Psalms 55
Psalms 55 is part of “Book II: The Exodus Book” (42–72) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 55 summary
It is the conjecture of many expositors that David penned this psalm upon occasion of Absalom's rebellion, and that the particular enemy he here speaks of, that dealt treacherously with him, was Ahithophel; and some will therefore make David's troubles here typical of Christ's sufferings, and Ahithophel's treachery a figure of Judas's, because they both hanged themselves. But there is nothing in it particularly applied to Christ in the New Testament. David was in great distress when he penned this psalm. I.
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It is the conjecture of many expositors that David penned this psalm upon occasion of Absalom's rebellion, and that the particular enemy he here speaks of, that dealt treacherously with him, was Ahithophel; and some will therefore make David's troubles here typical of Christ's sufferings, and Ahithophel's treachery a figure of Judas's, because they both hanged themselves. But there is nothing in it particularly applied to Christ in the New Testament. David was in great distress when he penned this psalm. I. He prays that God would manifest his favour to him, and pleads his own sorrow and fear (Psa 55:1-8). II. He prays that God would manifest his displeasure against his enemies, and pleads their great wickedness and treachery (Psa 55:9-15 and again Psa 55:20, Psa 55:21). III. He assures himself that God would, in due time, appear for him against his enemies, comforts himself with the hopes of it, and encourages others to trust in God (Psa 55:16-19 and again Psa 55:22, Psa 55:23). In singing this psalm we may, if there be occasion, apply it to our own troubles; if not, we may sympathize with those to whose case it comes nearer, foreseeing that there will be, at last, indignation and wrath to the persecutors, salvation and joy to the persecuted. To the chief musician on Neginoth, Maschil. A psalm of David.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in Psalms 55
Psalms 55 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Cast Your Burden on the Lord
1To him that excelleth on Neginoth. A Psalme of David to give instruction. Heare my prayer, O God, and hide not thy selfe from my supplication. 2Hearken vnto me, and answere me: I mourne in my prayer, and make a noyse, 3For the voyce of the enemie, and for the vexation of ye wicked, because they haue brought iniquitie vpon me, and furiously hate me. 4Mine heart trembleth within mee, and the terrours of death are fallen vpon me. 5Feare and trembling are come vpon mee, and an horrible feare hath couered me. 6And I said, Oh that I had wings like a doue: then would I flie away and rest. 7Beholde, I woulde take my flight farre off, and lodge in the wildernes. Selah. 8Hee would make haste for my deliuerance from the stormie winde and tempest. 9Destroy, O Lord, and deuide their tongues: for I haue seene crueltie and strife in the citie. 10Day and night they goe about it vpon the walles thereof: both iniquitie and mischiefe are in the middes of it. 11Wickednes is in the middes thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streetes. 12Surely mine enemie did not defame mee: for I could haue borne it: neither did mine aduersarie exalt himselfe against mee: for I would haue hid me from him. 13But it was thou, O man, euen my companion, my guide and my familiar: 14Which delited in consulting together, and went into the House of God as companions. 15Let death sense vpon them: let them goe downe quicke into the graue: for wickednes is in their dwellings, euen in the middes of them. 16But I will call vnto God, and the Lord will saue me. 17Euening and morning, and at noone will I pray, and make a noyse, and he wil heare my voice. 18He hath deliuered my soule in peace from the battel, that was against me: for many were with me. 19God shall heare and afflict them, euen hee that reigneth of olde, Selah. because they haue no changes, therefore they feare not God. 20Hee layed his hande vpon such, as be at peace with him, and he brake his couenant. 21The wordes of his mouth were softer then butter, yet warre was in his heart: his words were more gentle then oyle, yet they were swordes. 22Cast thy burden vpon the Lord, and hee shall nourish thee: he wil not suffer the righteous to fall for euer. 23And thou, O God, shalt bring them downe into the pitte of corruption: the bloudie, and deceitfull men shall not liue halfe their dayes: but I will trust in thee.