A Psalm of David The circumstances David faced when this psalm was written is not known for certain. One possibility that could explain it is when his own son, Absalom, and then his close friend and advisor, Ahithophel, rose against and betrayed him, as well as Joab, David’s commander of the army, who killed Absalom, despite David’s order not to harm him, all recorded in 2 Samuel 15-17. So David was well acquainted with betrayal by those he trusted. His words in Psalm 55 seem very understandable when viewed against that scenario. And of course, a parallel circumstance is our LORD’s betrayal by Judas Iscariot. 1Hear my prayer, O God; and please do not ignore my plea. 2Please listen and answer me; for I am overwhelmed in my grief, 3Because of the threats of the enemy, as they seek to harm me out of hatred for me. 4My heart pounds in my chest as terror of death grips me. 5Fear, trembling, and horror overwhelm me. 6And I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!” For then I would fly away, and be at rest. 7I would flee far away, and remain in the wilderness. Selah. 8I would hurry to escape from this windy storm and tempest. 9O LORD, confuse their words, and frustrate their evil schemes; for I see violence and strife in the city. 10Day and night they surround the city, and crime and violence are rampant within it. 11Evil and deceit are ever in her streets. 12For it was not an enemy who harmed me; that I could have borne. Nor was it he that hated me that rose against me; then I would have defended myself from him; 13But it was you, a man like myself, my companion, and close friend, 14With whom I once enjoyed a close relationship, who accompanied me as we walked to the house of God. 15Let death take my enemies by surprise, and let them go down alive into sheol; for much evil abides with them. 16But as for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. 17Morning, noon, and evening, when I pray and cry aloud; He shall hear my voice. 18He has delivered my soul with peace even when the battle raged against me; though many yet oppose me. 19God, the One Who remains enthroned from the beginning, shall hear, and humble them. Selah. Because they do not change, and will not honor God. 20They betray and assault those who are at peace with them; they violate their trust. 21Their words are smoother than butter, but aggression is in their heart; their words were softer than oil, but with drawn swords. 22Cast your burden and cares upon the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never allow the righteous to be shaken. 23But You, O God, shall bring blood-thirsty and deceitful men down into the pit of destruction. Such men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in You. Reader-Friendly Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2024 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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