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Psalm 55

Psalm 55 is a lament by David expressing deep anguish over betrayal and opposition. He feels overwhelmed by his troubles and desires to escape them. The psalm captures the emotional toll of betrayal, particularly by a close friend, and highlights the need to trust God amidst trials. It ends with a declaration of faith that God will sustain the righteous and judge the wicked.

Psalm 55:1-10 (NKJV)
1 Give ear to my prayer, O God,
And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.
2 Attend to me, and hear me;
I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily,
3 Because of the voice of the enemy,
Because of the oppression of the wicked;
For they bring down trouble upon me,
And in wrath they hate me.
4 My heart is severely pained within me,
And the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
5 Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me,
And horror has overwhelmed me.
6 So I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest.
7 Indeed, I would wander far off,
And remain in the wilderness. Selah
8 I would hasten my escape
From the windy storm and tempest.”
9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues,
For I have seen violence and strife in the city.
10 Day and night they go around it on its walls;
Iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it.

David pleads for God to hear him as he expresses the emotional burden he feels from his enemies. His heart is gripped by fear and distress, wishing he could escape to a place of peace. The imagery of wanting wings like a dove shows his desire to flee from overwhelming troubles. He calls on God to intervene, witnessing the constant turmoil and conflict around him. His description of violence in the city reflects the internal and external pressures he faces, showing the depth of his despair.

Psalm 55:11-15 (NKJV)
11 Destruction is in its midst;
Oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets.
12 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me;
Then I could bear it.
Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me;
Then I could hide from him.
13 But it was you, a man my equal,
My companion and my acquaintance.
14 We took sweet counsel together,
And walked to the house of God in the throng.
15 Let death seize them;
Let them go down alive into hell,
For wickedness is in their dwellings and among them.

David laments that the betrayal comes not from a known enemy but from someone close to him—his friend and companion. This deepens his pain, as they once shared fellowship and worshiped together. His sorrow turns into a cry for divine justice, calling for judgment upon those who have betrayed him. This passage reflects the emotional agony of being hurt by someone trusted, showing the weight of betrayal.

Psalm 55:16-23 (NKJV)
16 As for me, I will call upon God,
And the Lord shall save me.
17 Evening and morning and at noon
I will pray, and cry aloud,
And He shall hear my voice.
18 He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me,
For there were many against me.
19 God will hear, and afflict them,
Even He who abides from of old. Selah
Because they do not change,
Therefore they do not fear God.
20 He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him;
He has broken his covenant.
21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter,
But war was in his heart;
His words were softer than oil,
Yet they were drawn swords.
22 Cast your burden on the Lord,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
23 But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction;
Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days;
But I will trust in You.

Despite his anguish, David expresses confidence in God's deliverance. He commits to praying throughout the day, trusting that God hears him and will grant him peace. David contrasts God's faithfulness with the deceitful actions of his betrayer, whose words seemed gentle but concealed harmful intent. He encourages believers to cast their burdens on God, trusting in His care and faithfulness. David concludes with a declaration that the wicked will face judgment, but his trust remains in God.

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