Analysis of Psalms Chapter 55
The Book of Psalms is a premier collection of lyrical prayers and songs that provides profound insights into the human relationship with the divine. Psalm 55 stands as one of the most autobiographical of the psalms authored by King David, reflecting his emotional turmoil and desperate cry for God’s deliverance. This poignant chapter encompasses themes of betrayal, fear, anguish, and ultimately, a reliance on God’s justice and refuge.
Opening Lament and Petition (Verses 1-3)
The psalm opens with an earnest plea for God’s attention and intervention:
“Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; 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.” (Psalm 55:1-3)
Here, David implores God to listen to his prayers and not to be distant. The language conveys a deep sense of urgency and distress. The emphasis on “give ear” and “attend unto me” highlights David’s need for God’s immediate attention. The phrases “mourn in my complaint” and “make a noise” show a profound emotional unrest.
He attributes his distress to external threats: “the voice of the enemy” and “the oppression of the wicked.” These adversaries inflict emotional and psychological pain through their malicious actions and words. David feels that iniquity and wrath are directed at him, causing his spirit to wail in sorrow and anxiety.
Expressions of Fear and Anguish (Verses 4-8)
As the psalm progresses, David’s internal conflict becomes more palpable:
“My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.” (Psalm 55:4-5)
David describes his emotional state using visceral imagery. His “heart is sore pained,” indicating deep emotional agony. The “terrors of death” and “horror” suggest that he feels an imminent existential threat, which brings him to the brink of collapse. The use of “fearfulness and trembling” encapsulates a sense of pervasive dread.
“And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.” (Psalm 55:6-8)
David yearns for escape, wishing for the wings of a dove to fly away and find peace. This metaphor reflects a desire for divine intervention to transcend his immediate troubles. “I would wander far off, and remain in the wilderness” denotes a retreat into solitude for refuge. Additionally, “from the windy storm and tempest” invokes a powerful image of chaos and tumult from which he seeks deliverance. “Selah” might signal a pause for contemplation, adding weight to his longing for respite.
The Betrayal (Verses 9-15)
Moving deeper into the psalm, David identifies the root of his distress:
“Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it.” (Psalm 55:9-10)
David calls upon God for justice, asking Him to “destroy” and “divide their tongues,” likely referring to the deceptive speech and slander of his enemies. He observes the constant presence of violence, strife, mischief, and sorrow, suggesting a community plagued by conflict and deceitfulness.
“Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets. 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: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.” (Psalm 55:11-14)
The next verses reveal the personal dimension of David’s agony. His suffering is not just from any enemy but from a close friend: “a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.” This relationship was characterized by intimacy and trust, making the betrayal profoundly painful. The mention of “sweet counsel” and fellowship in worship underscores the depth of the bond. The treachery from someone he considered a companion and spiritual brother adds an intense layer of personal betrayal.
“Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.” (Psalm 55:15)
David’s call for the swift judgment of his betrayers is stark and severe. He invokes images of rapid descent into death and judgment, indicative of strong feelings of justice and retribution. The “wickedness in their dwellings” suggests a pervasive corruption that warrants divine intervention.
Turning to God in Distress (Verses 16-19)
Despite the betrayal and his internal turmoil, David reaffirms his reliance on God:
“As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.” (Psalm 55:16-18)
David contrasts his approach to that of his enemies. Where they plot and scheme, he turns to God in consistent, fervent prayer. By praying “evening, and morning, and at noon,” David shows a commitment to maintaining a continuous dialogue with God. His faith that “the Lord shall save me” underscores a confident reliance on God’s deliverance, shaped by past experiences of divine intervention. “He hath delivered my soul in peace” recalls previous battles where God granted him respite and victory.
“God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.” (Psalm 55:19)
David affirms his belief in God’s eternal presence and unwavering righteousness (“he that abideth of old”). This constancy stands in sharp contrast to the treacherous behavior of his enemies. The phrase “because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God” suggests that their stubbornness and refusal to repent exemplify their folly and lack of reverence for the divine.
Personal Reflection and Divine Confidence (Verses 20-23)
In the closing verses, David reflects on the character of the betrayer and concludes with expressions of trust in God:
“He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. 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.” (Psalm 55:20-21)
David identifies the duplicity of his betrayer. The imagery of “words smoother than butter” and “softer than oil” juxtaposed with hidden malicious intent (“war was in his heart” and “drawn swords”) reveals the depth of betrayal characterized by deceitful words masking evil intentions. This paradoxical imagery underscores the profound sense of violation and danger posed by such treachery.
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. 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.” (Psalm 55:22-23)
The psalm closes with an exhortation to cast one’s burdens upon the Lord, affirming the divine promise to sustain and protect the righteous. This notion offers comfort and assurance, emphasizing that God’s steadfast support prevents the righteous from being “moved” or shaken. David reiterates his belief that God will execute justice (“bring them down into the pit of destruction”) against those described as “bloody and deceitful.” His concluding affirmation, “but I will trust in thee,” encapsulates the psalm’s ultimate message of faith and reliance on God amidst adversity.
Conclusion
Psalm 55 is a vivid portrayal of David’s emotional and spiritual struggle in the face of betrayal and adversity. The chapter oscillates between expressions of anguish and faith, painting a realistic picture of the human experience. Through his vulnerable pleas and confident assertions, David exemplifies a pattern of turning to God during life’s most trying moments. This psalm resonates deeply with anyone who has faced betrayal or intense distress, offering a timeless reminder of the strength and solace found in divine reliance and trust.
Psalm 55 encourages believers to bring their deepest fears, pains, and frustrations to God, reaffirming that He is ever present, listening, and poised to deliver the faithful. The chapter underscores the importance of constant prayer, trust in divine justice, and the reassurance that God remains an unshakable refuge amidst life’s tempests.