Psalm 55 Study Notes

Ps 55 title On Maskil, see note at Ps 32 title.

55:1-3 Harass is a rare word (Hb stm) that expresses the idea of animosity or hatred, often connected with hostility (Gn 49:23; Jb 30:21). This emphasizes malicious intent rather than playful mocking.

55:4-5 Sweep over and overwhelmed portray being overtaken by troubles as if by a flood (see note at 32:6-7).

55:6-8 The hope of escape is pictured as a bird flying away to safety. This is the reaction of an animal that has no hope of defending itself any other way (see note at 11:1).

55:9-11 These verses recall when God judged those who were building the tower of Babylon by confounding their speech (Gn 11:1-9). The terms city and walls and the description of the wickedness associated with them are further connections to Babylon. Since the main issue in this psalm is the “words” of the enemy (v. 3), this is a most appropriate request.

55:12-14 The shift here is significant in demonstrating that the culprit was not some distant enemy but a close friend, a worship companion. This “friend” did not merely abandon the psalmist (see notes at 31:11-12; 35:11-14), but actually participated in the malicious insults.

55:15 Going down to Sheol alive is reminiscent of the fate of those who followed Korah in his rebellion against God (Nm 16:31-33).

55:16-17 The phrase morning, noon, and night most likely implies constant prayer rather than specific times of prayer (22:2; 88:1; 119:164; 1Th 5:17).

55:18-19 Enthroned from long ago describes God’s eternal rule beginning at creation (29:10; 45:6; Lm 5:19).

55:20 His covenant (Hb berith) in this context is not a reference to God’s covenant with his people but is used in the more secular sense of a promise or oath made between people. Here it refers to one who violates a friendship because he does not fear God.

55:21 War . . . in his heart relates to the earlier term harass (v. 3), which refers to open hostility. The point here is that hostile speech comes from hostile intentions (Mt 12:34; Lk 6:45).

55:22 This verse is quoted in 1Pt 5:7. Similar constructions are used to describe committing one’s way (Ps 37:5) and works (Pr 16:3) to the Lord.

55:23 Pit is equivalent to “Sheol” (v. 15) and refers to death (see note at 28:1).