Psalms 55

For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by David.

Listen to my prayer, God. Don’t hide yourself from my supplication.

Attend to me, and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and moan

because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring suffering on me. In anger they hold a grudge against me.

My heart is severely pained within me. The terrors of death have fallen on me.

Fearfulness and trembling have come on me. Horror has overwhelmed me.

I said, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then I would fly away, and be at rest.

Behold, then I would wander far off. I would lodge in the wilderness.” Selah.

“I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and storm.”

Confuse them, Lord, and confound their language, for I have seen violence and strife in the city.

Day and night they prowl around on its walls. Malice and abuse are also within her.

Destructive forces are within her. Threats and lies don’t depart from her streets.

For it was not an enemy who insulted me, then I could have endured it. Neither was it he who hated me who raised himself up against me, then I would have hidden myself from him.

But it was you, a man like me, my companion, and my familiar friend.

We took sweet fellowship together. We walked in God’s house with company.

Let death come suddenly on them. Let them go down alive into Sheol. For wickedness is among them, in their dwelling.

As for me, I will call on God. The LORD will save me.

Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress. He will hear my voice.

He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, although there are many who oppose me.

God, who is enthroned forever, will hear and answer them. Selah. They never change and don’t fear God.

He raises his hands against his friends. He has violated his covenant.

His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.

Cast your burden on the LORD and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.

But you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, but I will trust in you.

Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview.
This chapter is a prayer of deep personal anguish and lament, arising from betrayal by a close friend and the presence of violent conflict in the community. The psalmist moves from urgent cries for God’s attention and deliverance, through vivid descriptions of emotional distress and the pain of broken trust, to a final affirmation of confidence in God’s faithfulness. It fits within the broader pattern of individual laments in the Psalter, where sorrow and faith coexist.

Flow.

Begins with a plea for God to hear the psalmist’s prayer amid inner turmoil and external threats.
Expresses intense emotional suffering, including a longing to flee like a dove to escape hostility and betrayal.
Focuses on the city’s corruption and, most painfully, the treachery of a trusted companion who has broken covenant.
Concludes with a turn to trust: the psalmist commits to prayer at all times, declaring God’s ultimate justice and personal reliance on Him.

Connections.
Following chapter 54, which also features a prayer for deliverance from oppressors and a reaffirmation of trust in God, this chapter intensifies the personal dimension of betrayal while expanding the view to the moral decay of the community. The theme of covenant faithfulness violated (v. 20) resonates with earlier concerns over godlessness in high places. The resolution of trust in God’s justice and care directly anticipates chapter 56, where the psalmist again leans on God amid fear, affirming that “God is for me” (), building on the confidence expressed here in God’s hearing and sustaining power.

What it teaches.
The chapter reveals the reality of righteous suffering, particularly the agony of betrayal by one near in relationship and covenant, while maintaining that God is enthroned forever and will judge the wicked (WCF 3.7). It underscores the duty of the believing soul to cast its burden upon the Lord, who sustains the righteous and will not allow them to be moved (WCF 17.1). The confidence that God hears prayer morning, noon, and evening (v. 17) reflects the discipline of continual communion with God in affliction, a practice rooted in trust that He governs all things for His people’s good (HC LD 10). The call to trust God despite treachery aligns with the doctrine that true piety lies not in self-reliance but in reliance on God’s unchanging nature and justice (Canons of Dort 5.15).

Apply.
When friendships fracture under deception and loyalty is repaid with betrayal, lift your eyes to the God who hears every cry and sustains those who trust in Him.

AI-generated. Not a substitute for Scripture, your pastor, or the confessions.