Psalms 55

Ps 55 The psalmist is faced with adversaries whose leader is a former friend (55:12-14), and he is overwhelmed with anguish. He turns to the Lord in prayer and commits himself to the Lord for redress (55:22-23). Jesus experienced similar suffering when his friend (Judas) betrayed him. He also experienced the answer to the psalmist’s prayer: (1) by taking the place of the wicked and receiving their judgment (Isa 53:7-9), and (2) by committing himself to the Father, who rescued (Luke 23:46) and rewarded him (Isa 53:10-12).55:1-3 The occasion for this prayer is an attack by an enemy.

55:4-8 In the experience of deep anguish, the psalmist confesses that his adversity has become unbearable and he seeks an escape.

55:12-20 The psalmist’s enemy was once a friend; memories of that close relationship bring him pain (see 31:11).

55:19-21 God is good and faithful, but the psalmist’s enemies and so-called friend are deceitful and wicked.

55:22-23 The psalmist commits all his cares to the Lord.

55:23 To die young means that one fails to experience God’s full blessing (cp. Prov 3:2, 16).