Save me, O God, by thy name
That is, by himself, by his power, and of his grace and goodness;
the Lord's name is often used for himself. David in his distress
applies to his God for salvation and deliverance, who only could
give it; which was right; and his prayer was remarkably heard and
answered: for when Saul came down upon the first discovery, and
beset David and his men all around, just as he was about to seize
the prey, tidings came to him of the invasion of the Philistines;
which obliged him directly to quit his pursuit of David, and
return in haste for the defence of his country, ( 1
Samuel 23:26-28 ) ; and upon the second discovery, when Saul
came again to take him, Saul was delivered into the hands of
David, who could have took away his life if he would; but he only
took his spear and cruse of water by his bolster, as a proof of
his being in his power, ( 1 Samuel
26:12 ) . Of such avail is the effectual fervent prayer of a
righteous man. This prayer is suitable enough to David's antitype
and son, the Messiah; see ( Psalms 69:1 ) (
Hebrews 5:7 )
; and especially to sensible sinners; who, being made acquainted
with, their lost and perishing condition, inquire the way of
salvation; and finding it is not by works, but by Christ alone,
apply in that way for it, and desire that God would save them by
his Son; who is his name, in whom his name is, and whose name
Jesus, a Saviour, is of God's giving; and this name is a strong
tower, whither such souls, sensible of danger, flee and are safe;
nor is there any other name in which salvation is, and which is
therefore exceeding precious, and like ointment poured forth; see
( Exodus
23:21 ) ( Matthew 1:21
) ( Proverbs
18:10 ) ( Acts 4:12 ) ( Song of
Solomon 1:3 ) . Or, "for thy name's sake" F8; for
the sake of the glory of his divine perfections; which was
displayed in the deliverance of David, and more abundantly in the
salvation of lost sinners; such as the wisdom, power,
faithfulness, justice, grace and mercy of God. Such a petition
shows that man cannot save himself; that no creature, none but
God can save him; and that a sensible sinner desires to be saved
in such a way that God may be glorified;
and judge me by thy strength;
David, though innocent, had many charges laid against him; his
enemies were lively and strong; he puts his cause into the hands
of the Lord, his strong Redeemer, who was able to plead it
thoroughly against those that strove with him; so Christ, his
antitype, committed his cause to him that judgeth righteously, (
1 Peter
2:23 ) ; and so should every believer.