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.
Key Themes
Go deeper
Ask the AI about Psalms 55
Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture.
Daily Scripture study
Get a short devotional by email
One passage, one reflection, and one practical question for the day.
Psalms 55: frequently asked questions
What is Psalms 55 about?+
What is the key verse in Psalms 55?+
What are the main themes of Psalms 55?+
Studied in