Psalms 54 · Grade 5

God's Name Is Good

Name Date

Read and Think

The title of Psalm 54 sets it in a hard moment: the Ziphites came and said to Saul, Isn't David hiding himself among us? It is a contemplation by David for the Chief Musician, on stringed instruments. In seven verses David moves from a desperate cry to confident thanksgiving.

David begins, Save me, God, by your name. Vindicate me in your might. God's name stands for who God is, so David is appealing to God's own character. His enemies are strangers and violent men who haven't set God before them. In the middle of the psalm David says, Behold, God is my helper. The Lord is the one who sustains my soul.

David leaves the punishment of his enemies to God, asking him to act in his truth rather than taking revenge himself. Then he promises a free will offering and thanks to Yahweh's name, for it is good. The final verse speaks of deliverance from all trouble as already done, showing how strong David's trust has become.

Show What You Know

Why does David ask to be saved by God's name?
Where is the turning point of the psalm?
How does David handle his enemies?
What does the last verse show about David's trust?

Crossword

Across

I will give ____ to your name.
God is my ____.

Down

I will give thanks to your ____.
The ____ is the one who sustains my soul.

Think About It

David left justice to God instead of taking revenge. Why is that hard, and why is it wise?
How can remembering God's character help you pray when you are afraid?

Memory Verse

“With a free will offering, I will sacrifice to you. I will give thanks to your name, Yahweh, for it is good.”

Psalms 54:6 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for being my helper. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

When someone wrongs you, what helps you not strike back?
When you are anxious, how can thinking about who God is calm you?
What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?