Psalms 54:3

Strangers are risen up against me - The Ziphites.

And oppressors - Saul, his courtiers, and his army.

They have not set God before them - It is on no religious account, nor is it to accomplish any end, on which they can ask the blessing of God.

Selah - This is true.

For strangers are risen up against me - That is, foreigners; those of another nation or land. Saul and his friends who sought the life of David were his own countrymen; these persons who sought go betray him were another people. They attempted to gain the favor of Saul, or to secure a reward from him, by betraying to him an innocent man whom he was persecuting.

And oppressors seek after my soul - Seek after my life. The word here rendered "oppressors" means people of violence; the proud; the haughty; persecutors; tyrants. The word properly denotes those who exert their power in an arbitrary manner, or not under the sanction of law.

They have not set God before them - They do not act as in the presence of God. They do not regard his authority. See the notes at Psalm 36:1. The word "Selah" here merely marks a musical pause. It indicates nothing in regard to the sense.

54:3 Strangers - The Zephites, whom, though Israelites, he calls strangers in regard of their barbarous and perfidious carriage.