of the world.

Against this context, we see how David threw himself onto the Lord for protection. God was his only recourse.

The Power in Names

Despite what Shakespeare said, there is power in a name. The words we choose have the power to hurt or to heal. Remember those childhood taunts making fun of our names. For me it was “fatty Patty” even though I was far from fat as a child. We don’t like it when our names are made fun of, or we are made fun of using our names. By the same token, the use of our names or a pet name by those we love helps us feel cared for.

There is a long tradition that says to know someone’s name is to have power over them.

“A common concept in history is that knowing the name of something or someone gives one power over that thing or person. This concept occurs in many different forms, in numerous cultures—in ancient and primitive tribes, as well as in Islamic, Jewish, Egyptian, Vedic, Hindu, and Christian traditions. The strength of this belief varies, and there are certainly exceptions to it. Nonetheless, the persistence and historical continuity of the linking of naming and power are unmistakable.” (Philoctetes – The Power of Names: Religion & Mathematics)

When you use someone’s name you are invoking their authority. It is one thing to demand a favor based on your own name, another to ask for this favor in the name of the king or ruler. Out of deference to this other person, they may do you the favor.

The Power of God’s Name

There are many names for God in Scripture. We are told in the Ten Commandments not to take the Lord’s name in vain. The Jewish people took this commandment so seriously that they did not use the sacred name for God, YHWH, substituting Adonai for the word. (For more on this subject see Why Do Jews Say Hashem? – Why not refer to G-d with His name? – Chabad.org and  Respecting the name of God)

If, as noted above, to use one’s name is to invoke their authority, to use God’s name is to invoke God’s authority. It is well to be careful in doing this. Far too many people take God’s name in vain. This doesn’t mean we can’t use God’s name, but we need to be aware of what we are doing when we say this.

Jesus’ name has been known to chase away demons. The name of Jesus is also a source of strength and comfort. Some days it’s enough to just quietly whisper, Jesus, and I find relief from my fears.

Psalm 54 – By Your Name

David calls upon God’s name with confidence in Psalm 54 – by your name.

“In his distress, David relied on both the name and the strength of God. Name speaks of the nature and character of God; strength speaks of His great power. David knew that God’s strength could respond to his need by what he knew of God’s name.” (Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 54)

God’s name proclaims the goodness of God and so we have reason to call upon the name of God whenever we are troubled.

What do you know about the character of God? How is that reflected in God’s name?

(For another take on this psalm, see Psalm 54: Can Lament Help Cure Worry? – Patricia M Robertson)

This post is part of a series on the Psalm. Sign up to follow this blog and receive a free copy of Still Dancing, the second book in my Dancing through Life Series.

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