Psalm 55
This psalm of King David was intended to be sung in the worship service. The psalm concerns the treachery of false friends who seek to destroy faith.
Section one (verses 1 to 3) is David’s address in prayer to the true God. Because of the trouble David describes in this psalm, he strongly asks God to be attentive to his supplications, not hiding from his requests. David states the basic problem that an enemy has brought trouble so that people hate him.
In section two (verses 4 to 8) David describes what the troubles mean to him personally. His heart is full of pain, terrors of death, fearfulness and horror seem to overwhelm him. Under such pressure, many believers have wished that they could fly away to escape the troubles. But these wishes have never helped any believer. They are to trust that God will help in every need.
Section three (verses 9 to 11) describes the trouble that these enemies bring. While God knows all things, He also wants His children to cast all their trials upon Him. Enemies have produced violence and strife, sin and destruction, oppression and deceit in the streets of the city.
In section four (verses 12 to 14) we are told what kind of enemy David is facing. David could deal with a foreign army, or someone who hates him; but this one was a friend and companion. They enjoyed close companionship together and often walked together to the great festivals of Israel at the tabernacle. One such counselor was Ahithophel, the Gilonite, who later supported Absalom (see 2 Samuel 15:12ff).
Because of Ahithophel’s opposing David—God’s anointed—he was leading people astray from God. Therefore David asks God in verse 15 to bring death and hell upon him. This was not spoken in anger or for revenge, but a call for God to punish the wicked who misled his people.
The next section (verses 16 to 19) presents David’s trust in God during this crisis. He will call upon the name of God three times a day (morning, evening, and at noon). David has confidence that God will hear his voice and save him, for David has been redeemed (his sins bought back by a sacrifice) and given peace of soul. David is confident that God Himself will afflict those who rose up against him, for they do not fear or trust in God.
In verses 20 to 21 the traitorous friend is described as one who opposed those who were at peace with him. This friend had broken the bond of faithfulness and used smooth words to cover up his deceit.
The last section (verses 22 to 23) restate the situation of every believer. The faithful are called upon to cast their burdens on God and He will sustain them according to His good and gracious will. The righteous (the believers) shall not be moved from their trust in God nor cease being God’s children because of trouble. On the other hand, God will visit His judgment upon those who delight in treachery and violence so that their life is shortened. Note that David waits for God to do this and does not take vengeance himself.
David restates His confidence and implicit trust in God, who will save him from every trial.