Bible Commentaries
Psalms 55

Verse 1

Title. Maschil = Instruction. The eighth of thirteen so named. See note on Title, Psalms 32:1 , and App-65 . The occasion of this Psalm is seen in 2 Samuel 15:0 . Hence 934BC.

God. Hebrew Elohim. App-4 .

Verse 2

hear = answer. make a noise = moan.

Verse 3

oppression: or outcry. The Hebrew word 'akah occurs only here.

iniquity = iniquitous words or devices. Hebrew. 'aven. App-44 . Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 .

Verse 4

sore pained . . . unto death. Compare the words ot the true David (John 13:21 ) in reference to the Antitype (Psalms 55:18 . Matthew 26:38 ).

Verse 7

remain = lodge. The Septuagint renders it by aulizomai, the word used in Matthew 21:17 . Compare Luke 21:37 . See also Jeremiah 9:2 .

wilderness. Compare 2 Samuel 15:28 ; 2 Samuel 17:16 .

Selah. Connecting his despondency with his escape from the cause of it. It was not merely comfort he desired, but deliverance. See App-66 .

Verse 8

hasten my escape. Compare 2 Samuel 15:14 .

windy storm = wind (Hebrew. ruach. App-9 .) of storm.

Verse 9

LORD *. One of the 134 alterations of Jehovah to Adonai by the Sopherim. App-32 .

divide their tongues = cleave (as in Genesis 10:25 ; Genesis 11:1-9 ) their counsels; "tongues" being put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for counsels given by them. This prayer was literally answered (2 Samuel 17:1-14 ).

tongues. Hebrew singular.

Verse 10

Mischief. Hebrew. 'aven. App-44 .

Verse 11

Wickedness = pravities (plural) Hebrew. havah = cupidity.

Deceit = Oppression, or violence.

Verse 13

a man = a mortal. Hebrew. 'enosh. App-14 .

mine equal = as mine equal: i.e. esteemed by David as such; refers to Ahithophel.

My guide: or counselor. Compare 2 Samuel 16:23 and Acts 1:17 .

Verse 14

in company = with the multitude. Hebrew. regesh. Occurs only here.

Verse 15

quick = alive. Compare Numbers 16:30-33 .

hell. Hebrew. Sheol. App-35 . wickedness. Hebrew. raa (plural)

Verse 16

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

Verse 17

pray = meditate.

cry aloud. Hebrew. hamah = to make a noise. Onomatopoetic, like bees, or the cooing of a dove in Ezekiel 7:16 . See note on sub-scription.

Verse 18

delivered = plucked (with power). Hebrew. padah. See notes on Exodus 6:6 ; Exodus 13:13 .

my soul = me (emphatic). Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

in peace. Note Ellipsis: "[and set it] in peace".

many with me = many [in conflict] with me. Figure of speech Ellipsis. App-6 .

Verse 19

GOD. Hebrew El. App-4 . The mighty Creator. because in conflict with His creatures.

hear = hear me.

afflict them = answer them.

Even, &c. Figure of speech Parenthesis. App-6 .

Selah. Connecting the true confidence of David with the false confidence of the ungodly. David's true confidence was based on the fact that His GOD was the mighty One enduring for ever. "El" here is emphasized by the double accent Pasek, or "note line" each side of it. ( App-66 .)

Because . . . no changes = With whom are no changes (for the better): i.e. no improvement. See note on "alter" (Leviticus 27:10 ). Hebrew. halaph. Compare Genesis 35:2 .

Verse 20

He: i.e. Ahithophel.

broken his covenant: by his disloyalty.

Verse 21

war was in his heart. Compare 2 Samuel 14:33 with 2 Samuel 15:5 , 2 Samuel 15:6 . Referring to Psalms 55:19 .

Verse 22

Cast, &c. = Commit unto. Quoted in 1 Peter 5:7 .

burden = gift, or lot. Here = those very words of Psalms 55:21 .

sustain thee = hold thee up.

the righteous = the righteous one (singular)

Verse 23

Bloody and deceitful men = men of bloods and deceit. Genitive of Character. Hebrew bloods = great bloodshed.

half their days. Referring to Absalom's untimely death.

trust = confide. Hebrew. batah. App-69 .

To the chief Musician. See App-64 .

upon = relating to.

Jonath-elem-rechokim = The dove of the distant Terebinths. App-65 . A pictorial description of David in the wilderness, fleeing from Absalom. Compare verses: Psalms 55:6-8 ; and the word hamah = to coo (as a dove). See note on "cry aloud" in Psalms 55:17 .