54:5 54:5

Psalms 54:6

54:7 54:7

Bible Versions

I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for [it is] good.
I will freely {H5071} sacrifice {H2076}{H8799)} unto thee: I will praise {H3034}{H8686)} thy name {H8034}, O LORD {H3068}; for it is good {H2896}.
Then I will generously sacrifice to you; I will praise your name, ADONAI, because it is good,
Freely I will sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O LORD, for it is good.
With a freewill-offering will I sacrifice unto thee: I will give thanks unto thy name, O Jehovah, for it is good.

Psalm 54:6 is a profound declaration of David's commitment to worship and thanksgiving, even amidst severe distress. This verse encapsulates a worshiper's promise to God, rooted in an understanding of His inherent character.

Context

Psalm 54 carries the superscription, "To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us?" This provides crucial historical context. David is in a desperate situation, being actively pursued by King Saul and betrayed by the Ziphites (1 Samuel 23:19). Despite facing immediate danger and feeling abandoned, David expresses unwavering trust and a determined spirit of worship, anticipating God's deliverance which he proclaims in earlier verses of this psalm.

Key Themes

  • Voluntary Worship and Sacrifice: David's declaration, "I will freely sacrifice unto thee," highlights a spontaneous and willing offering, not one mandated by law. This signifies a heartfelt commitment to God, an act of faith and devotion that precedes or accompanies deliverance.
  • Praise for God's Character: The phrase "I will praise thy name, O LORD" emphasizes glorifying God for who He is—His attributes, His power, His faithfulness, and His goodness. Praising His "name" is to praise His very being and reputation.
  • God's Inherent Goodness: The powerful justification, "for [it is] good," underscores the foundational reason for David's worship. God's character is intrinsically benevolent and righteous, making Him worthy of all praise and trust. This goodness is not contingent on circumstances but is an eternal truth.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "freely sacrifice" is nedabah (נדבה), which refers specifically to a "freewill offering" or "voluntary offering." Unlike obligatory sacrifices for sin or guilt, a nedabah was given out of genuine devotion and thankfulness, often in fulfillment of a vow or as an expression of spontaneous generosity. This emphasizes the intentional and heartfelt nature of David's worship. The word "good" is tov (טוב), a broad term in Hebrew that signifies pleasant, excellent, beneficial, joyful, and morally upright. Here, it refers to God's nature and actions being inherently excellent and beneficial to those who trust Him.

Practical Application

Psalm 54:6 offers a powerful model for believers today. It teaches us to:

  • Worship in Adversity: David's commitment to "freely sacrifice" and "praise thy name" while under duress challenges us to maintain our devotion to God even when circumstances are difficult or uncertain. Our worship should not be conditional on comfort.
  • Recognize God's Goodness: The verse reminds us that God's goodness is a constant truth, regardless of our feelings or immediate experiences. Fixing our gaze on His unchanging character provides a foundation for faith and praise (see Psalm 107:1).
  • Offer Heartfelt Praise: Like David, we are called to offer "freewill" worship—praise that comes from a willing heart, a spiritual sacrifice of thanksgiving that transcends mere duty (Hosea 14:2). This kind of worship honors God and strengthens our own faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 52:9

    I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done [it]: and I will wait on thy name; for [it is] good before thy saints.

  • Psalms 7:17

    I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.

  • Psalms 147:1

    ¶ Praise ye the LORD: for [it is] good to sing praises unto our God; for [it is] pleasant; [and] praise is comely.

  • Psalms 140:13

    Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

  • Psalms 107:22

    And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

  • Deuteronomy 12:6

    And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:

  • Deuteronomy 12:7

    And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.
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