55:1ffThis psalm was most likely written during the time of Absalom’s rebellion and Ahithophel’s betrayal (2 Samuel 15-17). Some say verses 12-14 are messianic because they also describe Judas’s betrayal of Christ (Matthew 26:14-16, 20-25).
Life Application Study BiblePsalmsChapter 55
Psalm 55
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 900, 901, 902
A few verse numbers on this page were hard to read in the scan and are marked with a dotted underline — compare with the original page image if in doubt.
55Psalm 55
Author: David
155 For the choir director: A psalm* of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.Listen to my prayer, O God.Do not ignore my cry for help!
2Please listen and answer me,for 1 am overwhelmed by my troubles.
3My enemies shout at me,making loud and wicked threats.They bring trouble on meand angrily hunt me down.
4My heart pounds in my chest.The terror of death assaults me.
5Fear and trembling overwhelm me,and I can’t stop shaking.
6Oh, that I had wings like a dove;then I would fly away and rest!
7I would fly far awayto the quiet of the wilderness.
8How quickly I would escape—far from this wild storm of hatred.
9Confuse them, LORD, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city. 10Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city. 11Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets.
12It is not an enemy who taunts me—I could bear that.It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me—I could have hidden from them.
13Instead, it is you—my equal,my companion and close friend.
14What good fellowship we once enjoyedas we walked together to the house of God.1S Let death stalk my enemies;let the grave* swallow them alive,for evil makes its home within them.
16But I will call on God,and the LORD will rescue me.
17Morning, noon, and nightI cry out in my distress,and the LORD hears my voice.
18He ransoms me and keeps me safefrom the battle waged against me,though many still oppose me.
19God, who has ruled forever,will hear me and humble them.
For my enemies refuse to change their ways;they do not fear God.
20As for my companion, he betrayed his friends;he broke his promises.
21His words are as smooth as butter,but in his heart is war.His words are as soothing as lotion,but underneath are daggers!
22Give your burdens to the LORD,and he will take care of you.He will not permit the godly to slip and fail.
23But you, O God, will send the wickeddown to the pit of destruction.Murderers and liars will die young,but I am trusting you to save me.Theme: Trusting in God's care in the midst of fear. When all seems dark, one truth.shines bright: When God is for us, those against us will never succeed.
Textual footnotes
- a literary or musical term. 55: TITLE Hebrew maskil. This may be a literary or musical term.
- 55:15 Hebrew /et Sheol.
Life Application Notes 6 notes
55:6-8Even those who are especially close to God, as David was, have moments when they want to escape from their problems and pressures.
55:9-11The city that was supposed to be holy was plagued by internal problems: violence, conflict, wickedness, threats, and cheating. External enemies, though a constant threat, were not nearly as dangerous as the corruption inside. Even today, churches often look to defend themselves against troubles from the sinful world while failing to see that their own sins are causing their troubles.
55:12-14Nothing hurts more than a wound from a friend. At times friends may need to iovingly confront you in order to help you, but betrayal truly hurts. Betrayal by a friend has caused David great anguish. Real friends stick by you in times of trouble and bring healing, love, acceptance, and understanding. What kind of friend are you? Don't betray those you love.
55:17Praying morning, noon, and night is certainly an excellent way to maintain correct priorities throughout every day. Danie! followed this pattern (Daniel 6:10), as did Peter (Acts 10:9, 10}. The prayers of God’s people are effective against the overwhelming evil in the world.
55:22God wants us to give our burdens to him, but often we continue to bear them ourselves even when we say we are trusting in him. Trust the same strength that sustains you to carry your cares also.
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