What is the meaning of Psalm 55:20? My companion Psalm 55 paints a vivid picture of David’s anguish over betrayal. By calling the offender “my companion,” David signals true intimacy—someone he once walked with in worship (Psalm 55:14). Similar sorrow surfaces in Psalm 41:9, “Even my close friend in whom I trusted… has lifted his heel against me,” and finds a New-Testament echo in John 13:18 when Jesus applies that line to Judas. From these links we learn: • Betrayal hurts most when it comes from inside the trusted circle. • Such experiences foreshadow the ultimate betrayal of Christ, reinforcing Scripture’s unity and prophetic depth. • God records these wounds so His people know He understands and can heal them (Hebrews 4:15). attacks his friends The phrase highlights the aggressor’s deliberate choice to turn hostile. Verse 21 expands the thought: “His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart.” Key takeaways: • Words can cloak warfare—compare Proverbs 26:24–26, where flattery hides hatred. • Violent betrayal breaks community; Proverbs 18:24 warns that a “companion of many comes to ruin,” while a true friend sticks closer than a brother. • David likely has Ahithophel’s treachery in mind (2 Samuel 15:31), yet the principle stretches to any setting where trusted allies turn predators (Micah 7:5–6). he violates his covenant. A covenant is a solemn, God-witnessed commitment. To break it is to scorn both man and God (Ecclesiastes 5:4–6). Consider: • Friendship covenants—Jonathan kept his with David (1 Samuel 18:3); here the companion shreds his. • Marriage covenants—Malachi 2:14 condemns spouses who “cover their garments with violence” by treachery. • Judas famously violated covenant fellowship for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14–16), fulfilling the pattern Psalm 55 sketches. God’s people are called to reflect His covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:9). When that faithfulness is breached, the Lord Himself becomes defender and judge (Psalm 55:23). summary Psalm 55:20 exposes the anatomy of betrayal: a trusted friend turns predator and shatters sacred promises. David’s lament resonates through Scripture, reaching ultimate fulfillment in the betrayal of Christ. The verse urges believers to prize covenant loyalty, beware flattering foes, and rest in the Lord who sees every wound and will vindicate the faithful. |
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