Prayer for help (54:3–4). The prayer uses the vocative form in addressing God, which is characteristic of the laments. The distinctive element here is the prayer for deliverance by the name of Yahweh. The prayer presupposes a theology of the Name, which is an expression of the presence of God (for discussion see G. von Rad, Old Testament Theology, tr. D. M. G. Stalker [New York: Harper, 1962], I, 179–87 T. N. D. Mettinger, The Dethronement of Sabaoth: Studies in the Shem and Kabod Theologies, trans. F. H. Cryer, ConB, Old Testament Series 18 [Lund: Gleerup, 1982], 38–79). The Name carried something of the essential nature and power of God. To invoke his name was to invoke his presence. The Name theology is especially evident in the Deuteronomic writings. The Israelites were to worship at the place chosen by Yahweh where he would “put his name” (see Deut 12:5, 11, 21, passim; also Exod 20:24). The use of the Name to protect both the transcendence and presence of Yahweh is especially present in the Solomonic address to the people and prayer at the dedication of the temple (1 Kgs 8:1–66). Yahweh is repeatedly affirmed to be in heaven, but his powerful presence is invoked because his name is in the temple (see R. E. Clements, God and Temple [Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1965], 90–99; for an overview of “name” in the Psalter, see H.-J. Kraus, Theology of the Psalms, trans. K. Crim [Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1979/86], 17–31).

MARVIN TATE, PSALMS 51-100, VOLUME 20 (WORD BIBLICAL COMMENTARY), 46-47.