Psa 54:1 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? Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.

This is a Psalm written by David during the time Saul was seeking to kill him. The event that prompted the writing of this psalm is recorded in I Samuel 23:15-24 and I Samuel 26:1. David had gone to hide in an area occupied by the Ziphims, whom he thought were his friends. But they betrayed him. They told Saul David was hiding among them. David was saved by God's intervention causing a deep sleep to fall over Saul's entire army.

In his distress, David relied on both the name and the strength of God. He called out to God to save him: “Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength” (54:1). 

Save me, O God, by thy name - Name speaks of the nature and character of God; strength of His great power. The word for “God” here is the Hebrew “Elohim”. Elohim denotes “God” or “god.” It is one of the most common names for God in the Old Testament, starting in the very first verse: “In the beginning [Elohim] created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). The basic meaning behind the name Elohim is one of strength and power. 

David was now in such imminent danger of being taken and killed. If God therefore had not interfered, he would have been destroyed. David appealed to the great Elohim for help. 

In the Old Testament times, a name was not only identification, but an identity as well. Many times a special meaning was attached to the name. Abraham means “father of a multitude” (Genesis 17:5). Samuel means “Asked of God” (1 Samuel 1:20). Isaac means “laughter” (Genesis 17:19). 

There is also one called Nabal, who insulted David and would not provide food for David’s hungry men. His name, as his beautiful wife, Abigail, explained to David means "fool”: “For as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him" (1 Samuel 25:25). Nabal lived up to his name as a fool. 

Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself to us through His many names. Through those names, we get a better understanding who God really is. The meanings behind God's names reveal the central personality and nature of the One who bears them. 

Now the question: Who is God to you? Is He your Most High God, the Almighty God, All sufficient One, Lord and Master, the Everlasting God, and the Lord Who Will Provide? Is He your Father who is in heaven? (Matthew 6:9). 

When we pray, we utter these words: “Hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:9). Do you know what you are saying when you hallowed the name of God? 

When we say “Hallowed be thy name”, we are acknowledging the holiness of God. When we pray this line we are recognising the nature of God as holy and distinct from us. We pray that God’s name would be revered and honoured as holy everywhere, especially by the person who is saying the prayer. This will lead us to examine our behaviour when we talk to God. Hence, “Hallowed be thy name” is not a request that God be made holy, but that we will be able to reflect His holiness in the way we pray and the way we live. It leads us to honour and revere His holy name. 

What is God’s name to you? It will be shown in the way you live, worship, and pray. May we always reverend the name of God. “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name” (Psalm 111:9).

Jimmy Lau