1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.
2 Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise;
3 Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.
4 My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.
5 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.
6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! [for then] would I fly away, and be at rest.
7 Lo, [then] would I wander far off, [and] remain in the wilderness. Selah.
8 I would hasten my escape from the windy storm [and] tempest.
9 Destroy, O Lord, [and] divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city.
10 Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow [are] in the midst of it.
11 Wickedness [is] in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.
12 For [it was] not an enemy [that] reproached me; then I could have borne [it]: neither [was it] he that hated me [that] did magnify [himself] against me; then I would have hid myself from him:
13 But [it was] thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.
14 We took sweet counsel together, [and] walked unto the house of God in company.
15 Let death seize upon them, [and] let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness [is] in their dwellings, [and] among them.
16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.
17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle [that was] against me: for there were many with me.
19 God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
20 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant.
21 [The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords.
22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
23 But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.
Overview of Psalm 55
Psalm 55 is a poignant expression of distress and betrayal, attributed to David. It reflects the emotional turmoil experienced by the psalmist as he grapples with feelings of fear, anxiety, and deep sorrow due to treachery from a close friend. The chapter is structured into several thematic sections that highlight the intensity of David’s plight and his ultimate reliance on God.
Thematic Breakdown
- Verses 1-2: A Cry for Help
David begins the psalm with an urgent plea for God’s attention. He expresses his anguish and the weight of his troubles, emphasizing the need for divine intervention.
- Verses 3-5: Describing the Distress
Here, David elaborates on the source of his distress, detailing the threats and fears that overwhelm him. The imagery of terror and trembling illustrates his emotional state.
- Verses 6-8: A Desire for Escape
David expresses a longing to flee from his troubles, wishing for the freedom to escape the turmoil that surrounds him. This desire signifies a deep sense of hopelessness in facing his adversities.
- Verses 9-11: A Call for Justice
In these verses, David implores God to confound his enemies and bring justice to the situation. He acknowledges the presence of deceit and violence in the city, highlighting the moral decay he observes.
- Verses 12-14: The Pain of Betrayal
David reveals the anguish of betrayal by a close companion, someone he trusted. This personal betrayal intensifies his sorrow and underscores the theme of disloyalty.
- Verses 15-19: A Plea for Divine Intervention
David calls upon God to act against his enemies, expressing his confidence that God hears the cries of the righteous. He emphasizes the inevitability of divine justice against the wicked.
- Verses 20-21: The Nature of Betrayal
The psalmist reflects on the words of his betrayer, contrasting the smooth speech with the underlying malice. This juxtaposition highlights the deceptive nature of false friends.
- Verses 22-23: A Declaration of Trust
David concludes the psalm with a powerful affirmation of faith, encouraging the reader to cast their burdens on the Lord. He reassures that God will sustain the righteous and ultimately bring down the wicked.
Literary Devices
- Imagery
The use of vivid imagery throughout the psalm enhances the emotional weight of David’s experience, allowing readers to visualize his distress and longing for peace.
- Parallelism
Common in Hebrew poetry, parallelism is utilized to emphasize key themes and emotions, reinforcing the intensity of David’s feelings.
- Metaphor
David employs metaphors to articulate his desire for escape and the nature of betrayal, deepening the reader’s understanding of his internal conflict.
Theological Insights
- The Nature of God
This psalm underscores God’s role as a refuge and sustainer for those in distress, highlighting His responsiveness to the cries of His people.
- The Reality of Human Betrayal
David’s experience serves as a reminder of the painful reality of betrayal in human relationships, emphasizing the need for discernment in friendships.
- Trust in Divine Justice
The psalm illustrates a profound trust in God’s justice, assuring believers that God will ultimately address wrongdoing and uphold righteousness.
Conclusion
Psalm 55 encapsulates a deep emotional struggle, reflecting themes of betrayal, distress, and unwavering faith. David’s journey from anguish to trust in God serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking divine help in times of trouble, while also illustrating the complexities of human relationships. This psalm resonates with anyone who has faced betrayal or hardship, offering solace through its heartfelt plea for divine intervention.
