Psalms 55
Read Psalms 55 (WEB)+
1Listen to my prayer, God. Don’t hide yourself from my supplication. 2Attend to me, and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and moan, 3Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring suffering on me. In anger they hold a grudge against me. 4My heart is severely pained within me. The terrors of death have fallen on me. 5Fearfulness and trembling have come on me. Horror has overwhelmed me. 6I said, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then I would fly away, and be at rest. 7Behold, then I would wander far off. I would lodge in the wilderness.” Selah. 8“I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and storm.” 9Confuse them, Lord, and confound their language, for I have seen violence and strife in the city. 10Day and night they prowl around on its walls. Malice and abuse are also within her. 11Destructive forces are within her. Threats and lies don’t depart from her streets. 12For it was not an enemy who insulted me, then I could have endured it. Neither was it he who hated me who raised himself up against me, then I would have hidden myself from him. 13But it was you, a man like me, my companion, and my familiar friend. 14We took sweet fellowship together. We walked in God’s house with company. 15Let death come suddenly on them. Let them go down alive into Sheol. For wickedness is among them, in their dwelling. 16As for me, I will call on God. Yahweh will save me. 17Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress. He will hear my voice. 18He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, although there are many who oppose me. 19God, who is enthroned forever, will hear, and answer them. Selah. They never change, who don’t fear God. 20He raises his hands against his friends. He has violated his covenant. 21His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. 22Cast your burden on Yahweh, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved. 23But you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, but I will trust in you.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved."”
Psalms 55:22
Summary
Psalms 55 is a heartfelt lament of David as he cries out to God in distress. The psalm opens with David pleading for God's attention and expressing his deep emotions, overwhelmed by the voice of the enemy and the oppression of the wicked. He speaks of the treachery of a close friend, compounding his pain, as betrayal by someone close hits harder than attacks from distant foes. Through his anguish, David's desire to escape his difficulties is palpable, wishing for the wings of a dove to find peace and safety. Yet, amidst this turmoil, David finds solace in prayer. He resolves to cast his burden on the Lord, confident in God's justice and deliverance. The chapter highlights themes of personal despair, the pain of betrayal, the longing for God's peace, and the enduring faithfulness of God who sustains those who trust in Him.
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Chapter outline
How Psalms 55 unfolds
Psalm 55:1–3 Opening Plea for Help
David begins by earnestly asking God to listen to his prayer, expressing his restlessness and suffering due to the voice of his enemies.
Psalm 55:4–8 Despair and Longing for Escape
He describes the deep pain in his heart and a desire to escape his troubles, wishing for wings like a dove.
Psalm 55:9–11 Observations of Violence
David notes the violence and strife in the city, highlighting the internal malice and threats present among its people.
Psalm 55:12–14 Betrayal by a Close Friend
The psalm shifts as David reveals his pain stemming from betrayal by a trusted companion, emphasizing the depth of his sorrow.
Psalm 55:15–19 Desire for Divine Justice
He calls for justice against the wicked and expresses confidence that God will hear and save him from his adversaries.
Psalm 55:20–22 Description of the Betrayer
David describes the treachery of his friend, contrasting smooth words with a deceitful heart, underscoring the theme of betrayal.
Psalm 55:23 Conclusion and Affirmation of Trust
The psalm concludes with a declaration of trust in God’s justice and assurance that the righteous will be sustained.
Key verses
Psalms 55:22The key verse encapsulates the psalm's central message of reliance on God amidst turmoil and betrayal.
Main themes in Psalms 55
personal despair
Personal despair is evident as David expresses deep anguish in verses 1-5, overwhelmed by his circumstances. This despair is compounded by betrayal and the oppressive presence of enemies, illustrating the weight of his suffering. Within the larger movement of the psalm, David's despair ultimately leads him to seek refuge in God through prayer.
betrayal
The theme of betrayal surfaces prominently in verses 12-14, where David laments the treachery of a close friend. This betrayal deeply affects him, highlighting how the wounds from trusted relationships can be more painful than those from enemies. The chapter ultimately moves from the pain of betrayal toward a reaffirmation of trust in God’s justice.
trust in God
Trust in God is a recurring theme, especially in verses 16-22, where David resolves to call on God for salvation. Despite the turmoil and betrayal he faces, his declaration of faith reveals a deep conviction in God’s ability to sustain and deliver him. This trust serves as a foundation for the psalm, contrasting human treachery with divine faithfulness.
divine justice
Divine justice is a significant element in verses 15 and 19, where David calls for God to act against the wicked. His confidence that God will respond to his pleas underscores the belief in God’s ultimate authority and judgment. This theme reinforces the notion that while betrayal and strife abound, God will uphold righteousness and deliver the faithful.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Psalms 55
- 1 Peter 5This passage connects as both encourage believers to cast their burdens on God for support amidst trials.
- Philippians 4Philippians echoes the assurance found in the psalm regarding God's peace that sustains during distress.
- Psalm 37Psalm 37 develops themes of trust in God and the assurance of justice for the righteous.
- Psalm 62This psalm connects through its focus on finding refuge and hope in God during turbulent times.
- Matthew 6Matthew connects by emphasizing reliance on God and the importance of prayer in times of need.
- Proverbs 16This proverb echoes themes of divine oversight, reminding readers of God’s control over human affairs.
Study questions
Questions for studying Psalms 55
- What emotions does David express in his plea to God?
- How does David describe his feelings of betrayal in verses 12-14?
- What imagery does David use to depict his desire to escape?
- In what way does David anticipate God's response to his prayers?
- How does the description of the betrayer's words contrast with his actions?
- What assurance does David find in verse 22 regarding his burdens?
- How does the theme of divine justice manifest throughout the psalm?
Psalms 55: frequently asked questions
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